Another Peek Inside My Snail Mail!

January Incoming Continued

This lovely snail mail came  all the way from Spain in a darling velum envelope.  I have a "thing" for velum envelopes.  I haven't sent any out lately, but...I'm inspired to dig out my velum envelope about you?

 Inside the velum envelope was this cheerful Snail Mail Folder.

I love the color scheme going on here. It's like orange zinger or something!  I just love it!  Great for those long, interminable, cold, grey,  sunless days.  It brought sunshine into my life, and certainly brought a smile to my face.

All of the little pockets held something sweet.  Tea, stickers, mail tag, washi tape samples, and my favorite, a Banana Cake Recipe.    Isn't that a homey thing to include in your snail mail?   Thank you Lucia for your cheerful, inspirational, sunny mail!  I will be busy at work on a reply today.

Let's get busy, especially if you are on the east coast...this might be our last day to be completely snowed-in.  Lets get some letters in the mail!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Let's Send Some Music Mail!

Music Mail

Do you love music?  I do.  I also like to "make" music ... on the piano and fiddle.  But I found that I also enjoy "making" music mail.   I found this adorable wrapping paper with musical scores and made quite a few envelopes from it.  I can't remember where I got the washi tape, but I special ordered it online some where because I have not seen anything like it any where else.  I wish I could remember where I found it.  Does anyone recognize it?

I stamped a tag with my music stamps...and wrapped up a bit of wahi tape as a sample.  I know who I am sending this to.  She loves music!

How about you?  Do you know of anyone that would like to receive some "Music Mail"?

Write Letters,
Write Often.

Lady Pamela

The Pressed Flower Project

Pressed flowers to add to your letter writing

 

I was shocked to see how paper thin the Hydrangeas became...so delicate and the color was retained so vibrantly.  I hope I can do more of these this year.

Bachelor Buttons are my absolute favorite wild flower...especially the pink ones.  Out here in the country we mainly have the blue ones.    I'm not sure what the little white flowers are, but they are so sweet!

Daffodil, crocus  

I usually place my pressed flowers inside the letter folded up, but I have tried this arrangement and rather like it.

This turned out nice with the gold doily and the gold wax seal,,,with a purple crocus.  It is so sweetly old fashioned, and just nostalgic.  I love the effect.

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Pocket Letters....

The Pocket Letter Arrives...

Have you joined the Pocket Letter Craze? It is done by using the base ball card plastic card holder sleeves and creatively placing ephemera and (hopefully) a letter, in one of the pockets! I received my first one from my dear friend, Elaine. Look how cute she packaged it!  I have enjoyed watching this phenomenon grow, literally before my very eyes on Instagram.  It originated with  janettelane  and it has just exploded in popularity.  Check out her web site  or Pinterest to get ideas for your Pocket Letter.

The ingenious thing about the Pocket Letter is that it folds up and fits nicely in a business sized envelope!  Then it can be stored as it is in  a 3-ringed binder.  Everything about it screams:  Clever!  Elaine did an amazing job...Now I just need to find a base ball card page sleeve and get started on one to Elaine.  

What about you?  Have you received any Pocket Letters?

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Bunny Mail

Look what "hopped into my mail box"!

Do you have a super "crafty" pen pal?  I am blessed to have several.  Miss Trinka  definitely fits in that category! I received this bit of  happiness and sunshine in my mail  from her and I just had to smile.  Look at all the work in this .  There is just way too much cuteness going on here.  I thought the bunny note paper was  adorable,  and the mini craft folder was so cool! And...the cello bag of mini goodies was  just  perfect .  I will try to incorporate these embellishments into a future outgoing letter. I'm almost at a loss as to what to send back...hmmm....that is what Pinterest is for though, right?   ;-)

Here is a closer look into what was inside the mini craft folder.  I loved the entire parcel.   It is always such a pleasure to receive such loving "gifts" from another, isn't it?  And the beauty and mystery of the snail mail world, is that we can exchange such beautiful works of craftiness, art, words of encouragement -- all of this without even meeting the person beyond paper.  I don't know about you...but that fact never ceases to amaze me  with  mail in general.

Thank you Trinka!  I will be responding soon...after I camp out awhile on Pinterest!  Ha, ha!

Write Letters,

Write often!

Lady Pamela

Let Me Tell You About A Letter In My Mailbox...

Mail Box Spotlight of the Week!

This beautiful letter arrived in my mailbox recently.

