Making My Own Stationery

make your own stationery, supplies

As I’ve said before, I really love mail. Sending mail. Getting mail. I love it all. So a few weeks ago, when I ran out of stationery, I decided to make something a little more personal than just buying it at a shop like I usually do. Here’s what I did.

First, I went to the craft store and bought 2 sets of blank stationery–one craft and one white. They come in large packs so there will be plenty to experiment with. Next, I took apart one of the envelopes, and used the inside to make a template from cardboard with my ruler and an X-acto. Use the one solid side (where the address goes) and cut just under the glue of the flap.

Next, I traced the template on the random scrap papers I’d collected and cut it out with scissors.

make your own stationery, envelope liner

make your own stationery, envelope liner step 2

After placing the new liner inside the envelope and straightening it, I gently folded the flap down. Finally, I used a glue stick to attach the new liner to the inside of the top. You don’t have to worry about gluing the bottom half because it will stay in place by itself.

make your own stationery

Finally, after lining all of the envelopes, I decorated the cards with stamps and scraps.

make your own stationery

And voila! My new stationery…

make your own stationery

Now, to the writing…

Do You Have a Pen Pal?

Do you find the idea totally antiquated? This is something that has been on my mind of late because of the desire to stay in touch that I mentioned last week.

I remember when I was young exchanging letters & packages with 2 of my very best friends–one in Ohio and the other in Virginia. I couldn’t wait to get home each day after school to see if there was anything waiting in the mailbox. In return, I spent hours putting together random pictures and doodads to send with letters about what I’d been up to that particular week, where I’d been, and how I was feeling.

Then, when we all got Facebook in college, the letter writing turned into simply ‘liking’ photos or commenting on random updates shared with the world. What happened to those letters? Have we really become so self-absorbed that we don’t have time to sit down and personally address the people we care about?

The funniest thing to come out of the constant social media stream? I’ve gained the most unexpected of pen pals! The people I’ve found myself writing to most recently, be it an email or an actual hand-written note, are people I’ve met on social media. Sure we talk in 140 characters or less several nights a week, but I’d be lying if I told you that a letter didn’t make me giddy each time it was received.

So this week, I challenge you to get a pen pal!

Whether it’s getting in touch with an old friend, writing a note to a shut-in you know in the neighborhood, or finding someone else who just loves to write–find someone and stay in touch! Looking for a pen pal? Let me know. We could start a trend!

Giving Thanks

If your mother raised you right (or if she didn’t and you’re trying desperately to make up for it) there is one thing that must be at the top of your ToDo list this week: Send out those thank you notes! If you completed them last night, congratulations! If not: shame on you–sitting here reading blogs instead of getting things done. Lucky for you, I’ve got a few tips to get you back on track.

1. Pick your stationery.

It’s best if your stationery matches your personality…

“The letter we all love to receive is one that carries so much of the writer’s personality that she seems to be sitting beside us, looking at us directly and talking as she really would, could she have come on a magic carpet, instead of sending her proxy in ink-made characters on mere paper.”
-Emily Post

classic | postcard | kitschy cute

*Of Note: I carry those postcards from Rifle Paper Co. in my purse. You know, just in case!

2. Be specific.

A generic thank you note is your way of saying, “I really like getting stuff, and I am happy you’re here to serve me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.” Instead, be a little chatty…

Start with a greeting.
Say thank you for the specific gift / meal / party.
Note something specific: What do you like about the gift? Is the gift useful? Was the entrée at the dinner especially noteworthy? Were you excited to meet X person at the party?
End with something pleasant. (ex: “Hope to see you again soon.” “We’ll think of you when we drink that bottle of Beaujolais.” “Hope the rest of your year is just as festive.”)