On Stationery

Sixty-six emails were sent out to #PostCircle members on Tuesday, confirming groups (the names of which are British wild animals) and partners for the first posting. It was really exciting to see people finding their groups on Twitter and introducing themselves... and all this inevitably led to lots of chatter about stationery.

I'm something of a stationery addict, I'll admit. I have a drawer dedicated to such things, and think putting a little thought into the paper and decorations you send with your warm wishes really helps to make post special.

But this doesn't mean stationery has to be expensive. While a lovely embellishment, stationery does play second fiddle to the words themselves, and I don't want anyone making themselves bankrupt in communicating with their new pen pals. Here are some creative ways to craft up your correspondence on a budget...

1. Try Claireabellemakes' Washi Tape DIYS.
2. Check out my post on making your own writing paper using fabric and a scanner. 
3. Using the method in number 2 - stick stamps, stickers or draw on paper, scan and print.
4. Shop for bargains! Markets and shops such as Wilkinson and The Works have bargainous lovely stationery. 
5. Try Wrapped Up in Rainbows' rubber stamp DIY. 

If you're happy to spend a little money, there is so much choice on Etsy. These are a few of my favourites:

This is $4.00 by kayfish

Pack of 10 postcards £2.00 by Patternalism

Typewriter postcard £1.80 by typescale

And as well as letters and notes here are some ideas for goodies to include in your envelopes:

1. Recipes
2. Teabags
3. A crossword or sodoku puzzle
4. Doodles and other artwork
5. Card luggage tags
6. Origami creations
7. Crocheted doilies
8. Pressed flowers
9. Sheet music
10. A polaroid style photo

Decorate your postie creations with:

1. Old stamps
2. Stickers!
3. Ink stamps
4. That handwriting you haven't practised since school
5. Washi tape
6. Cutout pictures from catalogues, magazines and old greetings cards
7. Buttons

Most importantly, have fun and don't sweat it! You don't have to feel pressure to write a long letter if you don't want to - a short note or a postcard is enough to brighten someone's day too!

“The act of writing a letter has become akin to meditation in our fast-paced lives. It's taking a moment and slowing it down, letting it become, transforming it onto paper and sending it to someone else. The receiver opens his mail and instead of finding a bill, there is a personally addressed envelope. Every letter from a loved one is a true gift, because that person decided to transmit that moment in their lives to me.” ~ Hope Von Stengel - rather fabulous Etsy seller. 

PS: Another three #PostCircle groups will be started off by the weekend!

Features in Pretty Nostalgic Magazine

I'm pleased and proud to have been allowed to invade the pages of Pretty Nostalgic magazine once again. I know I've said it before and could be considered biased, but this is absolutely 100% my favourite magazine. I love that it's an independent publication. I love the truly passionate team behind it, all of whom are interested in some truly odd subjects, just like me. I love the articles on all things vintage, British, quirky and crafty. I love that their motto is, 'Spend Wisely, Waste Less and Appreciate More'. It's like my grandmother, my ideal lifestyle and a great big helping of patriotism all bound up and gifted to me bi-monthly.

Even better - the magazine doesn't date, so you can add your copies to your bookshelf like I do and enjoy the articles several years down the line.

This time I took part in the magazine's Hidden Streets feature, musing over those characterful spots we love to visit. I wrote about Whitby (of course) and I thought the other contributors' pieces were amazing. Such imagination.

I was also featured in an article by Kat Picot of Four Little Walls on doll's houses. Kat's piece is beautifully written.

My pub quite enjoyed the photoshoot...

...although I did have to do some miniature dusting first!

If you're an artistic sort you may be interested in taking part in Pretty Nostalgic's 'Create Our Motto' reader challenge. It looks really exciting!

A Feature in Pretty Nostalgic Issue 3

Regular readers of this blog will know that I've been in love with the independent magazine Pretty Nostalgic since its first bi-monthly issue appeared in May. I had a small piece in that first edition, and am now thrilled to  have a feature in issue 3, which landed on my doormat on Thursday morning. 

Recreating a Mrs. Beeton recipe for the modern day family has been something I have wanted to try for a long time - since starting this blog, actually - and there was much amusement as I reported to friends and family that I was sourcing partridges to make an authentic partridge pie, especially as at the time I wrote this piece they weren't yet in season! Luckily I avoided flouting any bird protection laws by tracking down some frozen ones, and spent a happy afternoon in the kitchen.

The pie really was delicious! 

Pretty Nostalgic magazine is a project I really want to champion because its ethos sits so well with my own. Calling themselves "The independent vintage lifestyle magazine celebrating everything that's brilliantly British" the magazine aims to promote making more of what you have, bringing an ethical approach to life, promoting British independent manufacturers, artists and businesses and looking to the past to learn how to live in a wonderful present.

It's an attitude I believe is becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK since the recession, and so often when reading this magazine I find myself nodding in agreement with the talented contributors packed into each issue. And it seems I'm not alone. Since launching I have watched the magazine's popularity soar across social media as growing numbers find themselves relating to the Pretty Nostalgic way of life. 

The magazine is also beautifully presented with rich, inspiring images and a real sense of community. I'm so proud to have been able to contribute in a small way to this new issue. 

Another little snippet:

If you love vintage, sustainable living, handmade, upcycling, living by the seasons and appreciating what you have, you will love this magazine. Not only do the issues not date, but they are printed on thick, strong paper and the magazine resembles a book, so you'll be able to pick up past issues to read again and again.

I also blogged about Pretty Nostalgic founders Nicole Burnett and Sarah Legg's book Pretty Nostalgic Home: Happy Days from Vintage Ways here, which really changed my outlook on how I want to live in my home and the possessions I treasure within.

                                      

You can buy Pretty Nostalgic magazine and their book direct from their website, or limited copies are on sale in WH Smith stores nationwide. 

Enjoy your Saturday!