And I particularly loved the Victorian wax seal. 

The envelope and the paper appeared to be tea dyed.  I don't think that  I  have  tried doing that yet.   It gave the letter  a really "old, vintage" feel to it.  It arrived with a charming package of wild flower seeds!

I hope to plant these by  next weekend.  

Thank you , Virginia for writing me and being my  Mail Box Spotlight for this week.  You will receive a gift in the mail from me-- along with a letter!. 

Would you  like to be featured on this blog? Please take a look at the sidebar for my address... and write!  I will be featuring  mail as it comes in.  (I am a bit behind, so I am playing catch up for the next couple of weeks.)  And thank you for your letters...I love each and everyone of them.

Write Letters

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Pressed Flowers...DIY for your snail mail inserts!

Spring is Here!

Spring has sprung here is beautiful, southside Virginia!  My daughter picked these daffodils for me and it reminded me of...

pressing some flowers!  I had picked some of the crocuses  (deep purple, so beautiful!) and headed to my "super professional" flower pressing station!  LOL!  Ha, ha.  Here you have it folks!  Do you have an old copy of Janson and Janson laying around....well then put it to use!  See those wavy pages?There are flowers pressed between those pages.   Just load a few heavy books on top, and here are some of my results.  I will hopefully  share some of my other flowers at a later time.  Honestly, I had forgotten all about these flowers tucked away in these dusty books.  But, that is what you have to do. Forget them.    Come back several months later...or even a year...like I did here.

My technique (if you can call it that) is to get a rather heavy weight of paper--I use church bulletin paper, because Mr. Foster does our church's bulletin each Sunday and we always have left overs.  It is a good weight and can soak up any juices that might leach out in the process, and thereby not harming your book.  I fold it over and place it between the leaves of a book.  It works great!

Here is last year's crocus with some sweet little white wild flowers.

I was stunned when I saw the gorgeousness of these hydrangeas!  It was a total experiment, they are so fluffy to try to press, but look at the results!  They are literally PAPER thin!  And I am always amazed at the  amount of color retained!

Oh, I can't wait to slip this beauty into some one's mail.

Do you remember this old 1885 letter I posted recently?  I think it is so sweet that Mrs. Peyton sent her husband these sweet pressed flowers.  When I opened the letter, I could hardly believe that  they were there...surviving all of these years.   Perhaps one day, one of your letters may survive in an old trunk in some one's attic, and opened and read...will a beautiful  pressed flower be present?  I hope so.  

So go...gather sweet signs of spring and do some pressing today!

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

The Process of Making Mail...

Music Mail

This little snail mail project started out with some music themed wrapping paper.  Then I decided since the paper was so thin that it needed a liner.  Now , don't inspect too closely because it is dreadfully crooked.  Stop it!  I said, don't look  ;-)  Then,  that liner set the theme for my yellow accent color.  So I gathered a few  journal cards that would fit the bill.

For this letter I got my dipping pen out and worked on my Spencerian Script and flourishes.  I thought that I would top off this little letter in style.  This is one of my favorite wax seals.  It is a feather quill pen with an ink pot.  So appropriate!  A doily and some twine  also seemed in order here.

I decided to add a spot of tea to my letter and I found this little "hello" dot banner which was left over from another project.  And I had some left over liner scraps that I used up with my punches.   This letter is coming together!

I didn't want the little dot banner to get messed up, so I put it in a little cello bag.  Now it was time to get it all into the envelope.  I looked around and found  that I had recently purchased some colored tags.... ahhh....perfect!

So on goes the yellow tag with a bit of washi to secure it better and some yellow dot stickers.  I love the stamps.   This was a fun project that just kept evolving.  It is going to someone very special.  Bring some music , happiness, or just a quick note to  into someone's life.  You may never know how it will speak to another or lift them up for the day!

Write Letters,
Write Often.

Lady Pamela

A Month Of Letters...Gearing Up!

My 5 TIPS For "A Month Of  Letters" Success!

Your challenge should you choose to accept it: 

1.)This month mail at least one item every day the post runs.  Write a postcard, a letter, send a picture,ma cutting from a newspaper, or a fabric swatch.  (This will be a total of 23 mailings)

2.)Write back to everyone who writes to you.  this can count as one of your mailed items!

