Hey friends,
As I sit here in the quiet days between Christmas and New Year's, pen in hand (naturally), I find myself thinking about this incredible year and the community that's made it all possible. This last week of December always feels reflective for me - a moment to pause before the fresh energy of January arrives. And this year, I have so much to be grateful for.
2025 was the year The Cursive Connection truly came to life. Watching families dive into this curriculum, seeing photos of kids using their spectacles to study historical documents, reading messages from parents who thought they could never teach cursive -it's been beyond anything I imagined. You trusted me with something as important as your child's education, and that trust means everything.
What strikes me most is how many of you have embraced the idea that words never lose their value. In a world racing toward AI and automation, there's something profoundly countercultural about slowing down to write by hand. Every time someone shares their progress, every time I see one of your beautifully addressed envelopes, every luxury event where I engrave personalized keepsakes - it reminds me why this work matters.
Simply Lettered Shop has grown because of you. The kits have been such a joy to curate—from the Pointed Dip Pen Calligraphy Beginner Kit that's helped so many take their first steps into traditional calligraphy, to the Wax Seal Kit that's added elegance to countless letters. The Cursive Connection Companion Set has been perfect for families wanting extra practice materials, and seeing kids proudly show their progress through certification checkpoints never gets old.
As a former kindergarten teacher turned homeschool mom to four energetic boys, I understand the juggle. That's why everything I create comes from a place of understanding what you actually need - not what looks pretty on Instagram, but what works when you're sitting at your kitchen table with real kids or real projects in front of you.
As we step into 2026, I'm excited about what's coming. New products are in development, The Simply Lettered Box is getting a fresh vision, and I have so many tutorials planned. But more than anything, I'm excited to continue building this community with you. Because here's what I've learned this year: people are hungry for tangible, meaningful things. They want to slow down, create with their hands, and make their words matter.
So as this last week of December winds down, I want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your kids' education, for supporting the shop, for sharing your progress, and for being part of this letter-loving community. Thank you for believing that words never lose their value.
Here's to a 2026 filled with beautiful handwriting, meaningful connections, and the quiet satisfaction of putting pen to paper. Whether you're just starting your cursive journey, expanding your calligraphy toolkit with supplies from the shop, or continuing to practice and grow, I'm honored to be part of your story.
Happy New Year, friends. Let's make 2026 beautifully handwritten.
With gratitude,
Cheyenne