Things to love about February

February 1, 2022 Becky Woolley

February is another month with a bad reputation for being grey, freezing and bleak but like January there are actually loads of good things about this month.

So I’ve done a bit of research and grouped what I've found into three sections, the first is “things to love about February”, second is "Important or unusual dates in February" and then third is "Things to do or take part in during February".

I've also created a little Snowdrop themed gift guide comprising treats and cards from UK artists and makers as February is definitely Snowdrop month.

February Calendar Sheet Flat lay by Daffodowndilly - photo by Becky Woolley C2022

Things to love about February

The snowdrops start to be joined by crocuses and primroses this month, creating beautiful carpets of colour later in the month.
Sunset gets to around 5.30 in the afternoon so it feels much lighter and the afternoons longer.
As well as Black History Month, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, there are some other brilliant celebration days in February such as World Radio Day, World Hippo Day, Random Act of Kindness Day and World Pangolin Day.
On the 27th of February it will be possible to see a beautiful grouping of Venus, Mars and a waning crescent moon together in the night sky.
If you really can’t wait for Spring to start then February is the last month of Winter and it is also the shortest of all the months.

Snowdrops in Shrewsbury - photo by Becky Woolley C2021

Important or unusual dates in February

1st February - Chinese New Year, 2022 is the year of the Tiger which is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac. Many cities and towns in the UK usually hold parades and celebrations you can go and watch, obviously covid restrictions allowing.
13th February - World Radio Day - Each year UNESCO chooses a theme for World Radio Day, this year it is “Radio and Trust”. If like me you love listening to the radio then you could get involved by listening to the special programmes commissioned for the event on various radio stations or just have an extra dance along to the music from your favourite station.
14th February - Valentine’s Day
15th February - World Hippo Day
17th February - Random Act of Kindness Day
17th February - Snow Moon
19th February - World Pangolin Day
27th February - Venus, Mars and the waning crescent moon can be seen grouped together.

Daffodowndilly wooden pin - Be the light in someone's dark

Things to do or take part in during February

Put up a nest box - The RSPB says February is a brilliant month to put a bird box up on your house or in your garden as Bluetits will already be starting to investigate potential nesting sites.
February is apparently also a good month to see deer feeding in the open as the hedges are still bare but the nights and mornings are lighter. So head for a rural walk in the early morning or dusk and you might get lucky.
Single or not, why not use Valentine’s Day as a chance to send cards to your friends letting them know all the reasons they are brilliant.
The snowdrops come into their own this month so it’s a perfect chance to go on a snowdrop walk - whether organised or not. Primroses will also start to make an appearance later in the Month.

Gaze upon the Snow Moon on the 17th of February - so called because the full moon in February has a higher likelihood of shining over snow.
Random Act of Kindness Day - There are loads of things you could do to celebrate this lovely day. Some examples might be to write a letter or send a little gift to a friend and spread a bit of sunshine, ask at your local coffee shop if you can pay for a hot drink to be put on a tab for someone who can’t afford one or leave a nice message or review for a local business you love.
Also on the 17th of February - Pedddle has created an online Random Acts of Kindness Market filled with lovely gifts from small businesses to send to friends or family. Each gift can be sent with a little message and then sent directly to a loved one. You can find all the event details here
On the 27th of February the planets Venus and Mars will form a lovely grouping together in the night sky with the waning crescent moon.

Snowdrop themed cards
and gifts from UK artists and makers

As it is February this month’s small business gift guide had to be snowdrop themed!

Lellibelle

Helen creates beautiful appliqued and embroidered designs inspired by Nature. She uses these designs to make cards, padded hearts, coasters and tea towels. Her designs are designed and made in Cambridgeshire.

You can see Lellibelle's shop here

Padded snowdrop heart by Lellibelle - £12.00

Daffodowndilly

Nature and positivity inspired stationery and accessories designed in Shropshire by me. My range includes enamel and wooden brooches, cards, notebooks, writing paper sets, prints and keyrings.

Visit the Daffodowndilly shop page here

Persevere Snowdrop enamel brooch by Daffodowndilly - £9.50

Sister Sister Designs

Sarah is a Shropshire illustrator who converts her digitally drawn designs into very cute and fabulous pins, jigsaws, tea towels and ceramics. She has a twin sister and the name Sister Sister comes from when they used to paint and sell their own range of ceramics together.

Visit Sister Sister Designs here

Snowdrop pin by Sister Sister Designs - £7.99

Ruth Thorp Studio

Ruth is a bath based illustrator, designer & children’s writer. The natural world provides her with lots of inspiration and she likes using bold graphics and colour within her beautiful designs.

Visit Ruth Thorp Studio here

Snowdrop Illustrated Print by Ruth Thorp Studio - £15

Hannah Berridge Studio

Based in Suffolk, Hannah creates beautiful ceramics such as mugs, egg cups jugs and bowls. As each piece is painted by hand they are each totally unique and one of a kind.

Visit Hannah Berridge Studio

Snowdrop Country Mug by Hannah Berridge Studio - £22.00

The Camel's Cap

Elly from the Camel's Cap is based in Lanarkshire and uses free motion machine embroidery to create beautiful pieces for the home. The Scottish countryside is her main inspiration as well as birds and Autumn colours.

Visit the Camel's Cap

Embroidered snowdrop glasses case by The Camel's Cap - £15.00

Jane Crick Designs

Jane is based in Suffolk and designs beautiful and sustainable cards, prints and gift wrap. Sustainability and the environment is at the heart of her life and business and she designs and hand finishes everything herself. All her printing is done by The Lavenham Press in Suffolk.

Visit Jane Crick Designs

Double Snowdrop card by Jane Crick Designs - £2.50

Painting With Poppy

Abbey is based in Kent and paints beautiful nature and positivity inspired art on wooden slices and clay hearts. She tries to use locally coppiced wood slices whenever possible and loves how each piece is unique.

Visit Painting With Poppy (Known on Etsy as EvieRaeDesigns)