What do an Ad Man, a Mad Man and an Italian Man have in common? They all fell in love with a custom stamp.

It sounds strange, so let me backtrack.

Nearly four years ago, I had the great pleasure of marrying into a wonderfully eccentric family. My mother-in-law and her three sisters are artists in their own right, each marrying an equally creative gentleman— my father-in-law, the man with a band and a knack for glass etching; Clay, the advertising executive with the thirst for dirty martinis; Rocky, the fun-loving mad man with a major sweet tooth; and Giorgio, the Italian man with expertise in all things booteful.

This combination of characters has produced one large, hilarious extended family, who make every family gathering interesting. This past Christmas was no different.

Each year, I like to give the sisters a little Christmas gift, as a thank you for playing hostess to events throughout the year. So, in December, when Paper Source offered 25% off custom stamps, I ordered a return address stamp for each aunt.

Being such a large family, it’s rare that anyone notices gift opening, but this year was different. True to form, gifts were divvied out as everyone carried on with conversations, stories and dancing, while one of many Rolling Stones albums played in the background.

We were only a few minutes into opening when I heard, “Karol, get in here!” It’s was Rocky from the kitchen, all sugared up on pie.

“Look at this thing ol’ Liz and Joe got us,” he continued. I looked over as he made what was probably his tenth impression on a sheet of paper.

My attention then shifted to commotion at another table. It was Giorgio examining his stamp, instructing his wife to look at the design, “Look-a-dat Jo Ann. Ya, dats us. Wow!”

As if the flowery Italian rant wasn’t enough, he then signaled in our direction to give us an official hand symbol and kissing motion that lets us know es booteful.

Meanwhile, Clay saunters over to present to us a page of stamping he had produced, thanking us, hugging us, and then returning to the living room to resume his dance party.

Needless to say, The Mister and I laughed ourselves to sleep, recalling the enthusiasm that came with our custom stamp gift. And, since that evening, we have continued to hear how much each couple enjoys stamping their correspondence.

Now that custom stamps are 25% through Sunday I cannot stop myself from ordering a few for upcoming weddings, baby showers, graduation parties and, of course, Mother’s Day. Ba-lee-va-me!

But, would it be wrong to order one for myself? It’s only $30. And they certainly sound like such a treat.

— Liz
PS colors: peacock & fig
Latest fave: Cavallini Wrapping Paper

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