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

To Stamp Or Not To Stamp

My new Jane Austen wax seal!

I purchased this wax seal  from the website: Stamptitude.

Mine was a custom order, but the process was relatively simple.

With my seal being a custom order, and that fact that this company is based in Hong Kong, it did take a few weeks to receive.  I was pleased with the packaging when it arrived...so elegant!  I got to work on making my Jane Austen Silhouette seal right away.  This seal takes a bit more wax than others, so my first attempts were rather poor.  But practice is definitely the key to success!

I am very pleased with the results!  Thank you Stamptitude!  I am sure that this wax seal will quickly become one of my favorites!

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Available in the shop...

Wax sticks...

Rose wax seal

Roll Call,Hurricanes, Jane Austen, and A Waiting List...

Waiting List and Roll Call!

Well, its time for a little chit chat now that I am FINALLY done with all the lovely match making I have been doing with the Fall Pen Friend Exchange!  Unfortunately it took me nearly twice as long as expected  because of the total number...70.  That means inputting 70 applications,  and many more emails.  By the time I am finished, I have usually sent you anywhere from  3-4 emails.  Another reason for the delay was the holiday weekend  which put me behind yet another 2 days.  But It is now done, so please check your email and make contact with your partner, and thank you one and all for your amazing patience!

Roll Call

Here is some information about WHO has participated this exchange.  We had the following countries represented.  Isn't it lovely to see that the world over appreciates the wit and humor of Jane Austen?  I find her canny insights into human nature transcends cultural barriers.  People are people, no matter your geographical situation, or station in life, and I think that this diversity of participation proves this line of thinking.

Canada

USA

Germany

Ireland

Northern Ireland

India

Japan

Portugal

Australia

United Kingdom

Italy

The Netherlands

Spain

FLORIDA PARTICIPANTS...

As I was sending out the emails the last couple of days, I noticed that we had quite a representation from Florida--5 to be exact.  I am praying that you are all safe.  And for those of you with a pen friend from Florida, please be patient as they may not have electricity  and possibly have lost much more because of   hurricane Irma.  Hopefully it won't be too long before Texas AND  Florida are restored to normalcy.

Waiting List!

I know that I have already announced the waiting list on Instagram, but I want anyone who stumbles onto this page for the first time to know that it is not too late.  I have started a waiting list which will probably be open until the end of the month.   Please refer to a previous Blog Post for all the information about how to apply to the Society.

I think that this will do for now.  I hope that everyone is doing well, and enjoying this day.

Write Letters

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

*New In The Shop!*

Beautifully  crafted wax seals, rose design!

Last Call for the Fall/Winter Pen Friend Exchange!

It's still not too late!  Tomorrow is the deadline for me to receive your completed application for the Fall/Winter Pen Friend Exchange. 

See the previous Blog Post for all the details of how you can get a literary, bibliophile , Jane Austen Lover, pen friend!  

Make Haste!

Make Haste!

Lady Pamela

*New In Shop*

Set of 4 unique Mail Tag Cards printed in the Jane Austen Font!

Lady Pamela Interviews Miss Bates!

Miss Bates...The Interview

 I am delighted to have you join me as I have recently had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Bates of Highbury .    I have always admired Miss Bates, and felt sure the rest of you would enjoy our conversation.  I was able to arrange the interview, rather extemporaneously, while recently in Highbury on a shopping expedition.  I  happened  to pass her on the street, and upon introductions (as I am a  distant relation of the Coles in Highbury) she begged me to join her and her esteemed mother for a spot of tea in their cosy parlor.

Miss Bates:  Oh my. How is Lord Foster's health? We have been making anxious inquiries about him since we have heard of his troubles.  Perhaps he should take a bit of Water -Gruel?  Is that not what  your friend Mr. Woodhouse takes?  But his must be nice a smooth gruel, thin, but not too thin.   And thank you so for your visit, you are too kind to visit.  Mr. Elton was here the other day and brought us these shoes.  He is always showing such kindness and felicity to the poor of the town.  Now please sit down and have some of the sweet cake from the buffet.

Lady Pamela:  Thank you so much for  so cordially and gratefully welcoming me to join you and Mrs. Bates in for some tea. Yes, Lord Foster is doing much better, he is an excellent patient, lies quietly in bed and is ready to swallow anything.  He lives upon medicine, tea and barley water.   I will tell him of the water gruel you speak so highly of.

