Here’s something to ponder. What does one do when the recipient of a handmade gift fails to recognize that the gift was handmade?
I really like the co-worker whose name I drew for our annual gift exchange. She is a lovely person who’s sunny attitude is unfailing. She is a joy to be around.
I don’t sell the things I make, nor do I allow myself to be goaded into making things out of a sense of guilt or responsibility, or worst of all, demand performance. If I make a gift for someone, it’s an act of joy. In this case, I’ve already reaped the joy benefit on my end. At least that was my mind’s calculation in the moments that followed the opening of the gift when I realized she wasn’t going to ask, “did you make this?”
Funny thing. In writing this, I just realized that the lost opportunity was mine. Instead of hoping this woman would recognize my high regard for her through receiving a piece of silk and thread, I could have written her a personal note expressing my thoughts and my gratitude.
Hmmm . . . thanks! ThreadingWater blog. Now, I know just what to do.
You’re being awfully nice. I’d be inclined to go the other direction and make an elegant little card to enclose, something that makes it clear that this gift was handmade especially for them. I can even make a case that recipients will be happy to know this. Then they know what the rules are — get gushy or else!
You continue to amaze me. What a gorgeous picture of an stunning handmade gift.