Designing a Tasteful Transition

/

Creative ideas, new approaches, and nimble behavior, that’s the name of the game. Plans are in motion, albeit on a smaller, more intimate scale. There may be less fanfare and greater challenges, but the world keeps turning. Families are moving into new homes, couples are getting married, and business projects continue. As this transition evolves from weeks into months and lays the foundation for a different future, what plans are you putting in motion? How will you create touchpoints to connect with existing customers?

As you consider your outreach strategy, here are a few things we’ve observed in recent weeks. First, the sincerity of the message matters, with more attention being given to the note accompanying each artisan gift box. People are pausing to reflect on their relationships. Second, now more than ever customers appreciate meaningful gestures and candid conversations. We work closely with clients who are genuine about their intention to recognize valuable colleagues, who still want to celebrate big life events like the milestone anniversaries and weddings, and acknowledge special business partners. They’re sending thoughtful ‘thank you’ gifts to executives who lend an extra hand and to colleagues who’ve stepped up as mentors. And for the newlyweds on honeymoon at home, well, special artisan gift boxes are arriving on their doorsteps too.

We’ve included a few examples here of artisan gift boxes selected by those who understand the value of quality, hand-crafted elements, and how much the thought behind them means to their recipients.



Telling the Artisan Story Behind Our Gift Boxes

/

Being in the business of hand-crafted means we have artisans from all over the country, working in their studios and workshops, to make the elements you see inside our gift boxes. Whether the items are hand-woven, created from clay and kiln-fired, or milled from rough cut lumber, it’s real, custom work. 

There are many interesting details about a makers’ process and we began to get questions from customers. Where is each piece made? Is it ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, maple or walnut wood? The craftsmanship is part of the gift experience, and ultimately their clients appreciate that same story.

With all the inquiries and appeal of the maker space, here are four different ways we share the details of each unique gift box. As the storytellers of artisan work, it’s as important to us as it is to you:

  • A written summary in each gift box. We include a summary detailing each piece and where it’s made. This way the recipient knows the care and craftsmanship that they’re receiving.

  • On the website, we share content details under each gift box photo. On the web page of each gift box, you can page down and see a description of each piece inside the gift box, and where it’s made.

  • Featured artists each month. Once a month we post an article about a different featured artist in our community. While this section continues to expand, we write about the artists with whom we have ongoing relationships.

  • The addition of the Workshop page. People were intrigued by the craftsmanship involved in the gift boxes themselves. We received so many questions and comments that we added a Workshop page for a behind-the-scenes look at selecting the wood, making the boxes, cutting boards and more. We even launched a YouTube channel to share.

We know there are a wide variety of gift boxes options out in the world today, and the prices vary as wildly as the content. For us, we choose the path of hand-crafted because we believe in the talent and skill of the people behind each gift box. We hope that’s exactly why you’ll enjoy working with us too.

 

Creative Gifts Keep Important Connections

/

Travel plans may be delayed or postponed on any given week, so what better time to get your creative juices flowing and boost your client outreach. How do you stay connected and top-of-mind when you’re not meeting face-to-face? While clients are in the midst of deciding when and where to schedule their vacations, attend conferences and plan strategic meetings, this is a chance to surprise them with a bit of light humor and a stylish reminder that you’re ready to welcome them when the time is right.

Consider a new twist to the usual client note and office plant or bottle of wine. Pen your creative message and pair it with a tasteful gift that conveys business yet also brings a smile. (And it’s a gift that will last for years to come!):

Here are a few thoughts to get your wheels turning and the outreach moving:

  • A note of enthusiasm for pending meetings; elegant porcelain glasses paired with a handwoven bar towel, and thoughtful note, “Cheers to our next get-together, we‘re excited to see you again.” (Shop Toast of the Town)

  • When strategic discussions are in the works; ceramic mugs with fresh coffee along with the message; “We look forward to brewing up great ideas with you.” (Shop Now or Latte)

  • When an off-site conference or vacation is on the horizon: a pair of whiskey cups and colorful handwoven coasters may be the perfect way to say, “We invite you to kick back and relax with us, when you firm up your travel plans.” (Shop Fireside Reflection, Midnight Rambler, and Evening Sipper.)

