handmade kate

a quick post on the way in from the mailbox

A sweet surprise from dear Valerie.  An Amy Butler Weekend Travel Bag pattern.  Tea, just in time for the cooler weather due in this weekend.  Lovely, lovely Liberty fabric (you are creating a monster over here Valerie!).  And precious, kind words on a scenic postcard.   Thank you, my friend!

Next, a necklace made by such a gracious lady. Lisa's blog is such an inspiration, and when I saw this necklace that Blair commissioned, I fell in love.  I did my initials too, because, like Blair, I'm Southerner, and monogrammed silver jewelry really is a wardrobe staple around these parts.  But what a nice alternative to the usual--I can't tell you how many compliments I received when I wore it to work today!

Finally, a quick "thank-you" to Tracy.  If you've never visited her blog , please pay her a visit.  The lovely handbags and accessories she makes are so beautiful in their simplicity, and her blog is so full of genuine kindness and goodness. Such a comfortable and cozy place! (and she's a fellow anglophile, too!)  I received an email from her a few days ago just to check in on me and say "hello" since I haven't posted in a while. Oh, that meant so much to me!

And my absence lately?  My husband and I are struggling with his aging parents, and, well, my father-in-law is pretty close to dying right now.  It is something new and incredibly hard to navigate.  So that's where I've been.  But I've been visiting around to all my favorite blogs when I can, and it has been such a blissful escape.

So thank you all for sharing these bits of your lives. 

And for sending me unexpected packages "just because"
and for offering handmade loveliness for the best kind of adornment
and for quick emails just to "check in"...

I feel quite spoiled.

 

jo was always my favorite one

I've been meaning to share these lovelies that arrived in the mail a few weeks ago.  I don't remember how I stumbled upon Marjorie's etsy shop, but these prints struck me as pretty and comforting and fun all at once. Cozy, too, just like her sweet blog.

There are so many goods in her shop that I love, but alas--I have to stick to some sort of budget.  So I settled on Monsieur Hedgehog because like him, I'm all about the cream in my tea--no sugar, please.   And Marjorie's ladies, well I love them all, but Lilly was the one that won me over.

And the best thing about her shop?  Well, the name of course.  Marmee Craft.  Little Women was my favorite novel growing up, and I still pull that book out when I need a little "comfort reading."   I would love an edition with these prints as illustrations!

Take a look at where I hung her thank you card on my inspiration board.  Pretty cool coincidence!