Traveler's Notebook Summer Pages

Summer is over. Today is the Autumn Equinox. Mercury is no longer in retrograde and the wheel of the year turns to Mabon. In other words - It's Fall, Y'all. I am so happy. 

Summer in Florida is downright miserable. To be honest, I often get the blues in August/September because the heat is so awful. In addition to heat, we have the rainy season. The sauna-like weather makes it difficult to be outside and do the things I love to do. This affects everything. My mood, productivity, and creativity all suffer.  

I did manage to stick with journaling throughout the summer season. Here's a look at my weekly layouts over the past few weeks. How did you beat the summer heat this year? 

Summer Stationery Haul

There are few things in life I hoard. I prefer minimal and organized living spaces. But, when it comes to books and stationery, I admit I am weak.

I do try to limit these items and keep them confined to my library and office. If they start to spill over into the rest of the house (nightstands, dining tables, living room), I take it as a sign to purge. But, so far, I have remained fairly disciplined. 

This summer I stocked up on some of my favorite stationery supplies. I allowed myself to fill a small box kept in my office. Once it was filled, I put a halt on purchases (at least until Fall). Here's a look at the items I picked up this summer. Links for all items listed below. 

Classiky Rubber Stamp 
J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor Ink
P.W. Ackerman Ink - Purchased at Miami Pen Show
Twsby Fountain Pen 
Tim Hotlz Tissue Paper 
Moleskine Notebook 
Glassine Envelopes 
Cello Envelopes 
Vintage Postage Stamps (From Letter Writers Alliance Member Shop) 
Life Paper 
Classiky Paper 
Pen to Paper Book 
 

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.