Wrap it up, I'll send it!

Many folks who would read this probably already know that the envelope is the gift wrap to the letter.  An envelope can be a beautiful work of art or just a simple enclosure.  It could be just because or made specifically for the reciever. 
Like the below are for 2 of my friends.  We all work in the veterinary profession, so it's nice to have something reflect our passions.

But beware, the post office will send many things, but the weird sized envelopes will cost more. 
Look at these templates for some ideas
http://www.squidoo.com/Envelopetemplates
http://www.scrapscene.com/2008/12/greeting-card-envelope-templates.html

Happy Writing!
-Becky

Faux Creative

I don't see myself as an overly creative person.  I like pretty things and art.  But I'm not very talented in the making department, especially sewing and drawing.  But give me tools and I will work them into something passable for creativity! 

My new favorite isle at Micheals is the scrapbooking section, and I do not scrapbook.  But they have such lovely papercraft that can be applied to mail.

I even used the wall stickers as address labels.  Though my favorite address labels are the My Name Is .. .. ..

stickers.  Below are a few trials, and I would have to say I am a bit of a minimalist. 

My friend is really into pink, so I decorated this already gorgeous envelope with a little more pink.

Nothing like recieving that in the mail, if the mailperson isn't blinded while trying to deliver it! (Sorry said mail person, just wear sunglasses  ANd finally, you occassionally find a gem while shopping.  I found these at Micheals and no I'm not promoting the store, though I do love lots of their products!  They definitely don't always hit the mark with their stationary, but it's super cheap!  And these are nice for my guy pen pals. 

Hoped that inspired the creatively challenged!!!

Hope this finds you all well and happily mailing!

-Becky

What Makes a Stationary Addict? Here's a List

There are many of us on line (though still a small communtiy by most standards) who have a problem.  We love mail and all things involved with mail.  I've come to the conclusion that I am a stationary addict. 
How do you know if you are a stationary addict?

1) You go out of your way to look at and purchase stationary on trips.
It's rare that I don't buy a packet of cards or some other post memorabilia when I visit a new location such as a museum, other country, or well anywhere.

2) You would never think of writing a note on plain paper!
If you are like me, you probably have at least 20 different styles of paper and are ready to make another 10 with stamps, stickers, or just your own artwork.  And of course, it is all personalized to the person you are writing to!

3) Unless it's a package, it has a stamp. 
And not a forever stamp, but something artistic you went your post master for! OR 2 or 3 stamps, depending on the locale to be sent to.

4) Not only do you send a card for every holiday but you also have a card for every holiday in your stash or have it purchased 1-2 monthes prior to the holiday. 
There's no scrambling for birthday and holiday cards here.  I keep them in a tin on my stationary shelves. 

5) Writing a few letters prompts you to buy more stationary.
Though you already have enough that you can't possibly use it all, even if you wrote a letter a day for 5 years.
This weekends binge.

6)You know where every discount stationary store is in town. 
To correspond with 5, and don't lie to yourself because you know its true.  People could drive past you on the street and stop and ask for directions to the nearest stationary store, and you could tell them where the nearest 3 are and which one has a sale.

7)You go on line to try to find more people to write to, so you can use some of your stationary, so you can make or buy more stationary. 
Vicious little cycle, but a lovely one!  Check out the Penpal exchange and the Letter Writers Alliance.

8)You have boxes of stationary and shelves of stationary boxes. 
See picture.  AND no that's not all!  I have some more that wouldn't fit on the shelf.  Plus supplies to make my own should this run out.  Like it ever would because I am perpetually replenishing the stock.
(I love those fake books.  They hold so much loose paper stationary and are so stylish.)

If most of these apply, breathe deeply and say it with me, "Yes, I have a problem"

Just When you get a Favorite, Poof!

There are certain stamps I have absolutely loved like the Chinese New Years and the Rainforest stamps.  It's always sad to see them go, and I'm sure the Post Office employees have more than a few chuckles at me.  I'm the one who stops in and wants the "pretty stamps".  The Forevers are nice but all of us mailers know that variety is the spice to envelopes.   They are like a cherry on top of the cupcake!