| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

While catching up with my parents over a FaceTime call, my kids excitedly shared our early preparations for Valentine's Day. My dad, surprised, remarked that it seemed too early to think about Valentine's Day. But I believe it's never too soon to start planning for a day dedicated to love and affection.

In fact, early preparation can help avoid the common missteps that often undermine the true spirit of Valentine's Day. Let's dive into how you can sidestep these pitfalls and ensure your Valentine's Day is not just memorable, but genuinely heartfelt and special.

1. Procrastination: Start Early for a Heartfelt Celebration

One of the biggest mistakes people make is starting their Valentine's Day preparations too late. The essence of a thoughtful Valentine's Day lies in planning and anticipation.

Waiting until the last minute often leads to rushed decisions, limited choices, and a lack of personal touch. Here’s why starting now is crucial:

• Ample Time for Customization: Personalized gifts and handmade valentines take time to create. By starting early, you have the opportunity to put genuine effort into your gifts, making them more meaningful.
• Avoiding Shipping Delays: If you're ordering supplies or gifts online, consider potential shipping delays. Early shopping ensures everything arrives on time. For those crafting their own valentines, my shop offers an array of charming items. I recommend the "Cherub Seal," "Forever Hearts," and "Forget Me Not" seals, along with my pink and red sealing wax bundles. These exquisite items add a classic touch to your valentines and are sure to impress your loved one.

2. Consumerism: Thoughtfulness Over Price Tags

Valentine's Day has become increasingly commercialized, with a focus on expensive gifts. However, the true spirit of Valentine's Day lies in the sentiment, not the price tag. Thoughtful, handcrafted gifts often hold more emotional value than something bought off a shelf. Here's how to add a personal touch...

Crafting Unique Valentines: Handmade valentines are a heartfelt way to express your feelings. They reflect the time and thought you've invested, which is invaluable. For inspiration, check out my tutorial on "Victorian Purse Puzzle Valentines" available on YouTube. This creative project is not only enjoyable but also results in a charming and distinctive Valentine's Day memento.

3. Overthinking: Simplicity is Key!

Many people get overwhelmed by the idea of creating the "perfect" Valentine's message. Remember, Valentine's Day expressions can range from a simple card to a detailed letter. The key is to follow your heart and instincts:

• Personalize Your Message: Whether it's a brief note or a multi-page letter, what matters most is the sincerity behind your words. Express your feelings in a way that feels natural to you. The authenticity of your message will resonate more than any grand gesture.
• Quality over Quantity: A few heartfelt words can be more impactful than an elaborate message. Focus on the quality of your message. Share memories, express gratitude, or simply tell them why they’re special to you.

Je cherche le plus fidèle

​This wax seal depicts a cherub delicately collecting hearts into a bowl, an image rich with symbolism and meaning. The cherub, often associated with innocence and divine aspects of love, is more than a mere childlike figure; it represents a guardian of heartfelt emotions and spiritual connections.

The action of gathering hearts speaks to the cherub's role in cherishing and safeguarding love. Each heart in the bowl is a metaphor for an emotion, a cherished moment, or a deep bond, emphasizing the importance of actively seeking and valuing sincere emotional ties.

The seal is further enhanced by the inscription "Je cherche le plus fidèle," which translates to "I am looking for the most faithful."

This phrase adds a layer of depth to the imagery, transforming the seal into a symbol of a quest – not just for love, but for a love that is steadfast, true, and unwavering. The combination of the cherub, the act of collecting hearts, and the poignant inscription makes this seal a powerful emblem for anyone who values deep, authentic connections.

It's a reminder and a promise, an emblem that signifies the bearer's desire for a love that is as enduring and genuine as the seal itself.

The Newest Kathryn Hastings Collectors Seal

United by our shared passion for classical motifs and the art of thoughtful correspondence, we embarked on a partnership to craft a series of enchanting stationery items, each complemented by a meticulously designed seal.

Our first design, now available for enthusiasts and collectors, is inspired by the timeless beauty of Antonio Canova's "Three Graces," a renowned sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This piece, a perfect marriage of classical beauty and mythology, profoundly influenced our creative journey.

We're thrilled to present this work to you, a unique blend of historical artistry and contemporary sophistication. The level of detail in both the seal and the stationery is unparalleled. The Kathryn Hastings seals are among the most intricate three-dimensional designs in the world, and the engraving plates for the stationery were meticulously detailed by hand, ensuring every piece is a work of art in its own right.

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With gratitude and heartfelt regards,

Kay