The Memorial Union in Ames, Iowa, is buzzing with excitement as it hosts a delightful pop-up Valentine’s Day shop this week. From Monday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., students and visitors alike can peruse a charming array of gifts perfect for their valentine. Located just outside the Iowa State University Bookstore, this temporary shop is brimming with unique offerings, including potted succulents in quirky containers, astrological sign pins, whimsical cards, and adorable clay animals to accompany the plants.
Stepping into this charming pop-up shop, you are greeted by Tiara Young, a junior in graphic design who is also a student employee at the Workspace, a crafting center situated in the basement of the Memorial Union. Young’s passion for creativity and design shines through as she showcases the treasures available at the shop. She explains that many of the items on display are remnants from the popular ‘paint your own pottery’ sessions at the Workspace. Instead of discarding these beautifully painted ceramics, they are repurposed for this special Valentine’s Day event, adding a touch of personalized charm to each piece.
As you wander around the shop, you’ll notice that some of the plant pots have been lovingly adorned with hearts, romantic messages, or vibrant patterns by the talented staff at the Workspace. Young enthusiastically points out the assortment of cards with quirky designs, sharing that the Workspace also offers classes like paper marbling taught by the skilled instructor, Rhonda. This hands-on class allows participants to create stunning marbled paper using ink and marbles, adding an artistic flair to their craft projects. Additionally, the shop features delightful figurines that make perfect companions for the succulents, adding an extra touch of whimsy to the gift-giving experience.
Looking ahead, the Workspace has a calendar full of exciting events lined up for the week, catering to the creative spirit of Iowa State University students and the local community. Drop-in craft sessions featuring cottagecore mushrooms, Valentine’s Day hearts, and paint your own pottery miniatures are just a few of the engaging activities planned. These events will take place in the cozy confines of the Memorial Union Workspace room from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a welcoming space for individuals to unleash their artistic talents and connect with like-minded creatives.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for your valentine or simply looking to indulge your creative side, the pop-up Valentine’s Day shop at the Memorial Union is a must-visit destination. With its charming selection of unique gifts, friendly staff, and vibrant atmosphere, this temporary shop is a delightful oasis of creativity and inspiration on the Iowa State University campus. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this treasure trove of artistic delights and spread some love this Valentine’s season.
The Iowa State Daily is dedicated to supporting the student journalists who work tirelessly to deliver top-notch reporting and engaging content to the university community and beyond. Your donation helps fund essential equipment, conference attendance, and living expenses for these talented individuals, enabling them to continue producing exceptional work that upholds the highest standards of journalism. Join us in empowering the next generation of storytellers and information disseminators by contributing to the Iowa State Daily today.
