This Saturday we'll be headed to the Cleveland Flea, bright and early. Stop by if you're still searching for that perfect gift for mom, need something to do with mom, or are a mom and need something to do! This is our second Cleveland Flea this summer. I'll be back with a recap soon and an update on other summer events we hope to catch your fine self! Have a great weekend and happy early Mother's Day to all you inspiring and incredible women out there! You deserve it all!

Still shuffling for a last minute Valentine gift? Dollar aisle deal you an unlucky hand? (Okay I’m done with the card puns.) Well look no further because today I’m sharing a simple yet sentimental craft that would make the perfect gift for any special someone in your life this season.

(And pardon the lower resolution images--I'm repurposing a DIY I created for a blog in the past with clearly smaller image specs). 

• Scissors
• Glue Stick
• Card Stock
• A Book Ring
• Hole Punch
• Pens (Preferably Black & Red)
• Deck of Cards

When it comes to gift giving, I’m a firm believer that it’s not money well spent, but time well spent that truly matters. So while you may be saving up for his new golf clubs or her diamond earrings, just remember handmade, one-of-a-kind trinkets are just as easily treasured. On that note, the most time-consuming portion of this project will probably be compiling a clever & unique list of 52 reasons you adore your recipient…but I promise, the list will create itself quicker than you think.

Begin by cutting 52 1″x 2″ rectangles from your stock, and glue them to the center of each playing card.

From there, start listing away! You may want to include little illustrations, photos, inside jokes, or lyrics along the way. Get creative! It makes the experience that much more engaging & heartfelt.

Now here comes the nitty gritty. You can go about the hole punching 1 of 2 ways. You can punch the cards as you illustrate, OR wait until you’re finished and punch through smaller stacks one at a time. I’ve gathered that you cannot punch through more than roughly 5 at a time with a standard handheld hole punch. Don’t worry about them being perfect–if the hole is in generally the same place on each card, the deck will sort of balance itself out once thread onto the book ring.

Clasp the ring and voila! You have the perfect catalogue of all the memories and reasons you’re a perfect fit, whether it’s for your significant other, your best friend, or your mama. Better than those clubs, and more precious than the diamonds…okay that was for real, the last one.

In almost two weeks, it's Valentine's day, and whether you're a lover or conspirator against the holiday, it's always nice to treat yo friends or even better, TREAT YO SELF! So given "Ohio is for lovers," I thought I would carefully curate a list of a few gift ideas from several of my favorite small local businesses. Click the items below for a direct link.

Handcrafted Mauve Lipstick: Glam and Grace is a Cleveland based fashion and lifestyle brand offering beautifully bold handcrafted cosmetics. Mauve has been my recent go-to lip shade and seems to compliment just about every skin tone it's paired with so fellas, take-note.

Fresh Brewed C Heather Grey T: C is for classic and comfortable...or Cleveland or Columbus in this case. Take your pick. Also available in navy, royal blue, brown and maroon.

Zebra Beaded Bracelet: O N T H E L O O K O U T jewelry is born and raised in the Cleveland area. This black, white and dusty rose piece is the perfect pairing of sweet and sophisticated for the stylish mama. Layering her surf bracelets is one of my weekly go-to's.

Fount Signature Candle: Made from essential oils and soy grown in the Midwest, these signature fragrances are made to appeal to men and women...a rare find in the candle circuit. Men like to light em' up too!

My Main B Postcard: One of our very own and a perfect sweet reminder for your 'ride or die' on an all-too-often romantically reflected holiday. 

Custom Message Money Clip: Whether your dude be saving for craft beer, aged whiskey or a drone, make goals official on one of these brass money clips. Custom engraved messages also available on bottle openers, key chains, and cuff links.

Tricycle Cotton Onesie: Organic and eco-friendly, Little Korboose products are carefully crafted by April Nemeth and her small team, which now includes refugees from Pakistan and Nepal. All her products are made using ethical and sustainable practices and feel like butter in your hands...perfect for a baby's bottom.

Classic Single Cinch Necklace: Made by hand with non-toxic, lead free, saliva proof wood beads and soft tuggable jersey, this piece is pretty for all and perfect for mamas.

Cleveland Script Leash: In a sea of C t-shirt companies, CLE Clothing is the OG. From apparel to accessories they've got your Cleveland pride covered, including your pet. 

Hello, I’m Kate, creator of Hand Lettered Old Shit, or as commonly abbreviated before your mother, H.L.O.S. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to old odd things. They have a history and a presence that so often seems foregone in common day objects. As a kid, I would collect old postcards in cigar boxes. I loved to analyze their demeanor or situations. They always look as though they know something you don’t or are trying to say something you can’t.

Well now they can. H.L.O.S is a purveyor of all things old and odd, whether they may be looking for a new voice or say it loud and clear all on their own. H.L.O.S. offers one-of-a-kind, hand painted memorabilia as well as short limited edition runs of quirky postcards and old-school pennants. I also take custom commissions and will be offering original, carefully curated pieces in the near future.

So in the spirit of the new year, I thought it was only appropriate to share five hopes and dreams for this little space and what you can expect from H.L.O.S. in the new year.

• Seasonal Product Lines. I'm aiming to have all new product lines carefully curated for each time of year. Snarky love notes for February, hand painted ornaments and cards for the holidays, and of course, a steady update of eclectic affair collected along the way in the "Miscellaneous" line.
• Hand Lettering Workshops. Teaming up with other talented lettering artists in the area, H.L.O.S will be offering local lettering workshops throughout the year, as well as some free online behind-the-scenes of how I do things on old things.
• Local Markets and Craft Fairs. I'll keep you updated on our whereabouts and hope to see you there, wherever that may be, to put a face to a name!
• Wholesale. Expect to see some flair around town. More details soon.
• Routine Blog Posts. Because I don't want to be a stranger and would love to connect with all other hustlers and kin out there.

Now here’s five old school things I believe deserve a second chance in 2017.

 Friday Night Skate Parties

Because what's better than couple's skate and rolling limbo?

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Still don't understand how these are no longer a thing.

Caboodles

Where's a gal supposed to store her butterfly clips and roll-on glitter lip gloss?

McDonald's Hamburger Stools

And bring back the Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry while you're at it.

Whatever these were...

I could still sacrifice a finger or two in the name of wholesome fun.

Thanks for stopping by and let's get into some shit in 2017!