Emails are being sent out!

Dear Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Members,
I am sorry for the delay in getting out the emails.  Everyone is happily matched and the emails are going out.  I should be finished by this evening, so please check your emails and make contact with your new Winter 2019 Pen Friend!

Yours,
Lady Pamela

Outgoing Vintage Pink and Gold Folio Mail

Outgoing Letter...

I recently decided to make a few folio book mailers.  This is the first one that has gone out...all the way to Finland!  I chose pink and gold, because it is so pretty.  I love the moss green velvet and coral rose charm.  

Here is my letter all tied up with string with a few vintage items. This letter has a wrapper made of a couple pages from Pride and Prejudice.

Here it is completely folded out to see.  There is a few items to share and a bag of tea behind the "Time for a Cup of Tea" card.

I usually put my letters in-between  one of the folds of the mailer, as my letters are a bit lengthy or are written on heavier paper  which do not fold up so flat.  This lovely letter was addressed and sent to Finland...unfortunately, it never arrived.  However, you never know, it could still make its way!  I had a letter addressed to Belgium and somehow it wound up in the Bahamas and then eventually to Belgium!!  You never know!

Write Letters

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

*New In Shop*

Sealing wax, with wicks and without.  Current colors shown.

Jane Austen Flip Book, Black And White

Black and White goodness for Lady Sarah!

The cover of the flip book , with a few modern twists.

The inside of this flip book, embellishments keep to the black  and white theme.  

I wrote the letter on several sheets of paper, because the letter I began in January  never got finished.  (I'm ashamed to say).  However, when this happens, I always send the old letter in along with the new letter  because I tend to story tell in my letters and the January letter actually was written while I was at a 1860's ball being a chaperone!  So, I had a few things to share  about the ball that I thought Lady Sarah would still enjoy.  

This letter did not fit inside the above flip book but I included it separately , but with the above flip book.  I put all of it in a cello bag to mail.   This letter had a belly wrap  made from pages of Jane Austen's Emma, then raffia ribbon tied and my Jane Austen Silhouette wax seal.   Happy travels to your destination...

Write Letters

Write Often.

Lady Pamela 

How To Set The Mood For Letter Writing...

Letter Writing Rituals...

Do you ever find yourself in a frame of mind where you just can't make yourself sit down and write a letter?  Did you know that writing a letter requires a great amount of mental energy? An article I read recently talked about the relationship between creativity and mental and physical energy ( article ).  It all made sense to me.    I guess what I need to say to myself is to SLOW DOWN.   I know it's cliche to say, "slow down and smell the roses"...but there is much wisdom in that saying.  The other morning, I was sitting in my living room with a cup of hot tea  just gazing out the window.  I don't know how long I sat there just gazing, but it was so peaceful and re energizing.  The above photo was taken after I got up.

  

So, Step 1. Slow down, clear your mind of "the tyranny of the immediate".  It also helps to make sure you are getting proper rest and nutrition. 

Step 2.  Declutter your work area.  "A cluttered workspace evokes a distracted mind." was straight out of the article.  For me, not only the immediate work area needs to be neat and tidy, but also the entire room.  

Step 3:  Have supplies at the ready.  I usually spend a craft session or two making envelopes, or the bones of  several flip books.  It is a good idea (if you make your own stationery) to also have plenty of that available ahead of time.  I like to rubber stamp my sheets, but wouldn't that take an immense  amount of time if you were going through that process for each letter?  I also try to have "happy mail" packets ready to go.  I truly dislike searching everywhere for supplies.  It is draining .

Along with general supplies, stationery, envelopes,  stickers are a nice touch, and require no artistic talent.

Step 4:  Let's not forget to stop and take a break for tea!  A little refreshment along the way will recharge you!

Along with step 3, and having some "happy mail" (little paper gifts such as stickers, die cuts, etc. that you can share with your pen friend), be on the look out for items to "enclose" in your letter.  I found these sturdy scripture cards that I have started to enclose with  my letters.  

Once you have finished your letter by putting it in the envelope and sealing it up,  you may find it evokes a sense of accomplishment. For me, that includes the thought that  I was able to give the gift of a letter to someone.  This gift not only  was a tangible item of which I may have spent quite a bit of time creating, but it is a gift in another way.  It is a gift of my time in which I have  focused solely on them.  

Thinking about all of these things, makes me more aware of how I might learn to be more productive in my life in general, not just in letter writing.  I hope it has helped you too.   Please leave your comments below, and be a part of this conversation!  I would love to hear from you!

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Making Mail Monday

Let's make some MAIL!

