With deadlines looming and procrastination levels reaching dizzying new heights – or perhaps I should say new lows – I went down to Lupo’s to meet my friend for a couple of hours of Galentine’s Day crafting fun with Women for Women St Andrews, hosted in collaboration with Inklight, the university’s creative writing society.
This event was a most welcome respite from the dark and depressing months of January and February, and a good way to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. The tickets were available to purchase on the door, and being priced £3 for non-members and £2 for members, the event was very open and available to everyone no matter their circumstances. Despite walking, or maybe it would be more accurate to say racing, past it nearly every day on my way to lectures, I had yet to set foot in Lupo’s and wasn’t sure what to expect, but we found a cosy, beautifully decorated space inside. It is the kind of place where you immediately feel at home while also feeling like you are treating yourself, and was the perfect escape from the essays I was putting off.
We headed up the stairs and found the warmest, most welcoming group of people running the event. They invited us to sit down and relax with some wholesome Galentine’s themed crafts, from friendship bracelet-making – which unlocked a lot of memories and was just as fun as I remembered – to card decorating. And, since it was Valentine’s Day after all, there was a station to learn how to knit and crochet hearts.
Source: Millie Tougher.
We decided to first set to work on the friendship bracelets, struggling to remember the complicated patterns which had been like muscle memory to me when I was twelve. Although I made my bracelet in different shades of pink and red, there were plenty of different colours to choose from. The atmosphere was lovely, with people chatting happily to everyone around them and being very supportive and helpful, especially when I forgot how to tie a knot. The vibes were exactly what you would expect from an event run by Women for Women. Although I went with a friend, it was definitely the kind of environment that even if you had gone on your own you would have met and chatted to lots of people.
Since friendship bracelet making is very taxing work, we decided to go and grab one of Lupo’s special cocktails for this week – the Galentine’s Spritz. While I was mildly concerned when I was handed the darkest red drink I had ever seen, my fears were unfounded as it was absolutely delicious and so sweet – just like the holiday. They were also selling this in mocktail form for anyone who didn’t want to drink, which I’m sure would have been just as nice. Who knew I would be looking forward to next February just for another Valentine’s-themed cocktail?
Source: Millie Tougher.
We moved onto card-making next, which was also great fun and even my lack of artistic talent didn’t matter too much – although I did feel a little shame at my drawing of a heart, which a primary school child could have drawn better compared with some of the masterpieces people were creating. We then moved onto crocheting hearts, which I very mistakenly thought would be easy, despite only knowing how to crochet one stitch. Nevertheless, everyone was very kind and helpful, and I pushed through to make a tiny little heart. Although it wasn’t specified, I think every attendee I saw was wearing something red or pink or had hearts on them somewhere. The room which the event took place in became a sea of warm colours ,which only added to the fun feeling of community that was palpable throughout the evening. The room was entirely full and there was a buzz in the air from the shared joy of creating and having fun together.
There is something so completely relaxing about having a chat and a drink with people while doing crafts – it leaves no room for any other worries and is such a good way to destress. It forced me to put any anxieties to the back of my mind and just have a good time, and I think this is exactly the kind of mood that Women for Women were trying to foster with this event. I think it is lovely that events such as these open Valentine’s Day up to all kinds of love rather than just romantic love. Perhaps I would feel differently if I wasn’t single, but I think that it is wonderful that we are able to celebrate our friends and how much they mean to us on this day, as well as any romantic relationships in our lives. It was a lovely evening filled with lovely people and I will definitely be back next Valentine’s, if only for the Galentine’s Spritz.
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