The Handwritten Note

Posted on July 11, 2019 | 62 Comments

One item that has remained in the VelvetCrate rotation are notecards. We love notecards! Notecards are a life essential to always have around because you never know when you’ll need to write a just because note--especially a handwritten note.

According to the Emily Post Institute, “Handwritten notes are warmer and more special than other forms of thank yous. The rule of thumb is that you should send a written note any time you receive a gift (even a ‘thank you’ gift) and the giver wasn’t there to be thanked in person.”

We at VC agree! But because we like notes so much--don’t stop at Thank You.

Here are a few of our most favorite reasons to send a note and what to write if you’re at a loss for words.

FIRST HOME - A roof overhead is necessary (not to mention expensive) and first time homebuyers have a special naivety about the investment. Highlight it in your note.

Congratulations John and Jane! Your new home will be the scene of so many of life’s memories, including the one where you realize how expensive roofs actually are! Enjoy settling in, we look forward to seeing what you’ve done with the place.  

A PET TAKES THE ETERNAL NAP - No sympathy note is easy to write, especially one about an unconditionally-loving pet. Keep it short and reference a fond memory.

Jane, I am so sorry about the loss of Mr. Squishy - I know how much he meant to you. I’ll never forget the time we dressed him up for Halloween as a unicorn and passed out dog treats to the kids! His spirit will live on.

A CAREER MILESTONE - Regardless of what kind of milestone (new job, promotion, etc.) it’s propre to acknowledge and congratulate others’ achievements, even if it makes them laugh.

John, way to go on the promotion to director. I always knew you had a keen ability to direct! Looking forward to seeing the ladders you’ll climb in this new role.

A NEW BABY - This one seems easy, but more than anything parents want to know that you actually care.

Welcome baby Sarah! We are so excited for you everyone--it has been a joy to see your family grow over the years. Since we’re just across town, don’t hesitate to let us watch the older kiddos while you recuperate. Here’s to many more memories together.

Molly & Me Pecans shares her Female Founder story

Posted on March 05, 2019 | 36 Comments

In honor of Women’s History Month (all of March!) we spoke with the founder of Molly & Me Pecans to find out more about her journey of launching a woman-run business--something we can relate to at VelvetCrate.

Kay Holseberg started Molly & Me Pecans in 2008 after picking pecans from her own 200+ acre farm, and sharing them with family and friends. We asked her more about her humble beginnings and what she would share with other female entrepreneurs.

What was the inspiration behind Molly & Me Pecans?
I know this sounds funny, but the movie Baby Boom! It was about a woman who found herself fed up with the corporate world and city life, bought a farm and moved out to it, then realized she needed to do something to make money and fight the boredom. … I never aspired to being a huge company, but loved the idea of moving to the country and making something from my own land. When we bought our farm, it had pecan trees so of course that's where it all started.

What are you most proud of with your business?
I love the fact that I can help other people here in Holly Hill. The women that work for me are amazing! I have always treated this as a team, not as owner and employees. We celebrate our successes together, we worry and pray for each other when things are tough. My cook just went through chemo, but she never missed a beat. I admire her. I ask their opinions and we figure things out together.

What advice would you give other women hoping to start their own business?
Go for it! I didn't know what I was doing when I started my business. I worked in the corporate world for other people my whole life, so yes, it is a little scary stepping out of your comfort zone, but I am so thankful I did. I get to meet so many people that I never would have met sitting at a desk for the rest of my life. Start out small, take your time and figure it out as you go. Hire people to do the things you are not good at. I am terrible at bookkeeping and a little too old to know a lot about social media and marketing, so I hired other people to do those things. I am also fortunate to have an amazing daughter who has been a huge influence and help with my business. I couldn't have done this without her giving me advice and reeling me back in when I get a crazy idea!

What do you enjoy most about gift-giving?
I love the idea that people are actually choosing our gift boxes or bags of pecans to give others! It makes me so happy to know people enjoy what we make. We are passionate about every detail and I tease the ladies in the cookhouse that I want each box that goes out to look like a "party in a box." No matter what the occasion, I want the person opening the box to feel special.

Let’s talk about Valentine’s Day

Posted on January 27, 2019 | 35 Comments

 

Ahhh, Saint Valentine’s Day. That mid-February reminder that you should tell your significant other how much you love them. Chances are you’ve missed the mark at least once, so here is VelvetCrate’s fail-proof guide to the Dos and Don’ts for a perfect Valentine’s Day to amaze the love of your life.

DON’T ignore Valentine’s Day. If you do nothing else, craft a beautiful note telling them how much they mean to you—it’s not nothing, and likely it’s more meaningful than anything one can buy.

DO make your own Valentine. Surprise your love with a handmade Valentine’s Day card. Maybe you use watercolors, a heart-shaped stamp, or your kids’ crayons. Regardless of the artistic ability, the fact that you made your own card, will make it one to treasure.  

DON’T buy an average box of chocolates. Chocolates are always wise choice, but make sure it’s a box that’s worth savoring. Find a candy shop or chocolatier in your area that make mouths water.

DO remember Fido and Puss. Speak for the voiceless! If your loved one has a pet they couldn’t live without, find a clever way to incorporate them into Valentine’s Day. Maybe it’s a big red bow, or a love note with a paw print; whatever you decide, your S.O. will swoon.

DON’T make a reservation. Nothing says I love you like a home cooked meal—especially if it’s unexpected.

DO send flowers, just not roses. Pick a flower that reminds you of your love together. Maybe it’s an exotic bloom or a potted succulent; plenty of flowers on this earth can be symbolic of love.

DON’T give a pricey gift. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it shows how much you love them. Originality can mean more than price tags.

DO send them a “Love” VelvetCrate. This unexpected crate will surprise them with a blend of hand-picked gifts that illustrate love. Included is the “Love Potion Candle” by Brooklyn Candle Co., of which 10% of all candle sales go to the ACLU; a colorful floral notepad from Rifle Paper Co.; and Sugarfina Sugar LIps. Trust us, this crate will keep the spark of V-Day burning long after February 14. 

Most importantly, don’t stop at Valentine’s Day, remember to celebrate love every day of the year with three simple words, “I love you!”

Tags Brooklyn Candle Co., love, Rifle Paper Co., Sugarfina, Valentine's Day, VelvetCrate

Meet McCrea's Candies

Posted on November 27, 2017 | 2 Comments

The story behind McCrea's Candies and why VelvetCrate loves their caramels.

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Tags build your own, Candy, Holidays, McCrea's, products, VelvetCrate

Posting the Parks

Posted on August 23, 2017 | 0 Comments

National Parks Postcards

Just because summer is coming to a close doesn’t mean the parks are. There is still time to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the National Parks Service—especially through these imaginative postcards! 

A handful of designers at Anderson Design Group based in Nashville, created an award-winning National Parks poster series featuring iconic scenes from all 59 parks. Crafted with a healthy dose of early 20th century-inspired design, the poster series—turned postcard series—provides an illustrative look at the parks’ natural calling cards such as the famed balanced rock at Big Bend.

Whether you’ve made it to all the parks, or only a couple in the last decade, these cards will give you all the cred you need for the centennial celebration. Not to mention they make a surprisingly fun gift, and as you know, we like gifts at VelvetCrate!

More than just a postcard, use these beautiful designs to decorate a nursery or office, keep in touch with family and pen pals, use as an invitation to your next camping trip, or inspire an adventure themed holiday with these as gift tags. –Katy Ibsen

National Parks Postcard Set

Grab your own set at a National Park near you, or online at Anderson Design Group

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