******************************************************

Ok, It is really as simple as what I have copied from the web site:  A Month Of Letters .  So click on this and set up a very simple account.  There are forums, special challenges (you can earn badges!), free downloads, its just  a nice place to meet fellow letter writers! In total, you will mail out a total of 23  mailings, unless you get inspired, and send out more! Why only 23?   This is because there are four Sundays and one US holiday.  So, this challenge  really isn't too intimidating, is it?

Here is my list of TIPS to help you organize and prepare for a great experience!

1.  Gather all your supplies together in one place.  Writing paper, pens,  envelopes, 23 stamps, any enclosures , addresses, and any creative paper supplies (washi tape, markers, color pencils, stickers,etc.)--have fun with it for goodness sake!

Cute Envelopes add fun to your letter writing adventure!

Don't forget the washi tape....

You'll need these supplies if you take up one of the advanced challenges:  The Jane Austen badge!

2.  I generally sit down and write up a list of 23 people that I would like to write during the challenge.  I usually include  quite a few that I don't normally correspond with on a regular basis.

3.  I try to have a typed guide/format, so as to streamline my thinking...to keep me on track.

•  I usually type up a  general information section  (usually a bullet format) about what has been going on with me, things that I want to include in my letter,  
• Then I  have a list of questions that I would like to ask the reader.
•  the next part of the letter will be more personalized.

I hope you don't think this is cold.  This is just a visual reminder of what I want to include in my letter.  So often I sit....and think...and  I just can't remember what I want to say to an individual.  This is just a starter.  The letter can morph into what ever I feel led to write at the time of writing.

4.  This year I'm going to include in my organization ,  a calendar page with who I will be writing each day.  Just putting a name in one of the calendar squares is motivating to me.  It is already the beginning of a commitment!    

5.  Also, this year, I plan to pre- address my envelopes and place a  stamp on them.  

What about you?  Do you have any tips you would like to share about how to make LetterMo 2015 a  more successful experience?  If so, please leave a comment!   I love comments ;-).

I hope this helps you to take the challenge!  Let me know if you are "in!" or not!

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

The "Ooooohhhh" Factor!

What EXACTLY is a Tuck-in? or an Enclosure?

My daughter's friend, who lives down the lane has a mother who is struggling with cancer.  She is on her second year of chemo...and it really knocks her out.  She has 4 young daughters...the youngest is 4. :(
But my daughter and her friend have gotten together to start a Cancer Awareness Club.  They make little things to sell to give to the cancer center where her mom gets her treatments.  It is so sweet.  Here they have made origami cancer ribbons...aren't they beautiful???  I just love origami and  the different textures, colors, etc.  So bright and cheerful!  And do you know what I am doing with these?  I am using them as tuck- ins  for my letters!

It has been awhile since I last had a post on Tuck-ins...in fact I think it is listed as enclosures... here is a link to  the previous page. Tuck ins  give your letters the  "ooohhhh" factor.  A little like the surprise in the Cracker Jack box....(oh dear, I am seriously dating myself here!)  Lets take a  look at enclosures...tuck ins...whatever name you want to give them, to see how YOU can add the "Oooohhhh!"  factor!

I like lists...short and sweet....so here we go with Tuck-in Ideas for your letter writing!

• a simple sketch or drawing
• a message written in code
• a meaningful poem
• post office stamps
• a local leaf (pressed flat)
• a favorite stick of gum
• a bookmark
• a favorite written quote
• a cartoon or comic
• a swatch of ink sample
• a popsicle stick of washi tape samples
• an extreme close up picture of an everyday object.  The other person would try to guess what it is.
• a sample card of a favorite perfume or cologne
• a portion of sheet music of a favorite song or music
• a small origami item
• a hand made coupon
• an inexpensive gift card
• a photo copy of a line or paragraph from your favorite book
• status cards
• mood cards
• journal cards with  favorite quote
• photos
• newspaper clippings
• pressed flowers
• pressed four leaf clovers
• a swatch of fabric that you are using with a sewing or craft project
• Your Turn!!!  Please leave me a comment with your favorite tuck-in that I have missed!

Write Letters.
Write Often!

Lady Pamela

How Did I Live Without these? and... Clean Desk Club

Do you like making new discoveries?  I do!  I just found this "Little B" washi tape for the first time.  I found it at AC Moore.  The packaging is really sweet in that it has a cutting tool in the cut out.  Just like a tape dispenser...clever!  The two in the middle  are so pretty.  The gold is all metallic, a nice thin strip.  The multi colored  also has metallic elements.

