New Stationery Purchase

What joy to find a new gift store that carries a wonderful selection of paper goodness. Last week I visited Truly... in White Bear Lake, MN and bought these few items.

This autumnal themed notecard was created by Becca Stadtlander and will be hard to part with as I'm so drawn to the image and the colors, especially in Minnesota at this time of year. But life is too short to hang onto these things, so send it on I must.

Most of you probably know that I'm of the notion that you absolutely cannot have too many notebooks, so I purchased this Moleskin which was decorated with 'Discover' and the three flowers you see illustrated. This cover inspires me to do my own artwork on some of my other plain notebooks. We'll see.

 These are the lined pages inside the Discover notebook. Still blank, but not for long.

 

The next item came tucked inside the 'Discover' notebook- a simply designed, whimsical bookmark. I love it!

 

The final item is a craft book published by Hello Lucky called Handmade Hellos. This inspiring book is filled with ideas, illustrations and templates to make my own greeting cards or other fun mail. 

I think it's time for me to go and get busy making some original fun mail.

Christmas Stamps

Introducing the 2011 Holiday postage stamp set, Holiday Baubles! For you traditionalists who send holiday cards, this year's stamp set is bright and colorful.

It's probably no surprise that I love to send and receive holiday mail. The annual tradition of selecting the stationery, the stamps and the cards is something that I look forward to each year. And receiving cards from friends and family is a meaningful ritual as well.

In the past I have purchased stamps from Errol Murphy who sells unused vintage stamps (holiday and regular) at face value. Murph offers a wide selection of stamps in many different categories. If you're interested in purchasing some holiday stamps, you'll want to get those soon.

 If you decide on some older Christmas stamps (my favorite are the Santas), you can email Murph at emurphy(at)cot.net and ask for more information. Many of you may know Murph from the Missive Maven's blog as she has recommended him in the past. Missive Maven is also offering some of her holiday themed stamps for sale on Etsy.

Edward Gorey #20

Welcome to Edward Gorey #20. Only four cards remain from this postcard collection book for 2011.

This card is from the Blue Aspic about Ortenzia Caviglia, an unknown opera understudy who gets a lucky break when the opera diva goes missing.

Since I've recently received some unexpected and fun mail from the Call for Correspondents at the Good Mail Day blog, I will send this card to someone from there.

Random Letter in the Mail

Every once in awhile a letter arrives completely out of the blue from someone I've never met before. I love when this happens! Today I received a letter from Alison which made my day.

As if the decorated envelope wasn't enough, the letter was typed and quite engaging as she talked about things that interest me (books, travel, England) that I had put in the comments with my address on the Call for Correspondents at the Good Mail Day blog.

Thanks, Allison. Now it's my turn to return the favor.

Letter Links Oct. 9

You know how I love to share fun and relevant links on writing, letter writing and whatnot. Enjoy!

365 Things To Write About Giveaway from Julie at Whatever
Two Calls for Entries - Fun in the Mail by Cappuccino and Art Journal
Stationery in the Bookstores by Strikethru
Save the Postal Service Postcard by Missive Maven
You Never Write Anymore by Wall Street Journal

Edward Gorey #19

This Edward Gorey postcard looks like it is taking place next to a body of water or at the bottom of the sea. I can't decide. It's from 'The Tuning Fork'.

"The simple creature was taken aghast

at hearing of her cruel past."

It appears as if the woman is telling a tale- apparently of her cruel past. The card says the creature looks aghast, but to me, he just looks mildly amused.

I will send this to one of you who has not received one yet. Just send your address to Jackie (at) LettersAndJournals (dot) com.

October Stationery Giveaway

Welcome to the October Stationery Giveaway! Lots of wonderful stationery items for some lucky winner thanks to our generous sponsors!

Lovers of fine stationery will be delighted with this hand engraved stationery from Crane & Co. There are 25 sheets/envelopes for your writing pleasure.

Note cards (4), notepads (2), buttons and bookmarks make this selection from Haley's Handmades a wonderful assortment of poodle cornucopia.

This set of 10 lobster thank you cards from Tilia Press will enchant and delight both the sender and the receiver of these ocean themed cards.

These four uniquely designed cards from Wimzie Prints will make a statement with their charm and style.

Product Superior also has four uniquely designed and colorful cards for your note sending and writing pleasure.

For your journaling needs, Peter Pauper Press has offered this Sparkly Garden lined journal. Make sure you have your favorite pen handy to write on these smooth white pages.

Need a pen, you say? Well, it just so happens that Sakura of America sent in this 4 piece set of Sepia colored pens.

Looking ahead to the holidays, Ecojot sent in this lovely set of holiday cards.

If you're looking to write a letter, then you may want to get out this writing paper from Journals + Paper and write away!

It's never too soon to start planning ahead. Karen at Exaclair sent in this Quo Vadis 2012 planner so that you can get started now.

These old books/new journals from Ex Libris Anonymous bring a lot of character with their used book charm. If you're not familiar with these books turned into journals, you should know that they are filled with quality blank pages and rebound with the spiral binding, while keeping the book covers and some of the pages intact.

Finally, we have a set of postcards with post and telephone box themes by Eraser Carver. Who doesn't like to send a handsomely designed and unique postcard?

There you have it - all the fun and goodies for October 2011! You know the drill, but if you don't, here you go.

Leave a comment to be entered into this giveaway.

The contest is open to everyone everywhere. The October winner will be selected on November 1. I contact the winner by email, so be sure to include your email address with your comment or you can send me your email address: Jackie (at) lettersandjournals (dot) com. You still need to leave a comment as I number them and use the Random Number Generator to select the winning number each month.

Letter Links for Oct 1

Finding joy by surfing the internet and encountering interesting blog posts on endearing subjects.

Handwritten Letters are Nostalgic Yet Rare by Amy Abbot at Courier Press
Snail Mail Social by Annie at Curbside Treasure
Stacks by Cappucino and Art Journal
What Five Living People Should be on the New Postage Stamps by the New York Times
Send the Love: Show Support for Postal Workers by Missive Maven