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Maria V. Gallagher discovers beauty and inspiration in home goods and gifts from Catholic Handmade, a Catholic online shop.


I remember how my Aunt Mary used to come over to my apartment to decorate. Her taste was exquisite, and I would allow her free rein. I could trust her to come up with wall hangings and knick-knacks that would embody beauty and excellence. It was a joy to see how much satisfaction she derived out of decorating. While her name was Mary, she definitely had much of “Martha” within her. She was laser-focused on how to make a home both welcoming and comfortable. 

I was reminded of my Aunt Mary when I received in the mail a lovely print from Catholic Handmade, an Etsy shop run by Jessica and Joe Stanish. These gifted individuals definitely have an eye for beauty, and they are sharing it with the world. 

 

Catholic Handmade  

Catholic Handmade features original floral paintings, stationery, home goods, and décor. The print I received is emblazoned with the inspirational message, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” I will treasure this holy reminder as a gift from the Lord Himself. 

Other prints are inspired by such saintly figures as Saint Charbel and Saint John Chrysostom. These prints are not only important reminders, they can serve as tools of evangelization. You never know who might walk into your home and be touched by a message they find in the artwork hanging on your wall.  

These items can also inspire children and grandchildren with a love of God and neighbor. I hearken back to my own childhood, when my mother carefully decorated our little two-bedroom apartment with tokens of love. She passed along to her children an appreciation for beauty and the good things in life, which I carry with me to this day. 

 

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Comfortable Elegance 

Catholic Handmade also features an incredible selection of baby and toddler blankets. The exquisite designs carry with them some heavenly messages that help to inspire and delight. I was impressed with the care that has obviously been taken in the creation of these precious items. 

The Etsy shop also includes an array of greeting cards celebrating Baptisms, Confirmations, baby showers, and other events. I was astounded by the sheer beauty of these cards, which carry with them such important messages. 

Catholic Handmade also offers t-shirts for toddlers with a floral motif emblazoned with the saying, “Deo Gratias.” What a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the idea of being grateful to God for all He has given us. 

 

Supporting Families 

Catholic Handmade is a family-run enterprise. In these days when the economy can be so challenging for many families, it is encouraging when a family enters the marketplace with religiously-inspired items for sale. Supporting Catholic creators can be a means of evangelization, spreading the joy of the Lord to the world.  

Catholic Handmade also offers the kind of personal touch that can be lacking in modern commerce. Jessica and Joe’s attention to detail and presentation demonstrate their professionalism and the loving care with which they approach their work.  

I encourage you to check out the Etsy shop and see what might appeal to you. It is also a great place to go if you are shopping for a gift for that special someone. The wide variety of items available make this a terrific place to shop. 

 

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Adding Beauty to Our Lives 

Catholic Handmade is an example of a small business that is adding beauty to lives. In beauty, we can see the reflection of the Heavenly Father. The more we surround ourselves with beauty, the more we can appreciate His endless goodness.  

 

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Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: copyright 2025 Catholic Handmade, all rights reserved.