Lately I've been making boxed stationery sets, with handmade custom boxes. I've been exprimenting with Etsy and posted a few designs in a small Etsy storefront.

Manzanita Press on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/manzanitapress

Boxes are made with book board, linen book cloth and a range of patterned papers. Clients can choose from any design here, or select a favorite paper and stationery for a custom stationery set. Boxes fit a set of 40 flat cards A6, or A2, or 25 folded notes. All paper is 100% cotton rag.

When I was 14, my sister went to Florence and brought me back a box of stationery as a gift. I remember running my fingers over the ornamental capital-letter C, printed in sepia-brown ink on cream cotton paper. I was in awe. I had never seen anything like it. It remains one of the most beautiful, memorable gifts I've ever received.

Signature cards work wonderfully as personal stationery for men, when a flourish is too ornate. I love patterns, graphic silhouettes, or the simplicity of an unadorned name.

My blank note cards are inspired by design patterns in nature.

Gardening and photography are two of my other favorite things in life, and many years ago I was at Paxton Gate in San Francisco, when I saw my first Karl Blossfeldt photos.

Blacksmith, photographer, teacher, and designer, Karl Blossfeldt deserves mention as one of my favorite artists who defies classification, and remains an enormous inspiration. Ansel Adams, Richard Wagener, and dear Lotta Jansdotter are some others.

I was older than I'd like to admit before I understood the real impact of a simple thank you note. A colleague had sent me flowers to thank me for my assistance, and I sent him a thank you note in response.

He called me immediately and said he had never received a thank you note for flowers he had sent to anyone. Thereafter I knew I had made a fond and loyal ally.

Gratitude is amazing.