February 08, 2011

Craft Shop offers Valentine’s Day-related activities

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Student Center and its Craft Shop are sweetening up Valentine’s Day with an assortment of special activities, Valentine goodies and even a competition.

Stop by the Craft Shop on the lower level of the Student Center any time between now and noon Friday, Feb. 11, and make your very own, personalized Valentine card or bring a special one you make at home. Judging of these handmade Valentine cards is set for Friday afternoon and everyone will be able to see the winning entry on the Student Center website (www.siucstudentcenter.org). The Valentine Challenge winner will get a prize package including a $10 Student Center gift card, free participation in a Craft Shop workshop, lunch for two at Old Main Restaurant and passes for Bowling and Billiards.

The Craft Shop is also having a variety of walk-in workshops on Valentine’s Day from noon to 8 p.m. You can make a wax hand sculpture for $3 or for $6 cast a plaster replica of your hand, so detailed you can even see the fingerprint. Couples or singles can try their hand at the pottery wheel with one pound of clay, enough to create a bowl or a cup, going for just $1. And, you can, of course, make Valentine cards for just a buck or two.

All ages are welcome, no appointment necessary. The activities are open to the public. For more information about Craft Shop activities, call 618/453-3636 or visit http://www.siucstudentcenter.org/craft-shop.

The Student Center will be hosting the Valentine’s Day Craft Fair and International Bazaar 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. The sale in the Art Gallery (formerly the Hall of Fame) features an assortment of handicrafts, international items and much more.

Student Center Dining will also be offering some special holiday taste-treats. Enjoy a chocolate chip cake for $8.99, cupcakes for 89 cents and heart cookies for $1.89. The Market Place will also feature Middle Eastern foods on Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.