Spreading the joy

This might be the computer age, but you all know how I feel about a hand written note or an old school invitation. Nothing says attention to detail and care like tangible, handmade stationary. This weekend I got to crafting up some mini cards for Alexandra's Joys to pass out along my travels.

I designed a simple, clean card, matching the font to my blog template and printed them on light gray cardstock. To add interest, I attached snippets of delicious, old recipes to the back.

It took some time to search a second-hand bookstore for vintage craft books, old poetry, or well-loved cookbooks. But I finally settled on The Home Cook Book, first published in 1877. Let's just say the first few chapters discuss housekeeping, dinner etiquette and social observances. The writing style and formality of the book is so intriguing. It made me want to sit up straight, put on a hat and host afternoon tea. Instead I sat on the floor, hair in a bun, cutting and pasting.

Everywhere there are people living in small common ways, because they are absolutely afraid of the expense or the notice which a pleasanter life would bring. Half the niceties of life involve only care to secure them, without a dollar of expense. Good manners cost nothing, good taste is saving, and good housekeeping actually makes money.

- The Home Cook Book, 1877

PS Email me (alexandrajoywig@gmail.com) if you want a little stack of your own Alexandra's Joys cards to hand out. Thanks for spreading the joy!