A Thanksgiving Portrait From the Studio
Every year, The Gifted Haus finds a new way to express gratitude — usually through food, craft, or the quiet rhythm of creating by hand.
But this year, the message arrived in the form of a photograph.
I was resetting props in the studio when I looked over at the loveseat and saw Johnny and Moira — not wrestling, not chasing dust motes, but posing.
Johnny had his paw around Moira like they were shooting the cover of a mid-90s family catalog.
The pumpkin pillow glowed behind them. The light hit just right. And for a moment, the entire studio softened.
It reminded me of why this small, handmade work matters.
Why the long nights making jellies by hand matter.
Why packing pickles one clove at a time matters.
Why building this business slowly and intentionally matters
Because this space — this tiny creative corner of Northeast Minneapolis — is filled with warmth, intention, and connection.
And sometimes, the cats illustrate that better than I ever could.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for:
the craft — the act of making something with intention
the community — every person who chooses to support small makers
the chance to create something meaningful and share it with others
the quiet moments that remind me why this work matters
And beyond the studio…
my family, who keeps me grounded
Johnny and Moira, who bring joy into every corner of the day
the ordinary, everyday moments that make life feel full
and the gift of still being here, still creating, still hopeful
Gratitude, in all its forms.
Happy Thanksgiving.
May your holiday be full of warmth, good food, and creatures who curl up next to you exactly when you need them.
— Scott
The Gifted Haus
🐾 Curious about the cat behind the scenes?
Moira has a way of appearing at the exact moment I need a reminder to pause, breathe, and enjoy the work in front of me.
If you haven’t met her yet, meet Moira — The Studio Muse →
A little mischief, a lot of heart — she keeps this place grounded.