pen pal post, no. 2: (ad)dressing the envelope
addressing (and dressing) the envelope is one of my favorite parts of the letter writing process. sometimes it's the step i start with, addressing a handful of envelopes as way to remember which stationery to send to whom, and as a sort of to-write list for an on-the-go writing session. once a letter's completed and sealed up inside, it's like a small gift, ready to be presented.
for me there's just a simple satisfaction that comes with addressing by hand, and i'm obsessed (i still find joy in addressing each and every package that ships out from my shop!). however, when it comes to dressing the envelope, to be honest i am quite the creature of habit (see exhibits A and B): i tend to stick with neutral-color envelopes, and i always address in the same way and spot. i do love getting creative with postage (exhibit C), but that's a topic for another pen pal post!
so, i leave it to my pen pals to demonstrate (ad)dressing possibilities:
1. alphabet stamps! for whoever's putting mail in the boxes at my post office, i like to think that coming across anything sent from margaret will bring a smile to his or her face.
2. i love the simple and classic look of a typewritten address. above, codi ann carefully traced over the typewriting on a beautifully textured envelope (handmade by share studios).
3. embellished addressee! how special to see one's name in script across the envelope.
4. the back of the envelope is where i typically write my return address and get particular about which washi tape to use. i love the artful way amy shaped and placed different patterned and colored tapes across the flap, and how julia used this space to share beautiful vintage postage from hungary.
join us at our next pen pal club meeting on wednesday, july 8. we'll be at the studio of paper pastries in downtown LA, with typewriters and other supplies to get you (ad)dressing your envelopes! more details and rsvp here.
p.s. check out craftmakesmile for additional envelope inspiration.