The Surprise in Cuff-making

Before Christmas, I advertised that I was making cuffs.  And you guys were great to respond with purchasing them for yourselves and for loved ones in your life.  And I am very thankful.

Here’s the thing.  I was expecting to enjoy the process of making them each for you.  And I certainly did.  I love getting out into my studio and creating things.  And if I can make a little extra money doing it, even better.  But what I wasn’t expecting was how much I would enjoy the back stories of those words I stamped for you.

I’m going to share a few stories with you.  If they touched me, I know you will find something in them, as well.  Granted, I know I’m a sap, too.

I made one cuff, stamped with the word ‘Hope’ for my dear friend, Janice. That ‘Hope’ is for the life of a sweet little foster boy – that he settles into his forever home, finally reunited with his birth sister.  ‘Hope’ that the ache and hole he leaves behind heals, in the lives of those he lived with and those he was loved by.  I, too, love this boy.  He is lovable and boy, I’m going to miss his bright little smile.  And it is my ‘Hope’ for Janice and her family that they treasure the memories, take some time for themselves but that they open their hearts and home again someday, when they are ready.

Christine and I talked about what she would want on a cuff, and the conversation took a turn when she mentioned that she considered getting a tattoo of the word ‘Hooray’.  We decided a cuff was a good, temporary place to start.  But ‘Hooray’ had to be bright – no brown or black cuff would do for the fun of a word, right?  So when I found this purple leather – I knew it was right!!  I love ‘Hooray’!! Dave and Christine used big, bold letters of ‘Hooray’ at their wedding, too and it was perfect!!

This is such a great reminder that we all need by times, right?  This was one I mailed out to my friend, Terrie as a little Christmas surprise.  It was something we spoke about that we need to talk time to just ‘Be Still’, but man, is it hard to actually do.  A cuff seems like the perfect way to remember. 

I made another ‘Be Still’ cuff from one sister to another as she watched her sister fly through life, filling her days with work, raising kids and all the stuff life tosses our way.  It’s a gentle reminder out of love, to take time to rest, to worship, to just be.

The cuffs in this picture – ‘Delight’, ‘Finding Joy’ and ‘I Am The Good Shepherd’ – are fabulous reminders.  The story behind the ‘I Am The Good Shepherd’ cuff is that recipient of the cuff tends to be someone who is always taking care of others, she has the biggest heart.  So her sister wanted her to remember that she deserves to be taken care of and that the Good Shepherd is HER shepherd, too and He loves her.

The ‘Finding Joy’ cuff is mine.  Every year when I pick a Word of the Year, I make something to serve as a physical reminder of my word.  And back at the beginning of 2016, I decided on Finding Joy, so I made myself a cuff.  I did change the leather it was on, but I do still love ‘Finding Joy’ 😉

These two were a momma’s reminder to her daughters – daughters who have left the nest and are finding their way in the world.  A mother never stops loving or worry about her children.

When I made this one, I had no idea who would end up with it.  It was donated to our local recreation program to go in a basket that was being raffled off.  And I couldn’t be more thrilled that my friend ended up winning it.  Life has been really tough for her these last few years and I hope she finds a new way to ‘Bloom’ in the life she now finds herself.

Words to live by here, eh? The funny thing about this cuff isn’t what this one actually says but the conversation about what to put on a cuff, how many words would fit, can I do a scripture verse on a cuff….she jokingly asked for all of Psalm 23 and I told I could do it but it would have to be on a ladle, not a spoon!  Thankfully she decided on this two powerful words. 😉

My friend, Alena’s mom ordered this for her and she asked me for my input on what it should say.  And really, Alena unknowingly picked this herself.  I was scrolling through her FB posts to see if inspiration struck.  And it did, this was a hashtag Alena had used on a few of her Letterboard posts and it was perfect.  It is up to us to find that beauty, or create that beauty in our day-to-day lives.  But we have to be ready to see it, too.  Alena, I know that you will ‘Make Everyday Beautiful’, regardless of how long some days are or the curveballs life throws!  I was so happy to make this for you and I know you’re reading this!! xo

Sometimes a cuff is so much more than just a cuff.  Sometimes it’s a consistent reminder that you’ve got someone cheering you on as you deal with life’s huge struggles like cancer.  Sometimes it’s a positive note to remind you are strong enough, a note to say you are loved.  This was a special Christmas gift from a daughter to her mother as she fights.

Well, you know I had to make myself another cuff, right?  Honestly, it was a trial to see if this leather was too thick.  But I figured I might as well make it something meaningful and now I wear it almost daily.  I have a post started about what this saying means to me, I’ll be sharing it soon!

I am going to continue to offer cuffs throughout the year.  It’s a fun, creative thing for me to do and it seems to have resonated with you, too.  So, if you want to order one, message me on FB or Insta or email me – you know how to find me….  If there is something you need to remember, get a cuff.  If your friend/daughter/mother/friend needs to be reminded about something, get them a cuff.

To be continued,

Lori