Today, a customer shared a story that stayed with me long after she placed an order. She was choosing a hand-painted ornament for her sister-in-law, whose family had recently lost their home in the LA fires. The thought of losing everything — photographs, heirlooms, the familiar objects that hold pieces of our lives — felt so heavy and heartbreaking. But her gesture was filled with such gentleness: a small start, a way to begin rebuilding traditions, one ornament at a time.
I was honored, humbled, and a little emotional. She wanted something meaningful, something created by hand, something that carried the imprint of care. And she chose my work. Moments like this remind me that handmade pieces aren’t just things — they can become symbols of resilience, memory, and connection.
As this month arrives and will quietly exit, I’ve been reflecting on these exchanges that happen around my booth or in messages from people who collect my work. A hand-painted ornament, a tiny bowl, a simple tray — these small objects carry stories into the world far beyond my studio and booth. They become part of other people’s rituals, celebrations, and even their healing.
In a season that holds both shadows and light, I’m reminded that every small act of kindness, every handmade gesture, is a spark. Let’s keep spreading the light — it’s where we find the most warmth.
Have a beautiful season,
Stephanie