Love it or loathe it, February 14 is fast approaching, and romantics everywhere are puzzling over what to give that special someone. DIANA PILKINGTON got some tasty ideas at a novel workshop.

If you've been anyhere near a shop lately, you've probably realised it's Valentine's Day soon.

Hearts are plastered everywhere, roses are thrust in our noses, and restaurants are preparing to dim their lighting and bump up their prices to serve their special, lovey-dovey menus.

But there's a way to show your romantic side without buying into this blatant commercialisation.

And it's a method that's been tried and tested by Blue Peter fans for years - make your own.

For those of us who need some help in the creative department, Figges Marsh-based company Truly Sumptuous were on hand at Mitcham's Vestry Hall to give a workshop on how to make your own heartfelt Valentine's cards.

The best part was that, like all of the company's products, these cards were entirely edible.

I could always eat my creation if I was too ashamed to give it to anyone, I reasoned.

Workshop leader Ruth Samuel got us started with some readymade biscuits in the shape of a heart, which she had made earlier using a traditional Shrewsbury recipe.

We picked our choice of pink and white glacé icing, and added a few drops of peppermint essence, rosewater or freshly squeezed lemon juice, before spooning the mixture painstakingly over our hearts.

"This is your 'me' time," Ruth said, as soothing classical music played in the background.

While the icing was still moist, we got decorating with Ruth's array of edible goods, which contained a few surprises.

I lovingly scattered some dried rose buds at the top of my big heart, with a sprinkling of bay leaves to flesh out the design.

Around the edges of my smaller biscuits, I placed silver balls, sugar lemon slices, and edible silver glitter.

I even added a clove for good measure, but gave the salt a miss.

Then, once the designs were dry, I spooned some white royal icing into a bag to pump out a special romantic message onto the centre of the heart.

"I'm very impressed. There are some really stunning creations here," Ruth said, perhaps glossing over mine.

After a pause for an entirely edible buffet of refreshments, we wrapped up our biscuits in cellophane and big red ribbon - probably the only bit of the evening it would be inadvisable to eat.

The finished package looks pretty and flouncy, just as a Valentine's gift should be, but has the added bonus of being personal.

And if the way to the heart is through the stomach, it should hit all the right romantic notes.

To find out more about Truly Sumptuous' products and workshops, phone 020 8769 5893, email ruth.samuel@btinternet.com or see trulysumptuous.com