The Weathering Token Story

Have you ever found yourself searching for the right thing to say? Wanting to help someone enduring something not easily understood, beyond the "norm" of our perception of life? Sometimes the words don't come because there really aren't any. Whether spoken language really has its limitations, or our society doesn't normally speak about it, likely a combination of both. I can tell you from the other side, there are moments when words don't land, where the meaning, the intent, just doesn't process.

The Purpose of The Weathering Token

Those are the times the Weathering Token was intended for. It doesn't just say you care; it's something physical, meant to be felt, and small enough to be carried in a pocket. It's a daily reminder that someone cares. The gesture alone is validating for those times when it's not about feeling better, but more about survival.

The Inspiration

The concept of the Weathering Token was conceived from my own lived experience and a strong desire to create something meaningful and helpful for others.

While I was "behind the lines," racing thoughts made it difficult, if not impossible, to function at times. For years, I would find myself reading the same sentences over and over again, trying to get them past the fog of thoughts and into that lost part of my mind where I could understand them. One day, I found myself reading and realized I was focusing differently, not profoundly better, but something was different. It was noticeable enough that I stopped to take it in; it took a minute to see it. I was holding something in my hand. That was it, it was that small, that simple. It wasn't a profound cure; things didn't change overnight, but something clicked, a faint flicker of light (and it didn't come in the form of words). 

Looking back, I think it was the nerves in my fingertips making a thin, imperceptible connection from deep within my own mind to something outside, something real, tangible. This is very important for me to say at this point: I wasn't looking for it. I didn't say to myself, "Let's see if this helps," it just happened. Everything shifted from that moment forward. The "right words" didn't land; it was something I had to experience, and it was something so imperceptible that only I, in the darkness, could perceive it.

The Craft

If I can help just one other person see their flicker of light, it all becomes worth it. I intentionally embraced the simplicity of that moment with the Weathering Token. I had an obsession with leather working to survive those years, to cope, and leather became the perfect medium for the Weathering Token. Leather is flesh. It's soft, smooth, and warm; the edges are rough and the threads are bumpy. Above all else, it's meant to be felt, to be tactile. Veg-tan leather ages beautifully; it begins raw and vulnerable,  and "weathers" over time. That weathering brings its own unique marks, its own unique patina, unique to its own journey. That weathering becomes character, and the analogy to life is purposeful. Each token is made individually, by hand.

Personalization

You can design a personalized Weathering Token and see a preview as you design it. We have some designs in our library to choose from, or you can add a special date, prayer verse, or initials.

Remembering that the Weathering Token is designed first to be tactile, the laser-engraved design will feel rough, leaving at least one side blank will preserve a smooth surface for the fingers.

I suggest being careful that any message chosen is known to have a deep connection to the ultimate recipient. While a date for a recovery journey could be obvious, if a message or symbol doesn't "connect," it can be more of a distraction. A blank canvas, or simple initials, could be the most personal message to send, where less is more in this case.

As A Gift

Opening the box, the first encounter is with the product card for what's inside. The back of the card includes the message "There are no instructions. No rules." The Weathering Token doesn't presume anything about the recipient; it is intended to provide an opportunity for self-discovery.

You can also include a personal message; something as simple as "We are thinking about you" can go a long way. You can create your personal card on the product page.

Explore our Collection

Check out our Weathering Tokens and find the perfect way to share your support.