Farewell Summer

Farewell Summer

 So often, this is a fleeting season here in West Michigan. Some years, all it takes is one day of gusty winds off the lake shore to blow the chilly autumn air in to stay. But for some reason, summer just doesn't want to quit this time around! No complaints here: we're soaking up all the sun we can get, as if we can squirrel away the extra for sustenance mid-Februrary.

The summer was not a season of much writing or marketing here at The Woodshop headquarters, but in between our times of travel and of hosting visitors, we found some time to take on new projects. In addition to numerous custom orders, we've been experimenting with new styles and finishes.  We've been trying to find a way to offer these engraved 5 x 7 for favorite scripture passages or quotes. The size of standard greeting cards, they can be propped or hung like photos.

words in wood

Dad's also designed larger indoor signs in a style that echoes the Arts and Crafts style of William Morris in some elements. This one is the width of a standard door frame: fitting for a house blessing or family motto.  

Scripture plaque

The experimenting has yielded a number of unique pieces, like the Three Holy Hearts Rosary Hanger. (Let me know if you want this beauty--I'm not making a listing because it's the only one!)

3 holy hearts rosary hanger

And we've had the delight of sharing in some special projects like this house-warming gift for a family that is dearly beloved by their church community:

House Hancock
 But, I have to say, the highlights of the summer were the orders we received for baptismal candle holders. They're simple, modest gifts, but each one represented a new soul dedicated to God. And because they are all personalized, I had the chance to interact with each customer in a more personal way.
When they email to give me the details for engraving, they often include a little note about who it's for--and of course, the majority go to new babies, but not all! Several went to converts who wanted to remember the day they joined the church, and one father ordered one for each of his children so that they could start a new tradition of celebrating their baptisms as a family feast day. I treasure those glimpses into the lives of the faithful around the country. It's encouraging to know that those folks are out there, starting new journeys, growing new families, and finding new ways to live out their faith.
We need these small connections. These moments remind us that the body of Christ is alive and active and real. And when we share in one another's joys and sorrows, we begin to "behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
 

 

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