Happy New Year From Hazelmade

Hello, and Happy New Year! I’m really looking forward to a fresh start in 2021. Whether you’ve been following my journey since the beginning or recently discovered my home and paper goods, I’m excited to share what’s in store for Hazelmade this year.

Recently, my mother and I sorted through my great aunt’s kitchen treasures. We found an old doughnut cutter, grater, measuring spoons and mixers. I loved the different metals and textures, so you’ll see vintage cooking utensil themes running through my new tea towel designs. 2020 forced me to slow down, and I spent a lot of time cooking. Kitchen objects and tools, along with fruits and vegetables in a wide array of colors and shapes, also inspired my sketches. You can count on totes and zip pouches with fresh designs, along with more apparel and accessory items, coming to the Hazelmade site. 

The deluxe winterberry and winter citrus tea towels sold out almost instantly. They will be back again in the fall. I’m brainstorming a holiday design to add to the mix, likely based on cool winter tones, the Winter Solstice or Hanukkah. Some long-time Hazelmade supporters said they missed not having a calendar for 2021. I want to take some time to pause and rethink how to present them in a vibrant way. They will return for 2022.

Another big endeavor this year will be looking for a studio space and expanding the Hazelmade team. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to adjust our typical routine and work with fewer people. It would be ideal to find a location where the team can work — more independently if COVID-19 remains, and more collaboratively once it’s safe — with the proper tools and efficient procedures. I would love a spot in Kent, Ohio, with lots of natural light and open space. I’m hoping to add an employee or two as well, to help with social media and website updates, bookkeeping and packaging support. 

As for more personal goals, I have the same New Year’s resolution every year: Don’t eat lunch at my desk. It’s funny, but totally a realistic goal for my busy days. We’re surrounded by distractions, often multitasking and forgetting to take time for ourselves. If stillness is what you need in your life, I encourage you to try to be more intentional in 2021, even if that’s just sitting down for a meal.

2020 was challenging, and it will be strange not to be exhibiting in New York City and working on a strict event schedule this year, but I hope it gives me time to grow in other ways. Thank you for reading and supporting Hazelmade. I am sending warm wishes and peace your way!