I'm thrilled to highlight things from my shop I love for the holidays and a provide preview of this week's antique seal sale.

During a recent chat with my friend and fellow artist, Anne Taylor, we reflected on how today's mainstream culture tends to overlook the true value of craftsmanship, eschews the old, and lacks sentiment.

This conversation reminded me of a themes from the Arts and Crafts Movement, led by thinkers like William Morris. Back then, the rise of industrialization had a similar effect, diminishing the appreciation for handmade and vintage items. Morris and his peers identified this as a key issue, championing a revival of personal craftsmanship as an antidote to the impersonal nature of mass production.

Drawing inspiration from this historic perspective, I've highlighted things in my shop that capture the enduring beauty of craftsmanship, sentiment and historic appreciation.

First, Do you need help finding a gift?

If you would you like help finding the perfect gift for someone one your list, you can reply to this email. Let me know: 1. Who they are. 2. What they enjoy 3. Budget (if you have one) I can put together more specific and thoughtful ideas for you.

Freindship & Love

The holidays, to me, are fundamentally about friendship and love, and this sentiment is perfectly captured by this wax seal in my collection, most likely dating back to the mid-1700s. This seal, one of the most intricately detailed pieces I paint, features two cherubs holding a crown above a heart, symbolizing innocence, loyalty, and love.

Yes, this seal actually says Freindship & it's not a typo. The word "friendship" has evolved significantly from its Old English roots. Originally spelled as "freondscipe," it transformed over centuries, with variations like "freindship" appearing during the Middle English period. The current spelling, "friendship," became more standardized with the development of dictionaries and the push for uniform English language conventions, especially after Samuel Johnson's dictionary in 1755.

I sell a set of 9 of these in my shop, which are mounted with adhesive. They make a perfect gift, and also can be used for holiday cards, letters, gift wrapping and more.

Featured Items from Kathryn Hastings' Shop

Peel-and-Stick Seals This collection of peel-and-stick wax seals elevates your holiday cards and letters, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your seasonal greetings. Each seal is pressed using an original antique, ensuring every piece is imbued with unique historical significance. The convenience of the peel-and-stick design effortlessly combines traditional charm with modern ease, making them perfect for personalizing envelopes or enhancing your holiday crafts. Explore Motifs

Enhance your holiday correspondence with these exquisite writing papers, perfect for capturing the festive spirit. Each set comes from world-famous paperies in Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Japan, offering a harmonious blend of beauty and historical elegance. These papers reflect the rich traditions of global paper-making, making them an ideal choice for your special seasonal messages and greetings. ​ Explore the Collection

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Artisan Scissors ​ Discover the perfect holiday gift in my premium collection of scissors, blending Italian and UK craftsmanship. Each pair, a masterpiece of artistry and precision, offers unmatched quality and performance, making them ideal gifts for those who appreciate elegance and efficiency in their crafting and everyday tasks. Explore all Scissors

These exquisite small cards, available in a variety of sizes and styles, are the ideal choice for the holiday season, capturing the essence of rich paper-making traditions from France, Belgium, and Italy. Whether you're penning a heartfelt note to accompany a festive gift, crafting a thoughtful message for a cherished loved one, or creating elegant place cards for a special holiday gathering, these cards add a touch of sophistication and warmth. Their fine craftsmanship and timeless design make them not just stationery, but a memorable part of your holiday celebrations. ​ Shop All Cards

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Each sealing wax is created using the finest North American ingredients, ensuring top quality in every seal. Specially formulated for high resolution, our waxes capture the most intricate details of each seal while maintaining soft, billowy edges — a perfect blend for your festive correspondence. Delve into the unique story behind each wax, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to your holiday messages and gifts. ​ Shop Now

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​ Celebrate the holiday season with the timeless elegance of Kathryn Hastings & Co's wax seal kits. Perfect for adding a festive touch to your letters, invitations, and holiday paper goods, each kit comes complete with everything you need to embark on your wax sealing adventure. This includes a high-quality seal stamp, sealing wax, melter, spoon, and stationery, all thoughtfully curated to help you create stunning, personalized seals. ​ Shop Seals and Kids

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With love,

Kay