pick a card, not just any card

There is almost nothing more important to anyone than being remembered on his or her birthday. As the world shifts more and more to e-mail, it seems as though the kindness of sending a card for a birthday, just to say hello or congrats could go the way of the do-do bird.

Not at Timeless Treasures! In fact, we are constantly on the search for fresh takes on Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Hope you feel better soon and other ways to remind people how special they are. We especially enjoy discovering cards from small letterpress designers, as well as locally produced handmade paper treasures.
Here are just a couple of examples of our favorites. Come by the store to select what you need for September birthdays, as well as friendship cards to say hey! you matter to me!

The cards with quotes and collage from Curly Girl Design are fresh, without being smart-alecky and touching without being maudlin. They are produced in the Boston area by a woman who actually shops in the same tiny downtown area where I shopped as a kid. Amazing coincidence, or just lucky karma?

The card with the baby bird comes from a brand new collection by the San Francisco design team at Small Square Design. This charming card would be great to welcome a new baby as well as to celebrate a child heading off to school and leaving the nest. The Congratulations card is a beauty, with the word Cheers! translated into several languages. How terrific for any occasion you want to celebrate!

letters add personality to a garden

Having a garden in San Francisco can be a major challenge...for many of us, living in the city means little space for tomatoes or roses, frequent windy afternoons, sparce sunlight, and more. But for Robyn Pope, local garden designer extraordinaire, coming up with a way to expand your living space by capturing every foot of outdoor area is a specialty.
Whether it is a small outdoor area or a major plot of land at your country place, Robyn is full of ideas and experience to help you make the most of it.
We especially enjoy working with her to choose old sign letters to add personality to a garden. You can see how she used them on a recent project when you visit her blog at www.http://gardenrooms.typepad.com. Scroll through her archives to July 10.
A mom of young children herself, Robyn specializes in creating outdoor spaces where kids can be curious, and run off some steam and energy.
We talked with Robyn about wedging an outdoor workroom into a patio area to create a covered space where we can repair small furniture and do craft projects. Now that's on our wish list!
To reach Robyn, go to her website at http://www.robynpopegardens.com.
For help in choosing words for your own little patch of heaven, come and see us or send us your wish list by email.