Some might even argue “practical” and gifting don't go hand in hand but I would say just because a gift is practical doesn't mean it's not intentional or beautiful. In fact, I know from personal experience, practicality adds just the right amount of "pop" to everyday life! It's quite possible a more practical gift is something the recipient wouldn't spend extra money on so it feels really good to give and receive. And practicality actually goes hand in hand with sustainability!
A pure linen blanket or cozy soft wool blanket wrapped up with a special letter recapping the year or words of encouragement or a special memory to revisit with laughter and lightness.
For me I can't think of a nicer gift than the gift of a set of linen napkins. Every day, we pause the hustle to slow down and enjoy a meal. It's in that moment, a continual reminder, to practice gratitude for the meal, the gift giver, and the moment. You can feel extra thankful to reduce waste as well!
When my kids were little we would always start the present opening with a we cozy, fun new pillowcase and a book. Years later, you can bet they still look forward to that special gift (who wouldn't?!) Again, practical yet intentional.
You can look forward to us wrapping your gifts again this season in our traditional kraft paper, beautiful string, cedar and sprigs. Another heartfelt and low waste alternative to writing out tags is to print a special picture of the receiver (with you if you have one) that they can cherish.
If you feel like you might love receiving one of these "practical" gifts, share this blog with a friend or partner or your children!
For me personally, as my boys get older it's the moment everyone is under the same roof. The table can offer a grounding moment for a tired spirit, the joy of sitting next to someone you have missed dearly, games, rehashing versions of a particular memorable event, and a time to give thanks.
Gatherings, no matter how difficult to organize or overdue, once everyone sits down, most times it is hard to leave.
So to this end we have created an assortment of beautiful mix and match 100% linen tablecloths, runners and napkins that celebrate fleeting moments and precious milestones.
We use and promote our napkins as placemats adding the extra layering element and the ability to mix and match with your budget and gathering size in mind.
Bonus! Linen actually gets softer and better with use, washes up beautifully, can be passed down, and is completely biodegradable.
How do you hold tight to special moments around your table?
]]>As far as September, well, it was full of adjustments, emotions, and excitement as we moved my oldest son back to U of M and helped my middle son start to his senior year. With my youngest son, now a high school sophomore, I am just trying to soak up every minute with my family - and keep our days filled with adventure, intention, and inspiration.
No matter what hat you're wearing, life seems to be moving along and standing still at the same time these days. As a business owner, I owe you all a big thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of my small but mighty company. I truly appreciate you for showing up, stopping in, and supporting our mission to create small-batch organic textiles & home goods that are all beauty and no burden. We know you have choices and it means the world to us that we are your first stop whether in the shop or online.
If you have visited the shop lately, you know I have an amazing staff that loves to help out and of course play around with color and texture! We really do have a lot of fun and enjoy creating combinations that flow nicely throughout the seasons.
As you probably noticed, there have been a few changes over the last year that build on the brand that you have come to count on. It's been a bit of a paddle to get to the point to really dig in and chat about the work we are doing but it is our top priority these next few months.
With any growth comes pivoting to make everything work well, so sadly we have decided to discontinue the fiber art section (macrame cord, wool roving, looms and odds and ends). So, please stop in soon if you would like to stock up.
While we love the texture and creativity it offers, it is very difficult to keep a wide range of quality products active at all times. We will be focusing on our sewing section with hard to find sustainable quality fabrics as well as thoughtful notions.
In addition, we are closing our linen rental program. With the rising costs of professional cleaning and my small but mighty staff, keeping track of so many parts of the company was not working out. The linens that have only been rented once or twice are deeply discounted for a wonderful sustainable find. Stop in to check them out while they last.
Onto the exciting part! Finally after over a year of design, development and delays I am thrilled to finally offer our own hand printed pattern collection on our home goods. We couldn't be introducing these limited collections at a better time than the fall when you are starting to think about making your home cozy for the months ahead.
These original patterns are hand printed in the USA on the highest quality European linen. Wait it gets better - I collaborated with the amazing, talented, heart of gold Em Randall on a few designs! It was a joy working with someone that has a calm way about pivoting when it doesn't feel right and slowing down to make it so.
In a world of fast fabric and printing it was a pleasure to know we are offering not only quality fabric but an age old hand printing method that is true craftsmanship and talent above and beyond our design. I hope that you enjoy these prints and I promise to keep building from here.
]]>It's been a long time coming and a dream of mine to offer original hand printed patterns on our sustainable soft goods.
For our first batch I had the absolute pleasure of working with and collaborating with the talented local artist, Em Randall on a few designs to kick-off this limited collection of pillows & table runners, hand printed in the USA on the highest quality German linen.
For all of you Em fans you will see one design that is undeniably the authentic art of Em herself.
More designs are in the works but for now we took the natural approach with color & texture as we introduce: Connections, Twilight, and Pebbles In The Current.
We'll be sharing the stories behind each pattern design in a future post. In the meantime, please shop online or visit us in the shop. Your home & heart will be oh so happy with these truly original pieces.