Crafters busy for Valentine's Day

Allison Gutteridge and Aspen Vanderhei, both 7, held a playdate Feb. 6 at the pottery painting store, Created Just By Me, to break up the winter blahs. While they were busy painting their penguins and chatting, little sister Audrey Gutteridge was quietly getting ready for Valentine’s Day.

Using a deep pink paint, Audrey, 5, carefully outlined a ceramic heart.

Across the room, twins Aubree and Adisen Sperry, 6, were working on painting plates that would be decorated with a heart in the center.

While the traditional business such as restaurants, florists and jewelry stores are overrun with customers this time of year, pottery painting stores are also seeing an increase in business.

Valentine’s Day is a fairly busy time at the store, said owner Jodi Adams. Although, she added, Christmas is the busiest.

“It’s great to see how many people come in because they want to make something for their Valentine,” Adams said. “It doesn’t have to be elaborate; some people make a bowl and then add some chocolates for a gift. But making something definitely adds that special touch.”