Travis Taylor | Lariat Photographer
By Paula Ann Solis
Contributor
For those still searching for a Valentine’s Day gift, an arts and crafts event being held tonight by local Waco boutique Harts N Crafts may be the answer.
From 7 to 9 p.m., Harts N Crafts, located at 1125 S. Eighth St., next to Common Grounds, will host a Valentine’s Day party complete with free cupcakes and drinks where patrons will also have the opportunity to create handmade gifts for their loved ones.
“We will be offering more male-focused gifts so the ladies can pick up a gift for their guy,” said Jerri Schaeper, the store manager.
The boutique will have wooden letters, symbols and canvases available for patrons to paint and purchase. Prices range from $5 to $50. The store also carries ready-made crafts prepared by Harts N Crafts employees.
The Harts N Crafts boutique, owned by Baylor alumna Alicia Hart who graduated in 2002 with a degree in finance and international business, will also have free gifts available.
Everyone who stops by Harts N Crafts tonight will have the opportunity to design his or her own heart-shaped magnet for free.
Schaeper, a native Wacoan, said while Harts N Crafts hosts Valentine’s Day-themed parties every year, this one will be the best the store has ever had.
This year’s party, themed “All You Need Is Love,” will also mark the exclusive launch of a new clothing line, the Edna Rose Collection.
The chief designer of the new collection, Deanna Nail, is also a Baylor alumna who graduated in 1997 with a double major in marketing and real estate.
“That’s one reason Baylor is very near and dear to me and why we wanted to start the launch here,” Nail said. “The mission of our clothing line is to reach, inspire and empower women of all ages all over through apparel and accessories.”
Nail said part of the proceeds from this collection is donated to ministries such as Serendipity Ministry, a nonprofit, female-empowerment organization.
The Edna Rose Collection will premiere with a line of tank tops, T-shirts and scarves. Nail described the collection as a “comfortable, casual and affordable line.”
The mission of Harts N Crafts, said Schaeper, is also to “empower women while inspiring artists.”
As part of tonight’s event, all TOMS shoes will be on sale for $39, and all other store items will be discounted 15 percent. Any TOMS purchased in the store can also be painted for free.
Also, beginning today, Harts N Crafts will have fresh-cut flowers available for purchase as part of their new partnership with Bloomingals Floral Boutique, another female-owned Waco business.
Nail said later this year, she plans to return and introduce a fall line specifically geared toward game apparel.
“My hope is to teach women here that they can use their money wisely and that as they’re buying apparel they can make an impact and give back at the same time,” Nail said.