  • An invitation for the next business dinner; a hand-crafted cutting board, (with your logo or customer initials); “We welcome the chance to serve up an exciting plan during your next visit.” (Shop Marketplace)


Being creative and willing to think differently can leave a lasting impression. It’s these small gestures that make the difference when selecting business partners. When plans change unexpectedly, whether it’s now or in the future, send an upbeat note and lighten the mood with a tasteful, unique gesture.




Trends & Takeaways from Show Season

/

The start of the year brings with it cold winds and the season of big retail and artisan shows, some exclusively for makers, others with a large carve-out of global hand-made elements, as the world becomes a smaller place. In our travels, we met small business owners from South Africa, England, India and across the US. We decided we were grateful to be focused on artisan, hand-crafted gifts. Otherwise, we would quickly become overwhelmed by the thousands of options available to large retail stores. Thankfully, life is simpler (and more naturally beautiful) in the artisan space.

Here are three trends worth noting from the global shows:

The influence of sustainable storytelling. While a drive toward sustainability isn’t new, it was more widely reflected as an active part of the shop owners’ consideration in product development. Each owner had a story about the source and importance of how they crafted their products. From textiles to beauty products to fabric stains, the makers are searching for new ways to get ahead of, or keep pace with, the movement. We talked to textile shop owners who find their stains through natural sources like flowers and vegetables. Some shared their process of using only leather sourced from animals who died of natural causes. Others highlighted a bamboo beauty cloth and encouraged the use of hand-illustrated linen bags as an upgrade to your brown paper bags, or replacement for your plastic ones. What these items demonstrate to us is that you can add sustainable elements to gifts and also add beauty. In the early days, many alternatives were functional but less attractive. We’re glad to see styles have evolved to accomplish both.

Style makes a clean sweep. The household broom has seen a complete makeover. The size and scope of this old bristled tool has been miniaturized and expanded to match any cleaning task. Handles are made with special wood designs, rich color stains, or with a custom ceramic base. There’s a broom for your home, one for your workshop table, for your elegant dining area, the camping table inside the airstream or outside by the picnic table. We’ve seen several examples of award-winning brooms, and because of the variation in design, they can be an added gift option for those who enjoy being inside and out. Now, there’s no excuse not to have a custom broom at every turn to make a clean sweep of your workspace.

The soft and cozy appeal of natural fibers was on display in a wide variety of hand-crafted bags. Felt, made from as far away as Nepal, appeared on custom dyed handbags, large carry bags for business and travel, and as makeup bags for professionals on-the-go. We admired the mini bags to help keep things organized inside our big bag. Complete with natural dyes, the mini sported a pair of zipper pulls for easy opening and access. For the bag-lovers among us, you know two zipper pulls are a welcome luxury typically by-passed to lower the cost. These soft materials, in an array of different patterns and sizes, nicely expand your gift choices.

As we’ve learned in our business, the origin story and artisan process is a big part of a company’s path forward. The authenticity of a company’s commitment to creating a unique, quality product with purpose, while working in unison with the natural elements around it, is increasingly important.



Set the Mood for a Moment of Escape

/

Winter can be a time when we’re all looking for an opportunity to take flight, set sail, cozy up, in short, to escape. Is it possible to package up that relaxing experience for clients without them ever having to leave the room? With the right mix of elements in your gift box, you can set the mood and encourage a few blissful moments to let the senses unfold.

Maybe it’s a journey to the crisp air of the slopes, the feel of a warm ocean breeze, or a quiet trail walk, packaged into one distinct gift. Like a favorite song, or the smell of a certain fragrance, the right combination of artisan pieces can do wonders for the imagination. For any skeptics out there on the power of setting a mood, consider the rise of Hygge, the Danish lifestyle of embracing light and texture to inspire feelings of well-being and contentment. We first heard about it from friend, and branding expert, @andrebean who shared the concept and how it complemented our artisan gift business. As we soon discovered, much has been written on the topic. (More here.)

While you’re planning the details of your next client gathering, consider how the gift choice will set the stage. Is it smooth and sophisticated (porcelain glasses, hand-crafted cutting boards) or casual and upbeat (colorful tumblers or steaming mugs of tea and coffee)? If visions of warm summer nights are the goal, light textures make a nice addition (festive ceramic cups with hand-woven coasters). On the other hand, rich leather and woolen blends conjure up visions of a cozy fire inside a winter retreat (whiskey tumblers, ceramic flasks). How will your gifts stir excitement and anticipation?

