Is the Handwritten Letter an Art Form?

Question: Do you really believe traditional, posted mail is an art form? If it is, then each and every one of you reading this, has the potential to be an artist! I rather like that thought. We all know art comes in many forms and some are better at it than others, but that doesn't keep people from continuing to pursue it. So why do you think the "art of letter writing" is decreasing? Allow me to list a few reasons people have given as to why they don't write and mail letters.

• It's old fashioned. (yes, well, so is love and I'm certainly glad that's still around)
• It takes too much time. (time yourself writing a letter, and let me know)
• It costs too much money. (for less than the cost of a drink from your favorite cafe, you can brighten someone's day and possibly their week)
• Writing an email or text is just as good. (not even close)
• I don't know what I'd write. (Dear Friend, I hope you're having an awesome day! Thinking of you made my day better. Love, The Letter Writing Artist)
• My handwriting is messy. (write more letters and it will improve)
• I'm lazy. (now we're getting somewhere)

images via Pinterest

I think the main reason people don't write more letters for the post is laziness. I'm one of those people. It's true. I have fallen into the lazy track and it's time I pull myself out of it. Honestly, I need some motivation. While I was "chatting" with an online friend, Viv of Poppy Sparkles, I had this idea. I'd like to encourage more letter writing and at the same time, write more letters and be held accountable. So here's my challenge:  I challenge anyone reading this blog to write a letter to a friend or family member, mail it straight away to them and include a blank piece of stationery or plain paper with a stamped blank envelope for that person to then write a letter of their own. Once you've finished brightening their day with a few kind words about them (or about you), tell them what to do with the blank page and envelope. It's a "written-letter-pay-it-forward" sort of thing. Who's with me on this? Would you appreciate a small reward for your efforts? Okay, fine. 

Each person who posts a photo of their handwritten note (and blank extra note) on Instagram, Twitter or the Easton Place Facebook page, tagging Easton Place so I can see it, I will send you 2 pcs. of stationery so you can write a couple more notes along with a handwritten note of my own, of course! I would love if you follow me on all of those sites just mentioned, but you don't have to in order to receive your reward. If you do follow me, thank you!

Another online friend, Nancy Sheed, had sent me this post about "The Vanishing Art of Letter Writing" and I shared it with my Facebook fans. That's what Viv and I were chatting about when I got this idea. So, thank you, Nancy and Viv. 

images via Pinterest

As a side note, I promise not to send you any unwanted mail to those who take me up on the offer above. The only strings attached here are the ones pulling you to write and mail more letters! Again I'll ask: Who's with me on this? If you are interested in playing along, tag Easton Place when posting your photos on Twitter or Instagram and use #EPHandwritten so anyone reading this can find your posts. You can send your mailing address by post to:

Easton Place

PO Box 451

Easton, CT 06612

or

patti (at) eastonplacedesigns (dot) com

Happy letter writing! I'm really looking forward to seeing all your handwritten posts and sending out your rewards. (Please be mindful of the addresses in your photos. Be sure not so show mailing addresses online as to keep them private. Thank you.)

xoxo

Patti

Valentine's Card Swap - 2012

"The only true gift is a portion of yourself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Valentine Gift Tags or Magnets by: By the Book Paper (etsy)

Ah, love... it's that time of year when hearts of pink and red are scattered everywhere you look! Valentine's Day. Okay. It's actually January 10th as I write this, but I've been thinking about Valentine's Day with the release of my new greeting cards! And I've also been thinking of ways to keep the handwritten note in fashion. One way to walk-the-walk is to send at least one piece of "snail-mail" each week of 2012. Another way is to organize a Valentine's Day Card Swap! Yay!!!

Running Heart, Love Vintage Postage by: Verde Studio

So here are the details:
If you'd like to participate in the card swap, email me: eastonplacedesigns [at] me [dot] com by 9:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, January 24 and give me the following information:
-Your Name
-Snail-mail Address
-Email Address best to use for notification
-Would you be willing to mail internationally?
-Would you like more than one Swap Partner?
-Any blog or website you'd like included in my follow-up post

I'll then select a partner for you to swap with and email you the mailing details. I should have things organized by Friday, January 27. You'll have a more than a week to get your Valentine Card in the mail with plenty of time for delivery by February 14. If mailing to an international address, allow a few extra days.

Have fun with this! You don't have to be a "crafty person", nor a professional card maker to participate. Anyone can join the fun. Hand-made cards are fun to receive, so try your talents with a little glue and glitter! Need ideas for something different? Check out Pinterest. And if you really don't want to send a hand-made card of your own, there's always Etsy.

Please leave a remark in the comments below so I know to look for your email and address! And invite your friends to join the fun as well. And while I have your reading attention, let me know if you'd like to receive a card from me at some point this year. I'm still collecting addresses for my "weekly handwritten note" project!

photo & tag by Easton Place Designs

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!
xoxo
-Patti

Announcing!

I recently had the pleasure of putting together a "change of address" card for my cousin, Heather, and her family! They bought their first home and I was able to help them announce the exciting news with a sweet Moving Announcement featuring a simple green topiary... one of Heather's favorite home decor items! I also created matching address labels for her as well to complete the ensemble.

Within a week of that exciting announcement I was approached by a financial business. They were about to change their phone number and wanted a special way to tell their clients so I designed a "new digits" card for them. It's lovely to know people continue to value the importance of the paper announcement. In this day and age of email and e-vites, a snail-mail announcement will make a lasting impression!