Here is a new envelope that I just made using some pages from Pride and Prejudice and my rubber stamps.  Oh this is a good page...dialogue with Elizabeth and devious Wickham...be careful Elizabeth....don't fall for it!!!   Seriously, in my home we often categorize  people according to literary figures.  Have you ever done that? Dickens is GREAT for this as well as Jane Austen.  I think they both had keen insights into human nature.  So we have had our encounters with "Wickhams" trying to get to our daughters-- (I have 6 beautiful daughters, that we , my husband and I , protect fiercely!).  We have met good natured, generous , "Mr. Bingly's",  and it goes on.

Here is a little project that I did to add to my letters as little "tuck-ins".    Tea and Jane Austen...what could be better?

Here are  a few orders that went out recently with Jane Austen Kits!  You can purchase yours at my Etsy Store.  All my letter writing kits are ON SALE right now... perfect for holiday giving!

Here are some Jane Austen necessities that I have in my Etsy Store !   Top left:  The Complete Jane Austen Letter Writing Kit, which includes a wax seal, and a stick of wax! Top Right:  Variety of Jane Austen Stickers.  Bottom Left:  My very popular Jane Austen Mini Kit! and Bottom Right:  a pack of 4 Jane Austen "mail tag cards".  

The Jane Austen Letter Writing Society....a place for kindred spirits!

Have A GREAT DAY,

Write Letters,

Write often!

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Mail!

Lovely Letters...to Lovely People!

Here is a a batch of letter that just went out today to members of the JALWsociety.  I hope they will overlook my up hilly-down-hilly writing with my dipping pen.  I know.  I need to get  some lined paper to put under my paper.... And I did have a few cross through(s), and  a ink blot or two...but I had such a wonderful time putting the mail together.  I will do a post on some of the contents of these letters...little peeks .  But for now, I hope you enjoy seeing my envelopes all gussied up and mailed out.

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Fall Pen Friend Exchange, Signups!

Is it possible to get a pen pal  that I like?

In one short word, Yes!

It is time for the FALL  Pen Friend Exchange!  This is where I personally select a pen friend for you based on your completed application.  The application (see the menu bar at the top of this page to access the form) allows me to  match you  according to your preferences.  This is not a perfect system, but I do try my best.

Directions:  1. Fill out  the "application form" (at the top of the page, menu bar) --don't forget to take the "Which Jane Austen Heroine  Are You?" Quiz which is located in the side bar of this blog. This will help you fill out the application form, question #9.  2.Then by copy the completed application and paste it into an email. Send the completed application form to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications is:  September 4th, 2016.  

I will be monitoring my email box :  JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing the applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but I hope to start working on them this week.    You will be notified of your pen friend after the September 4th deadline.  It usually takes me close to a week to get it all worked out.  :-).  I do this the old fashioned way...some day I'll have to do a blog post on this process, as I really amaze myself that it all works out so well.  Try to be as specific about yourself as possible in the application...this allows me to better match you, but also remember that we all must be flexible too.  Many of you want international pen friends, but sometimes I run short of those applicants.  If I run into a real problem, I will usually notify you per email.

IMPORTANT!!!!

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you will follow through on your commitment .  This means that you will write your pen friend, and usually this involves several letters over the course of 3 months.  It is very disappointing to those fulfilling their commitments  when their partner does not respond in kind.  

One final note.  I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I promote the elegant aspect of letter writing (I love vintage items connected to letter writing) , it is to by no means eliminate people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, you are more than welcome!  If you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills,  still consider  joining the society, to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

Visit my Etsy Store for  my Jane Austen themed letter Writing kits, and other Jane Austen themed snail mail supplies!

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Fall Pen Friend Signups Now!

Customized Pen Friend...just the way you like it!

It is time for the FALL  Pen Friend Exchange!  This is where I personally select a pen friend for you based on your completed application.  The application (see the menu bar at the top of this page to access the form) allows me to  match you  according to your preferences.  This is not a perfect system, but I do try my best.

Directions:  1. Fill out  the "application form" (at the top of the page, menu bar) --don't forget to take the "Which Jane Austen Heroine  Are You?" Quiz which is located in the side bar of this blog. This will help you fill out the application form, question #9.  2.Then by copy the completed application and paste it into an email. Send the completed application form to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications is:  September 4th, 2016.  

I will be monitoring my email box :  JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing the applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but I hope to start working on them this week.    You will be notified of your pen friend after the September 4th deadline.  It usually takes me close to a week to get it all worked out.  :-).  I do this the old fashioned way...some day I'll have to do a blog post on this process, as I really amaze myself that it all works out so well.  Try to be as specific about yourself as possible in the application...this allows me to better match you, but also remember that we all must be flexible too.  Many of you want international pen friends, but sometimes I run short of those applicants.  If I run into a real problem, I will usually notify you per email.

IMPORTANT!!!!

