Grayslake and Wheaton: Love was in the air

I love Valentine's Day! I distinctly remember rummaging through my closet for a shoebox to take to school to decorate for use as a "mailbox" every February. Remember going through the package of cards, deciding which one to give to which friend -- all the cutest ones for your bestest girlfriends, a special one for teacher and maybe even an especially significant one for your latest crush? As a dealer with a weakness for vintage paper, a box of these little lovelies still makes me smile.

Valentine's Day is also a great excuse to get creative. Many dealers had their cupid on for Grayslake and Wheaton. Two of my favorites are Candy and Jill of artisansball (www.artisansball.com) and Diane Passi of Vintage Nest (www.ppassi@aol.com). Candy and Jill's booth (pictured left) is full of fabulous altered art and hand-picked vintage pieces -- jewelry, paper and objects. Many of their projects have been featured in the Somerset publications. Diane is a floral designer. Her booth features beautiful found objects, gorgeous chippy paint and silk arrangements to die for. One of her signature Valentine wreaths, made from vintage graphics and velvet ribbon, is pictured below. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my business is getting to work with wonderfully creative people like this every week. Check them out next time you visit the markets. And while you're there, snap up some of those cute little cards -- they are still good for giving to your favorite Valentine!