Dear Oliver, December is an important month in the history of tea in the “New World” as earlyEuropeans dubbed the lands across the Atlantic. These early settlers were relianton European goods and services for many of the staples that they wereaccustomed to using and enjoying in their daily lives. Tea was one of the valuablecommodities primarily traded by the East India Company.   By 1773, the East India Company had a virtual monopoly on tea shipped to thecolonies, which was set in place by British Parliament in the Tea Act. This actgranted the company preferred status and a monopoly on tea exports to thecolonies, exemption on export taxes, and refunds on certain surplus teas. All thiscut out independent colonial shippers...

As the United States prepares to honor its Veterans this November 11, it is interesting to note the role of tea and coffee as traditional staples for troops both stateside and overseas during times of training, deployment, and conflict.

August marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment and a chance to celebrate the courageous generations of women who led an almost 100 year struggle to secure their rights. To honor that milestone in American History, we decided to create a limited-edition commemorative tin and to honor the women who changed the world back then, continue to change the world today today and will change the world tomorrow!    We came up with the idea for this project as we put together this custom label for the Women’s Rights National Historical Parkin Seneca Falls NY, which tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY on July 19-20,1848. During the course of our partnership with the Historical...

"If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us." * In 1868, as the tradition of Memorial Day (or Decoration Day) was just beginning, a group of former Union Soldiers gathered to remember their fallen comrades of the Civil War. The quote above comes from the leader of their group, Major General John Logan.  He issued the challenge to honor the memories of those left behind. I have spent the majority of my life serving our country and there are two holidays that have special meaning to me; Veteran's day, where we honor Veterans still among...