Making Valentine’s plans can be stressful, whether it’s trying to get restaurant reservations, finding the perfect gift to say “I love you” or just figuring out what to do with a loved one. For those who are looking for a more relaxing celebration of love, Ames is the place to be.

Date Night at the Museum

A date night is being hosted from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb 10. at the Christian Petersen Museum. Here, guests can create their own mini-paper scenes as a way to incorporate text into art.

Dates, friends or groups of people are all welcome, and this event is open to the public at no cost.

“Love doesn’t have to be romantic,” said Caitlin Patton, education program assistant. “Love can be completely platonic or even just love that you have for people.”

Guests are encouraged to look through the exhibit, which is “Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy.” This exhibit is about those who have left an impact on her life, displayed through sculptures and letters.

“A lot of her work deals with our connections with other people,” Patton said. “That’s something that we felt would be a good connection for a date night.”

Show Downtown Some Love

On Main Street, many businesses are hosting craft events Saturday, Feb. 11 during regular business hours.

At the Octagon Shop, Valentine globes, cards and boxes can be made from a variety of art supplies. This will be held in the community gallery, where the current exhibit is “Snáithín Bainneanach” by Cynthia O’Hern. A $5 donation to the gallery is recommended.

“In the Octagon Shop, we have artists that have all kinds of lovely, handmade items that would be perfect for Valentines, including cards, greeting cards and jewelry,” said Terrie Hoefer, Octagon Shop director.

Nook and Nest will have Paper Baristas, a stationery company out of Ankeny, come into the store with tabletop letterpresses for customers to create their own cards for free.

At Knittery Nook, Valentine’s day kits will be available, as well as heart-shaped crochet face scrubs. These face scrubs will come in a variety of colors and are paired with soaps. The Knittery Nook is also celebrating their two-year anniversary and will have tarot card readings Sunday.

PhotoSynthesis will be offering free photo Valentine’s cards, one per customer. The designs take one to five photos, so it is recommended to have five prepared.

While not a DIY event, Worldly Goods is promoting its felt flowers for Valentine’s Day. Instead of flowers that will wilt, these flowers can last forever.

Galentine’s Perfume Blending

Life Distilled is hosting a perfume blending workshop from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for $40.

Complimentary charcuterie cups from Sisters in Cheese will be included, as well as wine for guests of age.

“Folks will be able to blend a roller using essential oils and learn all about layering top notes, middle notes and base notes,” said Jenny Pollard, store owner. “They’ll learn which oils fall in those categories like your citrus oils are always usually a top note.”

Oils and fragrances are able to be tested beforehand, allowing participants to choose their favorite scents.

Space for this event is limited, and spots can be reserved online.