The right textures can deliver an experience that helps transport your guests to a place of quiet respite. And the good news is, there’s no waiting line or baggage fees on this journey.



Impress Them at the Entrance

/

It could be the moment of the door opening or the gift opening, either way, first impressions matter. Creating an element of surprise and delight with guests and party-goers can mean the difference in an experience that’s talked about for weeks, or one with not so much as a whisper. Whether it’s the first peek inside a party room or the entrance to a luxury guest suite, we have mere seconds to grab their attention and create an amazing first impression. What combination of colors, textures and visuals will you use to create an enchanting, unexpected moment?

Make an Impact at the Opening
What’s the first thing guests see as they enter the room? Does the scene invite them in or leave them wondering why they came? Try adding a design twist to a colorful floral arrangement by pairing it with an artisan look that’s unique and beautiful, yet doesn’t overwhelm. A distinct ceramic piece, blended inside a hand-crafted gift box with a small bouquet, makes a thoughtful, artistic selection that can be enjoyed as event centerpieces, or on the entrance table as guests arrive in their room. The best part? This gift keeps on giving, it’s meant to travel home to continue the celebration! The hand-crafted gift box can be used to hold blooming succulents in the sun room, or scented soaps and hand towels in the master suite. And each custom ceramic tumbler keeps the conversation going at the bar, or kitchen table, for years to come. (See examples in Tablescapes.)

You Had Me at Hello
The gift tag is often at best an afterthought, or at worst, a complete oversight in the gifting process. Taking the time to select a simple, well designed gift tag can set the stage for a delightful gift experience. Take a few moments to complete the look and create a feeling of surprise anticipation. Delivering your thoughtful message on a custom-designed gift tag can capture a client’s attention from the minute the gift is unveiled. It’s a small detail that leaves a big impression.

Host a New Kind of Jam Session!

/

This is the time of year when people head home to gather and greet while dipping, spreading and snacking. Whether it’s visiting the old homestead, celebrating a new home, or traveling to a beloved home-away-from-home, here’s how to serve up some fun:

  • Add a little jolly to the jellies by creating jam stations at your next brunch affair.

  • Keep things berry merry with a variety of sweet berry flavors like these.

  • Preserve the elegance of the occasion with hand-crafted serving boards as detailed as the foods are delicious.

  • Jellies not your jam? Don’t be blue, add your favorite aged cheese and crackers to the mix.

  • Make the most of toast, with options like hazelnut and cranberry bread, vegan cheddar or rosemary lemon crackers.

  • Expand your jam. For an extra kick include spicy salsa or chili granola for the breakfast tacos.

  • Spread the love. If you’re a guest not the host, help get the party started with a custom gift box filled with the fixins.

Match Their Passion to Make a Memorable Gift

/

Updated 02.21.23

How do you create a gift experience that tells clients you know them as a person and as a customer? You’ve likely noted your client’s passions by the courses they take, the texts they send, the conferences they value, and even the trips they’ve booked. Whether they’re entering a hotel suite or a meeting room, imagine their delight when they experience a gift created just for them.

Here are a range of options to personalize gifts and create a memorable first impression:

Custom Engraving – A simple, yet beautiful way to personalize is through engraving. Is there a phrase, date, initials, or emblem of significance to them? For a long-lasting impact, hand-crafted cutting boards (and gift boxes) can be beautifully engraved as a genuine gift of craftsmanship. Unique lettering and font styles add to the personalization. This is a straightforward option, with a minimal time commitment, yet it still delivers a custom experience.

Blend a Gift Box – Combine a special element of your brand with an existing gift box. Select a distinct artisan gift box and blend elements together to deliver a more custom feel. For luxury hotels, it may be adding the taste of homemade jams, sauces, or aromatherapy with a hand-poured candle, into an existing gift box. For corporate gifts, it could be the preview of a product sample, a gift card, or unique local flavors to reflect your location. A touch of calligraphy with a personal message on the gift tag goes a long way. This option does require engagement and planning with us in the process to perfect the combination; however, blending creates a sense of craftsmanship and unique gifting without you having to find and coordinate the artisan elements (that’s what we do).

