TTFN readers – ta ta for now. This is my last weekly column with Giftware News, and I must say this past year has been a blast.

From designing in Delhi and book signing in Alabama, to show shopping in Atlanta, followed by presentations in Toronto and field work in London – it has been fun sharing with you, dear reader, my adventures in this wonderful industry, in this creative, stimulating, vibrant and ever-changing world of design.

It has been cool to meet the people behind the scenes, the family-owned companies, the second and third generation companies, the upstart companies, the companies that change and the companies that stick to a history. All of these companies are part of our industry, and they all add something important to it. They all represent a way of expressing business, of adding their point of view through product and service and company dynamic that is unique and individual, and what the industry is all about – variety. I so respect the passion, the love, the dedication and the sheer hard work in this industry. And I love the myriad of choices.

But at this juncture, it is 'ta ta for now.'

That expression is one I gleaned from my English mother-in-law, and it was an expression she would use with a flap of her fingers when we parted,"Ta ta for now." See you soon – but bye for now.

I hope I do see you soon – at the January show in Atlanta, in the showrooms of my licensing partners, on my website, in my shops or maybe we will spot each other eyeing an interesting antique vase or a beautiful butterfly, touching an old leather jacket, assessing a carved kitchen cabinet or taking in a crowd of people to understand trends. Where there are people and ideas, I will be looking and thinking, imagining and dreaming – as I know you will be too.

Until next time, all the best in your business and in your home!

TTFN,
April Cornell
Burlington, Vermont

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