back story

twenty-five words comes from the old advertising contests imploring would be copywriters:  "Tell us on a 3 x 5 card, in twenty-five words or less, why XYZ is the best product" and mail the entry in along with three box tops....  Everyone can find the time to write a short and sweet note.

twenty-five words was born out of need and a passion.  With every birthday party, holiday present or any gift, a visit or a meal at a friend's house, a thank you note was expected to be in the mail soon after.  Emily Post was required reading.  Throw in the childhood fascination with stamps. Add the delight of receiving a handwritten letter and a life-long habit of writing notes began.  To feed the stationery habit and justify a growing paper collection, making cards became a necessity, and hence the mother of inventing:  twenty-five words.  

stationery

Each card is a tiny bit of art, revealed as the envelope is opened.  Combining fine papers from Europe, Asia and the US, French and English sewing threads, Bohemian and Chinese beads, ephemera from around the world and down the street, the notes are hand constructed and delicately stitched.  Glue is eschewed.  

The annual valentine has become a mix of creative challenge, stamina and this Luddite's version of maintaining a social network via old school media.

package

Anticipation and presentation:  the boxes and packaging are from a long family love affair with containers and a lifetime appreciation of the art of the present.  The careful execution of the Tiffany bow.  Folding handkerchiefs and cloth napkins.  The artful furoshiki wrapping at Takashimaya.  Nana folding and patting the just washed laundry before putting it into the dryer.  

A bit of whimsy:  the matchboxes are a natural mix of preference for smaller scale and familial addiction to all things boxed, becoming pocket birthday greetings and miniature celebrations.  Beginning as mere paper collage, the matchboxes morphed into delicate dioramas with movable elements and beading.