Match Their Passion - Is your client an explorer who likes to hit the trail or walk the beach? Do they enjoy a culinary experience in their kitchen? Perhaps they prefer a black-tie affair? Maybe she’s a whiskey taster, and a sip of bourbon in a cool ceramic cup is the way to go? Custom gift boxes beautifully demonstrate that you appreciate your clients as individuals first. Examples include adding postcards from the national parks, ceramic cups, forged metal slicers, a leather journal, or handwoven champagne towels. All are elements that match a passion. If you know the feeling you want to evoke, artisan gift boxes can deliver. This option works best with advance planning to allow us the appropriate time to select artisan elements to meet your goal. Time to exchange and confirm ideas is part of a successful custom process.

Take the time to give a gift that delights clients at the door. This may be the added touch that keeps them coming back for more.

Gifts that Revel on the Fringe

/

There are some days when hanging out on the edge feels like a good place to be. This feels like one of those times.

As we enter a new season, we’ve shifted our gaze to the edge of the artisan market. Specifically, the edge of the hand-woven market, the fringe you might say. Several of our latest additions carry a little sassy extra to catch the eye.

First, these hand-woven coasters have arrived to liven up your beverage choices. Using colorful pattern inlays and hint of fringe, these coasters bring a splash of color and a stylish option to the traditional beverage experience. The good news is they’re durable too, so you can machine wash them. The white fringe around the trim creates an airy feel, and adds another element of interest. It’s the cherry on top…or maybe the bottom?

Next, if you’re looking to add a touch of class to your bar menu, these hand-woven bar towels, with an inset of silver sparkle, are meant to evoke a classic sense of celebration. (And yes, machine wash these beauties too!) Fresh off the loom, they include a light fringe with a silver shimmer. They’re luxurious yet ready for action, heirloom quality you can use every day.

In previous years, these elements may have been an after-thought to the party, not an intentional addition to a festive gathering. No more! On the fringe is a fun place to be.

Look for these hand-crafted fringe pieces throughout our Gift Box Collection.



How Memories of Main Street Create Meaningful Client Gifts

/

I used to love going down to the Rock Box when I was a kid. It was a tiny store on a small town main street selling rocks of all sizes, shapes and colors. The owners knew me well because of my frequent visits and let me wander free, picking up all the rocks to feel the quartz edges and touch the cold, smooth surface of the colored stones. That experience left a lasting impression on me, a reminder of the joy that comes from connecting with beautiful natural elements.

Today, we’ve expanded on the wares of the little rock shop by working with artisan elements of all shapes, sizes and colors. The feel of woven fabrics, the look of natural wood grain, and the touch of ceramic textures, are a few of the different ways we like to evoke a memorable gift experience. Often, it’s about adding depth and dimension to a gift, the result of a subtle touch or detail to magnify the focal pieces.

Adding dimension to a moving target takes a careful eye, a consistent evaluation of the landscape, and old-fashioned practice. If you understand the broader context, and the art of creating a custom gift box, you can scout the options and identify pieces that complete your preferred look.

Here are two things we strive for in our selection process:

Enhancing with color – how can we add color in ways that enhance the style yet don’t overpower a gift box? Consider pieces that are made from natural, woven or milled fabrics, and bring a unique sense of touch. Fabrics can be light and airy, bulky, silky or rough, depending on the look you’re aiming for. Special thread styles and even fringe can be part of the mix! These pieces can amplify a gift theme, yet minimize the space required inside a gift box. By rolling, folding or tucking them into artisan pieces, they add flexibility too.

Variety in textures - Adding elements such as, wood, metal, fabric, or a special glaze can create a more interesting visual effect. Many times, textures can be layered, such as floral elements resting on wood grain, or glaze drips on ceramics. Perhaps a wool fabric, which brings a much different feel than silky linens, is in order. Mother Nature is also your friend, offering pine cones, evergreens and the delicious smell of eucalyptus. An eye-catching combination of these can go a long way in creating a compelling style.

In the end, the goal is to understand a client’s needs and the experience they want to create. We hope our artisan gift boxes transport people to a wonderful place, maybe a feeling of adventure or celebration? Or maybe to a favorite old shop on main street.