It's a bit of a secret that Sailor sent us some special wood, Urushi lacquer and Maki-e and collector-boxed fountain pens so we can display those beauties in-store during February. We're not allowed to advertise most of what we received but suffice it to say there are some gems in the store - fountain pens you won't find elsewhere because they're not available elsewhere - and they'll only be here for a limited time. We're so happy about it that we're dedicating two of our display cases to Sailor  - although even with that we can't display all of the treasures.
​​When/if we're allowed to tell you more, we will - but it may be that you have to come in and see us or call ... because, so far, we're not allowed to post any of the pens (update: except for some of the Maki-e, which we've listed), many of which are in wood with satin lining collector boxes, online. Maybe we're allowed to discuss them by phone or email, we're not sure ... but we know we're not allowed to "advertise" them right now. Also, if you do come to the store, our neighbor, House of Meatballs, offers great take-out and parklet service (now that the restrictions have lessened). We eat there often because their food is great (and we want to support our neighbor and local businesses). 
Need a unique Valentine's gift? We have plenty ... but one gem that should be here on Monday is the lockable heart journal from Graphic Image. Only two will be available.

 There is a new administration today and its success in the fight against Covid and the many challenges facing the country will be our success, which is why we urge everyone to work together (regardless of who you voted for) for better tomorrows.
We're looking forward to days when we we can be lifted up: when we can live and work freely and have a robust economy, and we're hoping those days are on the horizon. With your support, we hope to get to that time so, in the interim, Jeremy did what he does best ... shop for you! In all seriousness, we shopped for new things to bring to Flax and to restock. We have new items arriving while a lot is on order, including wonderful candles (just a handful of fragrances we thought were sublime), cards, new books, a rework of the kids' plushies, games and puzzles area and more ... although it is going to take time to get through more than 27 pages of order listings to get even half of these items online. You'll see quite a few "sold out" items reappear with quantities listed and a lot of new items added - as time permits.
We only pick unique items which make wonderful gifts or which we'd use ourselves. "I want that for myself" is one of the common statements when we meet with our reps - but then we put what we order out, hoping it will be a treasure for you or the person you gift. We live vicariously, taking great joy when our tastes satisfy your needs. We'll have that perfect gift to celebrate any occasion, Valentine's Day, to gift the babies expected or here, or to keep the current kids stimulated and challenged, and even charts to track their growth.
​Come see us, shop on our site and please, call or write us if there's something you don't see that you need, appears out of stock, or that we can help with as your concierge for wonderful things. Don't forget National Handwriting Day on January 23rd: we're giving a gift with purchases over $50 made in-store, online or by phone on that day. Custom stationery ordered through the website is also discounted as part of our promotion - use code NHD2021 at checkout.
​

National Handwriting Day is Saturday, January 23rd, coinciding with John Hancock's birthday. As the president of the Second Continental Congress, John Hancock was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence and is said to have signed in bold style so the King wouldn't need glasses to read it. In the time leading up to the Day's creation in 1977, educators were concerned handwriting skills were being lost, so the Writing Instrument Manufacturer's Association aided their cause by creating National Handwriting Day.​

Whether you write in Copperplate script or without any flourish, we want to encourage you to write, often. I shared a personal story of "Why I Write"  on our new Reviews, Q&A and More page and encourage you to read it and to write to people you know - or don't - but who would appreciate a card, note or letter. These times have resulted in isolation and stress; imagine the ray of sunshine your writing would be when received by someone.
At Flax, we'll help you celebrate National Handwriting Day with 20% off Custom Stationery (valid for orders now through the end of the month, appointments preferred), announcements and printing and some other specials (soon to be determined). Some custom print selections are available through the website if you'd like to choose the "easy-peasy" way. On the 23rd, we'll also be giving a gift with purchases over $50 made in-store, online or by phone.