September 22, 2021

A Q&A With Stationery Classic, Crane & Co.

Hi! How are we doing? Today I'm feeling grateful for a chilly start to the Autumn season! If you live in Nashville, you know the weather never truly turns until mid October, so this is a treat. I can't believe I can actually wear a sweater (!!) It's the little things...

Something else I'm feeling especially thankful for? Being featured in today's Crane & Co. newsletter! It was such an honor and privilege to be asked, and I wanted to share our short Q&A with you.

Crane has a rich heritage beginning in 1770 in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Their impeccable craftsmanship and experience spans 250 years, so you can understand why I was so excited to work with such a classic American maker!

Personalized Kingswood Jotter Card

Q&A

Tell us a bit about yourself: who are you, what do you do for work, where do you live?

I live in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband Carson, daughter Meriwether (3) and our white kitty, Pearl. During the week I work as the editor of Amelia Styles, a website that encompasses fashion, interiors, lifestyle, gardening and travel.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to transition to writing and curating for the site full-time last year. Prior to that, I enjoyed running my brick and mortar wardrobe studio downtown Nashville for five years. Curating, styling and helping my clients is something I miss, so I'm happy to be a resource for my community of readers.

Name 3 things that are sitting on your desk right now:

A hot cup of tea, fresh florals and my trusty daily planner.

Your go-to rules of etiquette for correspondence:

1. Think about what you want to say. Oftentimes I'll practice on a scrap sheet before starting to write on my stationery.

2. Always be courteous and clear in your writing.

3. Use your scrap sheet as a straight edge guide so your sentences are straight.

4. Include a photo when you can - it'll bring a smile to their face!

5. Reread before closing to be sure everything is spelled correctly.

Why is letter writing important to you?

Letter writing is such a timeless form of communication. I've always enjoyed writing letters and sending cards to loved ones, especially for special occasions. As I get older, what I appreciate most is the act itself. It's a chance to intentionally slow down and take time to be thoughtful about what you want to convey. It's most fun to surprise someone with a letter they aren't expecting!

What's the best letter you've ever received?

My husband wrote me a sweet letter in French once. It caught me by surprise and was quite thoughtful. His letters and notes are usually the ones I treasure most and I keep them in my nightstand to revisit.

The last thank-you note you wrote, what it was for, and who it was to:

My mom is quite talented with sewing, and she smocks countless outfits for Meriwether in her free time. We have a lot of fun picking out fabrics and imagining new pieces together. I wrote her a card thanking her for sharing her talents with us - we're very lucky!

Have you ever had a pen pal? Tell us about it...

Oh how I wish I could say I've had a pen pal...if anyone is looking for one, I'm yours!

On your perfect Saturday morning, after a walk to your closest post office box to drop your Crane thank you notes, what's next on the agenda?

A visit to my favorite Nashville bakery, Dozen. I always go for their savory breakfast sandwich complete with eggs, pesto, roasted tomatoes, cheddar cheese and avocado. I can never pass up their sweet baked goods either! A chocolate chip cookie is always a must.

Here at Crane, we believe in making our mark. How do you make your mark every day?

I believe the little things are really the big things, and as I've gotten older I've developed a deep appreciation for the simple joys life gives us every single day. The way I attempt to make my mark is to live slowly and show those around me that it's the small moments that are most important. Don't get so caught up in the business of life that you miss them. My daughter is who inspires me most in this pursuit and I'm thankful for the time we get to spend together each day. Crane & Co Favorites