hold time in your hand and remember me

Time is a current we're not always mindful of ... until someone we love steps out of it. When we lose someone, we mourn the loss of time we were supposed to have with that person. It never seems to be enough. Although we may feel cheated, we should also remember the precious time we did have together.

This may be one of the reasons why pocket watches have been such a significant token within families, linking one generation to the next. As objects they are intimate, something cradled in the palm of your hand. And like all meaningful memento mori, they remind us that the clock is ticking.

Engraved pocket watches make a tremendously thoughtful gift for both men and women. This mechanical, handmade pocket watch by Victorian Studio can be engraved with the person's name and date if desired.

Victorian Studio offers several designs, from classic to ornate. Here's another design (I clearly favor the ornate!):

And perhaps these pocket watch charms by Peace, Love and Charmony, could be given to guests as a memento (attached to a modest ribbon and note, of course!)

not the stars

For me, when it comes to words of comfort, packaging is everything. I love the toughness of this distressed wood plaque, available at Patina. The nice thing about these plaques (there are lots) is that they become design elements in their own right. The words almost become secondary to the composition, so the message is there waiting for you when you choose to read it.