New Fall Class: The Art Of Letter Writing

Starting in September, I will be teaching a new class at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida. This class will meet once a week for six weeks and cover the following topics:

• Class One: Introductions, History and Review of Tools
• Class Two: Letter Writing Basics and Stationery
• Class Three: Fountain Pens 101
• Class Four: Envelope Addressing – Centering & Handwriting Tips
• Class Five: Envelope Embellishing - Wax Seals and Postage Art
• Class Six: Thinking Outside the Envelope – Adventures in Mail Art

Tool kits will be included in the cost of the class. Here's a breakdown of the tools we will be using:

• Fine Japanese Writing Papers
• Pens (includes fountain pen with cartridge and converter)
• Envelopes
• Wax Seal Kit
• Postage
• Mail Art Materials
• Decorative Storage Box

If you are interested in this class, please sign up here.

The Moleskine Postal Notebook

The Moleskine Postal Notebook has been out for while. It first caught my eye over a year ago when I noticed it on Instagram. It's a cool concept, but I've always struggled with how to use it. Here's why.

The notebook cover has flaps allowing it to be folded into an envelope and mailed. Some people mail the blank notebook to their pen pals. Once received, the flaps can be removed and the recipient has a nice little Moleskine notebook. I like the design. It's clever. Unfortunately, the paper used in these notebooks is not fountain pen friendly. And most of my pen pals are serious fountain pen users. So, I knew few of them would want to use the notebook for writing.

Then I realized there are just enough pages to tell a story with a few printed photos and a nice fine tip marker. Check out my video below to see the end result. I'd love to know how you use this charming and interesting product. I think it has so much potential. 

Creative Snail Mail Storage

In the age of scaling down and living small, what is one to do with their beloved missives? I have a few creative ideas that will allow you to store your letters under the disguise of office and bookshelf decor. 

Most of my suggestions can be made by hand using items around your home. I've included a video with more detail as well as materials below. How do you archive mail you want to save? I'd love to know. 

Letters bound in a leather journal can be displayed along with books in your office or home library.

Decorative storage boxes can be used around the house. I like to decorate my letter boxes to look like vintage parcels and display them in my library. 

Mentioned in this video*:
Par Avion stamp set
Leather journal
Tacky glue
Managing Missives Video

All items purchased with my own money. This is not a sponsored video. Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.  This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support.