Meet the Crafters

No matter the project or the venue, the objective is always the same to bring together a group of people to create, share, try something new, and have fun. Its about making friends while taking pleasure in the process, even if what you make is imperfect, says Madden, who by day develops TV shows for Comedy Central. For this gathering, she and her cohost, rare books librarian and accomplished seamstress Jessica Pigza, assembled a group of like minded DIY ers in a soaring, oak paneled room of the library to make valentines once again.

Clockwise from left Anna Beckman, a professional illustrator who specializes in lettering and calligraphy; Rebecca Kutys, a stationery designer; Jessi Klein, a comedian and part time animal doodler; graphic designer Cassidy Iwersen; Maura Madden; Jill Lauck, a college counselor who dedicates her spare time to making cards under the name Cherry Blossom Paper; Danielle Maveal, jewelry designer and Etsy educational coordinator; and Jennifer Nicholson, a State Department calligrapher.