The image above wasn't intended to be captured in a photo, but the light coming through the glass window in my home studio seemed perfect to, again, compare the quality of the design finish on one of our vases to the etching that had inspired the same.
As you might expect, I have the full range of our designs in my studio. I randomly selected this one...it was the first I'd laid my hand upon. When I was done marveling at how identical our "faux" etching was to the actual etching of the window and looked beyond the finish to the inscription, I was reminded of why I created this line, the 6th in our 20 year history as a wholesale gift ware company. I beg your indulgence.
The concept had come to me in what I refer to as the "before-times". I LOVE giving and receiving flowers, equally. The downside, at least for sentimental me, was what to do with the vase and the greeting card once the flowers had taken their natural course...especially if received to mark a personal life event or special occasion from someone close. The card always tucked away in a drawer, the vase in the cupboard until the annual purge, when guilt of some degree would ensue. I didn't want to do that anymore and discovered I wasn't the only one. So I began the designs in earnest, starting with the more traditional expressions behind the gift of flowers...birthdays, congratulations, new home, etc. No more cards to dispose of or vase kept, but occasion no longer recalled.
Soon, distractions of all other kinds crept in and it was left on the drawing board, until our lives of suspended animation, intermittent isolation, loss and fear reaffirmed in me that connection, perspective, hope and gratitude is everything. I finished and brought to market this first series, of many, I hope, but with the addition of some more nuanced sentiments, borne of the times we live in and through, as we navigate this gift of life. Tinged with hope, grounded in connection and welcomed with gratitude. It's really not about the vase. It's about who gave it to you and why.
Thanks a Bunch!
- JLW