The traditional Valentine’s Day gifts are cards, candy and flowers. But if you are looking for something a bit more creative and original, local artists and craftspeople are happy to oblige.

Cards from the past

The Bremerton Letterpress Company, 423 Pacific Ave., Bremerton, does custom cards the old-fashioned way—using handset type and presses from the 1950s. Whether you buy one of their custom cards (including heart-shaped coasters with “BREM” stamped on them for those who love Bremerton) or have them print you up a unique card of your very own, this is probably one of the most retro gifts your honey will ever receive. For more information call 360-830-6233 or go to www.bremertonletterpress.com.

For Bibliophiles

What could be better for a book lover this Valentine’s Day than a “blind Date” book? the Liberty Bay Books stores in Bremerton and Poulsbo are offering just that. Each book comes in a plain paper wrapper. (At the Bremerton store they come with a chocolate heart taped to the cover, too.) Clues on the front of the wrapper hint at the character of its contents. If you love to read, why not go a blind date yourself? As their Valentine’s Day gift to you, all of the Blind Date” books are 14 percent off. For more information go to www.facebook.com/libertybaybook.

DIY gifts

If you’re hankering to create a Valentine’s Day gift yourself, consider the offerings of the Dancing Brush, 18846 Front St., Poulsbo, and ArtSLAM Studio, 10300 Silverdale Way, Suite 109, Silverdale.

The Dancing Brush is featuring three different heart-shaped bowls that you can come in and paint. Then they fire them for you and—voila—a gift lasting gift that comes with memories. you can choose from a big heart dish, a small heart dish, or a “hugs and kisses” jar. It takes seven days to fire your creation, so there’s no time to get it done before Valentine’s Day. So why not bring your loved one(s) with you and create a piece, or set of pieces, together? The fee is $10 per person for one studio session, plus the price of the pottery, which range in cost from $15 to $19. The $10 fee includes instruction, all of the materials, and kiln-firing your creation. For more information, call 360-598-3800 or go to www.dancingbrushstudio.com.

ArtSLAM studio has two offerings for the would-be painter in you. On Feb. 11, House Artist will help you paint your very own love scene of two leaping dolphins creating a heart. The charge is $35 for adults and $15-20 for those ages 17 and younger, depending on the size of the canvas. The fee includes all materials and the canvas. On Valentine’s Day itself, House Artist Alixandrea Gilliam is offering a fun couple’s paint night. Couples will paint two images which, when hung together, provide a complete picture. The price is $45 per person and that includes all materials, valentine treats and beverages.For more information, call 360-662-1000.

Keep it simple

Want to keep it simple and sincere? Port Orchard artist Shelly Wilkerson, the impish owner of Laughing Cat Studio, shelly@catcompanions.com, suggests photographing yourself with your hands shaping a heart and sending it to those you love. Because ultimately, it’s the thought that counts.

Bremerton Letterpress Co. offers a number of original items for Valentine’s Day, including these heart-shaped coasters for those who love Bremerton.

ArtSLAM Studio, located at the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale, is offering two different opportunities to paint your own Valentine-themed work of art. No experience needed.

Being truly retro, Bremerton Letterpress Co. uses presses and handset type from the 1950s so every creation is unique.

Bremerton Letterpress Co. uses this mechanical letterpress from the 1950s to help assure each creation is unique.

Liberty Bay Books offers “Blind Date” books that come in plain paper wrappers with a chocolate taped to the front.

The Dancing Brush in Historic Downtown Poulsbo is offering three different heart-shaped ceramic pieces you can paint, have them fire in their kiln, and then proudly use and display for years to come.

“Keep it simple,” says Port Orchard artist Shelly Wilkerson, demonstrating the proper way to express your love in a selfie.