The picture does not do  the tape justice...the  tape here has beautiful jewel tones with a splash of metallic...so pretty when the light hits it.   I can't wait to use it.  Should it be called "Stain Glass Window"?

Here in Virginia, the leaves on the trees are beginning to morph into a dizzying array of spectacular colors...Oh, yes.  Virginia is Beautiful in the autumn!  Why not share the beauty by sending some fall colors in your mail?  I have been using these  leaves as enclosures  or "tuck ins" in the pages of my letters.  The packages on the left were purchased at the Dollar Tree (they look and feel so authentic...you would think they were real!)  The Spritz brand is from Target , more expensive, and not as nice as the cheaper  Dollar Tree find.

A nice touch ! 

And, I just thought I would send you a picture of one of my writing desks.  Haha...it had been a mess.  (According to the Side- Tracked Home Executives--remember that book?)   I am a "pile-er" not a "filer" until I am forced to !  Ugh, a trait I am not proud of.  So I am happy to report to you  that I am in the good graces, once again, of the "Clean Desk Club". Yay!  What about you?  Do you struggle to keep your desk  at the ready for letter writing?

Then there’s the joy of getting your desk clean, and knowing that all your letters are answered, and you can see the wood on it again.

-          Lady Bird  Johnson

Write Letters.

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Little People Mail

When sending mail to children, it is helpful to remember what it was like to have been a child yourself. What sorts of things did you enjoy receiving in the mail?  I am always on the hunt for small and mailable (meaning sort of flat) interesting items.  I think that a variety of color also helps to add to the excitement. Here , I am using those great zip lock bags I purchased from Dollar Tree (see post:  Frugal Postal Finds).  By the way, these bags are not flimsy...they are made of durable , sturdy, plastic.

This  bit of "Happy Mail" going out to Isaiah.   He is not quite two, but he will not have any trouble figuring out what to do with these items.

Here are the items that have been  included.  Stickers, Squirmies (I'm not exactly  sure  what these do), bubbles, glow stick,a hot wheels car, a super cool finger light (I divided this up between all of the packages--I copied off the instructions and wrapped up one light per package) , a mystery "Despicable Me"  and don't forget the Note  (notice I didn't say "letter"--attention span at 19 months is more on the "note" level.)

We have been having a heat wave here in Virginia.    I decided to cool him off by sending a few snow flakes his way...

Dear Isaiah,

Helloooo there!  Way over in the mountains of Roanoke! Are you doing well today?  I Know you are, because I have never seen you without a smile (exceptions to this might be when you have been poorly treated ;-) )

Aren't we having HOT, HOT weather?  Well, even though the mountains are a tad bit cooler, its still hot!  So, Mimi is sending you a few snowflakes to cool off.

Eating Popsicles (ack!  misspelling!!!) and more Popsicles is an even better way to cool down!

Well, have fun with your "happy mail!" and know that your Mimi and Pops love and pray for you!

Mimi and Pops

Gideon is a BIG brother...mind you he is only 4 but he has a lot of responsibility for only being 4.  He has two little sisters, Tirzah and Chloe.  Charlotte is a little friend who was visiting.  I offer a bit of advice when it might be necessary to yell for mom (who is very pregnant with #4).

Dear Gideon,

I just saw a picture of you with Tirzah and Chloe...eating popsicles!  Yummy!  You have a good mommy to make Popsicles for you!  Do you have the swimming pool up?  I'll bet you are having all kinds of fun!

Chloe sure looks like she had fun in the flour barrel .  She was cute with Charlotte in the pictures!

You have your work cut out for you watching those two!  But, I feel you can handle that.  Remember, if blood is squirting out...or one of them wanders down to the creek...or you see a bear...these are Definites to yell for mom!

We love you,

Mimi and Pops

Boy packs ready to go...

Girly things going out to Hannah...my little friend in Blue Ridge...actually, she is getting to be quite the young lady at age 13.  But can you believe it...I forgot to enclose a note/letter!  That will be going out separately. 

Ready to head to the post office!

So, writing to little people needs to be short and sweet...and chatty, like you were sitting next to them talking on their level. If I am just sending a note, I make sure to always put some type of tuck-in like a balloon, stick of gum, or stickers.  I wish I could say that I was more disciplined in writing and sending things on a more regular basis, but as it stands, right now I am rather sporadic.  I am working on this.

**Mail Challenge**  Send out some happiness to a child this week.  Let them know what the mail box is for!

Write Letters.

Write Often.

Lady Pamela