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you will follow through on your commitment .  This means that you will write your pen friend, and usually this involves several letters over the course of 3 months.  It is very disappointing to those fulfilling their commitments  when their partner does not respond in kind.  

One final note.  I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I promote the elegant aspect of letter writing (I love vintage items connected to letter writing) , it is to by no means eliminate people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, you are more than welcome!  If you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills,  still consider  joining the society, to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

Visit my Etsy Store for  my Jane Austen themed letter Writing kits, and other Jane Austen themed snail mail supplies!

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Some Austen Mail Making Its Way To the Post Office

Here are some of my recent outgoing Austen Mail!  Do you have an Instagram Account?  You can follow me there: Janeaustenletterwritingsociety , and if you do, share your pictures of mail that you send or receive.  

This is a LARGE wax seal...taking practically 1/2 a stick of wax!  Alright...maybe I do stretch the truth there.  But it really does take  quite a bit of wax.

This is one of my favorite wax seals...the pigeon delivering a letter.

I hope you are able to get off some letters this week!

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Flip Book Tutorial

I am sure many of you have been making "flip books", but I thought that I would put together a brief photo  tutorial just in case someone was wanting some help.  After this, if you have been hesitant, you will be off and running (with your "petticoat 6  inches in mud!" P& P chapter 8) !  In this post, we will be just developing the "skeleton" of our Flip Book.

To make things simple...I use 12 inch X 12 inch paper.

Fold in half.

Please disregard the horizontal crease you see here....it is a total boo boo!  Cut your paper in half (without the added crease)

You will now have two halves of your paper.  Divide evenly into thirds.   Mark off 4 inches and 8 inches.

Crease along those two markings as shown.

I do several at a time.

If you want the inside of your flip book to be "lined" , you need to glue a piece (I used a contrasting paper) the same size to your other piece.

It might need a tiny bit of adjustment, trim here and there as needed.

I made 4 flip book "skeletons ".  They will be ready to add pages to, and embellish when I am ready to sit down and write  a letter.

We will explore  the completed flip book in my next post!  Have you sent any flip books lately? It's a great way to send little goodies to your pen friend.  

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

My Letter To Lady Isabelle

Here is my most recent "accordion letter"  going off to Lady Isabelle in France.  You can see the  exquisite  mail  she sent me Here.  Some paper crafters refer to this as a "Folio" letter.  You can do a search and find more ideas.  If you are interested, here is another one I have done:  Accordion Letter

I have been looking for a good excuse to get out some of my supplies.

Oh dear.  The "not so good" edge punch job, is very noticeable in this photo.  I'm not sure how I got off on my punching, but I did.  You can see, I'm not a perfectionist.  

The card is a blank postcard that I received from a friend. It was not glued in, so that she could use it. The small envelope has some  cute washi samples to enjoy.

It is always "Tea Time" with Lady Pamela.  :-)

When you lift the  "You're My Cup Of Tea" card, there is an envelope with a tea bag of Twinings "English Breakfast Tea" for Lady Isabelle.

More pretties....I'm so delighted she likes Jane Austen!

I hesitated posting this photo...I do not like my hand writing.  I really need to get some lined paper to put under my writing, and then there are the cross throughs, etc. etc.   But I did want to show you that  I wrote a letter in FRENCH!  How lovely is that?  Thank you Google Translate!  I think the trick to getting a smooth translation is to  not use idioms, keep your speech straight- forward, etc.  I hope the letter made sense.  

The left side has a few Jane Austen tags, and an oval with her sillohuett , my letter was properly sealed with the Jane Austen Letter writing Society seal!

Here is a nice over  view of the project.  The  letter and tag sections ( previous photo) are on the reverse side.

I did put the accordion letter in a clear cello bag to mail.  I was pleasantly surprised that this rather large letter , weighing 3 + ounces went "large envelope"  international rate and only cost me $4.16 to mail!

Summer Letter Writing...

Writing On The Go!

I had three Jane Austen Letter Writing Society letters recently.  Lady Cornell is my summer pen friend, but I also received letters from two previous Pen Friend Exchanges (Lady Alaina's is not shown here).   I was off to the mountains for two weeks for Cabin Camp Counseling which would mean very little time (if any) for letter writing.  And I was right, as I was only able to write actually 2 letters.  

I did take some stamped graph paper, pens, and stamps in my mobile writing box.  But, alas...there was just no time to concentrate on letter writing.  Here is my letter, concocted  in the middle of the wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I only had my trusty  Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen.

When I tried to write on the envelope... the ink feathered something terrible.  The more I tried to "fix things", the worse it became!  I was missing my Sumi ink and my straight dipping pen.  But a letter was written, even without  my favorite supplies.  It can be done.  

Write Letters

Write Often,

Lady Pamela