The Art of the Handwritten Letter

I have the most lovely and amazing aunt. Although she turned 91 this week, she still lives (alone) in her home in Jackson, Tennessee. Like many in her generation, she's never chosen to learn to use a computer. Instead she corresponds by writing beautiful handwritten notes. I was lucky enough to receive one of these in my mailbox yesterday, and for a moment I was lost in her sweet words.

What is it about handwritten letters that makes them so special? Is it that words written by hand have undergone more thought than those that fly off a keyboard? Or the extra effort it takes to buy a stamp, address an envelope, and drop it in a mailbox? Handwritten notes offer something tangible that can be kept forever. I still have letters written by the hands of my grandmothers, both of whom are no longer living. My grandfather wrote letters to us when we were little using a pen with four different colors. Every word is a different color, his all-caps handwriting all his own, and his quirky sense of humor comes through in every sentence. I'll keep them forever.

When I write letters, I like to use good quality stationery. Here are a few of my favorite stationery makers:

Avie Designs www.aviedesigns.bigcartel.com

William Arthur www.williamarthur.com

Crane & Co. www.crane.com

Enjoy your weekend and take the time to write someone a letter. I know I'll be writing back to my aunt, and that getting my letter will make her day.

Handmade Crayon Roll Up

I love anything made by hand, and it always makes me happy when I can find a gift for someone on etsy. It's not just about giving something that is one-of-a-kind; it's also about supporting others in their creative pursuits.That's why I was excited for my friend Rachel when she recently opened her own etsy shop, RAGamuffinStyle (her initials are RAG - isn't she clever?). Rachel sews beautiful things. She made this gorgeous nautical themed crayon roll up for my two-year-old:

It fits nicely in my diaper bag so it's instant entertainment when we're away from home, and he loves having his own "wallet" full of crayons.

Rachel coordinates her fabrics with whimsical details like the anchor button in the photo above. The result is a beautiful, handmade gift that is perfect for a birthday party when paired with this coloring book. Please visit Rachel's etsy shop by going here, and check out her crayon roll ups as well as changing pads, loveys, dog beds and more.

Feather Baby Your Nest

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When I was pregnant with my second child, my mother took me to this beautiful store in Atlanta for what she called a "mini-shower." It was totally unexpected and wonderful. As soon as I walked in the door I was in love. The fabrics are 100% Peruvian Pima unblended cotton and softer than anything you've ever touched. The patterns and designs are equally as gorgeous. All pieces are designed by Joe and Suda Peta, Decatur residents who happen to have triplets and still find time to be creative and run their own small business. Good for them.


If you live in Charleston, there's only one place that sells Feather Baby, and that's Sugar Snap Pea on King Street.

I spent so much time staring at those beautiful clothes before my daughter was born and trying to imagine her in them. And now I spend so much time staring at her. 

Hi beautiful Stella. Those are her brother's hands beside her, by the way.

My little feather baby girl.

Little Beauties

I'm not a huge fan of the "push gift" idea, but if my husband had given this ring to me in the delivery room I would have quickly changed my song. I love motherhood jewelry as long as it's subtle and simple. I love jewelry that is highly personal. This ring brings all of that together with its delicate little engraving on the side, like a secret meant only for the lucky mama and those with whom she chooses to share. I found this on one of my current favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo, by the way.

Speaking of motherhood jewelry, the bracelet below was a collaborative gift between my mother and my husband. The line is called Waxing Poetic and can be found at one of my favorite places Gatewood Hall Gracious Home in Blue Ridge, Georgia. This store is my happy place and deserves a post all its own, so be on the lookout for that. What I love about this bracelet is that you can add onto it as your family grows, as mine did. Mine are both March babies, so the aquamarine is the birthstone for my boy and my girl.

The last picture is a necklace given to me by my gorgeous and always stylish friend Marcee. The engraved letters spell mom, and the peridot is for my August birthday.

What are your favorite motherhood gifts?