Valentine's Day is the kind of holiday that can set a person into a roiling storm of internal conflict. On the one hand, it's a sweet idea, to celebrate the one(s) you love. On the other hand, it's such a cloyingly cliche-ridden mass market conspiracy of consumerism it can make Christmas seem subdued. So what's a girl or guy to do? Compromise: if you don't make something yourself, buy something local that will say "I love you" to your sweetie in a long-lasting way.

Which means no need to go near those heart-shaped shiny red cardboard boxes of candies. Instead, go for handmade home goods that will warm the heart and brighten many days to come. The sweet Sellwood store, Tilde, has some standouts. They're having a pre-Valentine's Day sale Saturday and Sunday February 9th and 10th, with everything 20% off (except the special art exhibit that's up this month), to sweeten the appeal (and the deal).

Of course, the shop sells jewelry, clothing, and personal accessories, so feel free to browse for yourself too. But table top items make a good choice for Valentine's Day gifts that are sweet but substantial. Start with Moufelt circle coasters; Portland architect Jeanie Lai makes the die-cut industrial felt coasters in sets of six. The bold red is perfect for Valentine's Day. She's also got trivets (that can double as placemats), and these come in red as well.

To add to the simple but romantic table top, fill a vase with flowers. Lynn Everett Read's Vitreluxe Glass Works 10" tall bulb vases come in several soft shades of colored, translucent glass, including a warm purple. (Read's studio is near Tilde in Sellwood, and he does custom work as well.)

And for a Valentine card that will last past February 14th, the Floral Heart flower print by Rifle Paper Company whispers sweet thoughts Hallmark never could. The design is by Florida artist Anna Bond. An 8" x 10" archival print is $25 – but remember, Tilde will discount it 20% February 9-10. Sweet!

Tilde
7919 SE 13th Avenue
Mon - Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm