The lost art of penmanship is a frequent conversation at our shop. In recent years, young students have been getting less than 10 minutes of handwriting instruction a day, compared with two hours a week in the 1950s, according to Vanderbilt University professor Steve Graham’s research.

A recent Houston Chronicle article details the growing awareness for the need of calligraphic education. The article also features the benevolent (yet melodramatically titled) non-profit, Handwriting Without Tears. The initiative was launched by Maryland occupational therapist and mother Jan Olsen after her son “came home crying and said, ‘Mom, I have the worst writing in the room.’”

Once you’ve whipped the tykes into fit handwriting form, check out our selection of kid-friendly stationery. This adorable set of Carrot & Stick gingerbread cards could be the perfect holiday thank-you note.

Who knew that Pritzker-prize Iraqi-Brit architect Zaha Hadid now offers shoes?

We did. Certainly a “Zaha!” moment.

With such projects as the BMW offices in Leipzig, Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion and over seven museum designs under her belt, Hadid has decided to take a walk in the park and assemble a collection of foot candy. Fashion forecasters say you’ll see Zaha’s designs stomping all over the grounds of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Surely they’ll also be in abundance tomorrow in EaDo at Art Crawl Houston.

And while we’re on the topic – have you seen this greeting card beauty by Bella Muse?

Don’t get TRAMPled on your rush to the shop to pick up this design!

pH designer, Miss Emily Hall, was featured today on the wonderful website, Paper Crave for her 2010 paper doll-inspired calendar!

The doll is featured on the cover, and each month provides a new outfit that you can cut out to dress her up.
In the words of Paper Crave: “So clever!”

Is there any better neighbor than a cupcake boutique? No.
Case in point: Bridgette from Sugarbaby’s just surprised the shop with a plate of extra mini cupcakes!

Of course, we had already dove in and eaten half the plate before we realized to take a photo of these delicious bursts of baked goods. Thanks Sugarbaby’s! We’re in Red Velvet heaven.