Here’s one of my stories from Park Slope Patch. I should have posted it days ago. Sorry.

Everyone has a good idea from time to time. But Park Slope designer Susanne Fox decided to do something about it.

“A lesbian friend of mine who works with a Broadway production company mentioned that the boys at work were upset about a lack of man-to-man Valentine’s Day cards,” Fox told me in a recent phone conversation.

Apparently that was all the inspiration Fox, who is heterosexual, needed to create a line of Valentine’s Day cards for same-sex couples that she is selling on her Etsy site.

“I brainstormed a few ideas with my friend and the rest was easy,”

Easy if you happen to be a talented illustrator and designer like Fox. The cards are black, white and red and are characterized by an elegant line drawing and message.

“This year you are my valentine,” read the words on the cover of one of her cards. Inside there’s a hand drawn illustration of two women in bras and the words: “because four boobs are better than two.”

Another card shows a man smoking a cigarette, which says: “When you asked to borrow a fag I told you, Come and Get Me. Glad to be your Valentine.”

On another, two women are pictured. One has her hand on the other woman’s breast. When you open the card: “You’ve really got a hold on me. Happy Valentine’s Day”

According to Fox, 22, a Philadelphia native, the images were inspired by photographs and drawn by hand but in conjunction with (actually on) the computer.

With a degree in Interior Design from Syracuse University, Fox moved to Park Slope two years ago. “It’s a great community,” she says. “Still a city but you can meet everyone and anyone here.”

Fox, who most recently worked for interior designer Cherie Zucker in Manhattan, says she likes to create nice things for nice people. Currently self-employed, she aims to create “an environment, product or system that will delight someone and make his or her life a little bit more enjoyable every day,” she told me.

Like many a designer, she has a tendency to obsess over scale and proportion, which is evident in these cards which combine craftsmanship with a bit of whimsy.

In addition to her work as a designer, she describes herself as a frequent dinner party host. “My favorite dish is citrus panko-crusted shrimp couscous with toasted sliced almonds, scallions, watercress and cilantro.”

Clearly she capable of creating quite a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

For her parties, like her cards, Fox thinks that presentation is key. “I always set the table nicely before guests arrive. A beautiful dessert is great eye candy for the entertainment space and something worth waiting for after dinner. It’s also fun to have interactive activities for before and after food.”

I asked Fox if she has a favorite Valentine’s Day: “My Dad is a woodworker and furniture maker by hobby. One year he carved a heart out of wood for me and wrote “Be My Valentine. Love, Dad” on it.

For Valentine’s Day 2011, Fox’s plans are still undetermined. “I hope it involves cupcakes with pink frosting.”

Then I popped the big question. What is your definition of love?

“Putting up with stubble is a good answer,” was her succinct reply.