Miss Bates:  Oh , yes!  He must certainly have the water gruel.  It is sure to raise his spirits.  The apothecary may also recommend a stout Dandelion tea, I  approve of it  highly.  I believe the Campbells are quite taken with dandelion tea, by my honour!  With some slight alterations , he will have a strong constitution, as strong as my mother's.  "Ma'am", Do you hear  what I am recommending to Lady Pamela?  The DANDELION TEA?"

Lady Pamela:  I will be sure to recommend the water gruel and the dandelion tea as you suggest to Lord Foster.   Um, I thought I heard from Mrs. Cole that you had received a letter  recently from your pen friend of the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society?

Miss Bates: Oh here it is! I was sure it could not be far off, but I had put my huswif on it, you see , without being aware, and so it was quite hid, but I had it in my hand so very lately that I was almost sure it must be on the table.  I was reading it to Mrs. Cole, and since she went away, I was reading it again to my mother, for it is such a pleasure to her--a letter from the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society--that she can never hear it often enough!  Oh yes, I received a lovely letter, from Mrs. P___  of the Society, what a great pleasure, and such a handsome letter, I do declare.  And it was not her turn for writing. But you see, just like her, so considerate!  Such a handsome letter, yes it is--is it not, mother?  "THE LETTER , MOTHER, THE LETTER FROM THE SOCIETY?"  Bless me,  Upon my honour!

Lady Pamela:  Oh , indeed it is quite handsome!!  It is charming and I know it filled you all with felicitous joy.  And so cleverly made.  I  must see what I can do to make mine as clever as this letter from your Mrs. P___!  I make it my way to have something entertaining...be it  prose or verse, original or repeated, or two things moderately clever--or three things  very dull indeed!   But, I am afraid I must be running away, I had no intention, no power of staying more than five minutes.

And as I walked down the road, I reflected upon the good Miss Bates.

“Miss Bates…had never boasted either beauty or cleverness. Her youth had passed without distinction, and her middle of life was devoted to the care of a failing mother, and the endeavour to make a small income go as far as possible. And yet she was a happy woman, and a woman whom no one named without good-will. It was her own universal goodwill and contented temper which worked such wonders. She loved every body, was interested in every body’s happiness and quick-sighted to every body’s merits; thought herself a most fortunate creature, and surrounded with blessings in such an excellent mother and so many good neighbours and friends, and a home that wanted for nothing. The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature, her contented and grateful spirit, were a recommendation to every body and a mine of felicity to herself.”

The idea of an interview with one of my favorite characters of Jane Austen, [EMMA]  our dear Miss Bates, sprang from my introduction email with my pen friend from the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society!  Lady Simone had requested that we try our hand at writing "in character" .  Unfortunately, I have been a rather poor correspondent this exchange, so we never got to really discuss this aspect, but it DID get me thinking.   At first I thought of sending a letter , in character, and perhaps extending their story...but I really didn't have the time to do so.  Then I thought of  the interview angle, and thought that I could lift a scene or two involving dear Miss Bates, randomly insert some of MY life....skip around and throw in  a few quotes from Jane's letters and here you have it.

I went ahead and sent a copy of the interview  (my letter), a card, tag and a single serving of Dandy Blend to sip while reading it all.  I hope she enjoys it.   By the way, Lady Simone had one of the cutest applications for the Society!  She has a great sense of humor, and hope she will sign up for the next exchange, to bless another member!

Oh, and yes, there is a back side to the envelope...properly sealed, Jane approved!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Black Friday Special ....Thank you!

Thank you !

I hope everyone has had a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving!  Now is everyone ready for some Black Friday shopping?  If you have been looking to get a Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit....this is your best opportunity!   All 10 of my themed Letter Writing Kits are on Sale!  Starting at midnight tonight use the code:   BLACKFRIDAY10 to get a total of 20% off any of my kits at my Etsy Store: LostArtRevived.  Have a wonderful rest of your holiday,

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

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

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!

French Provincial Mail Art!

From a Jane Austen Admirer...

I received this most exquisite mail package, some time ago.  It is written by Lady Isabelle, from France.  Her craftsmanship is outstanding.  She wrote a beautifully hand penned letter and is a Jane Austen admirer :-).  Her Calligraphy...flawless.  Lady Isabelle is an artist, and painter.  Her choice of papers is charming.  Done in the true French Provincial style!

Look at this paper crafting perfection!  All of it is loveliness!  Lady Isabelle took the time to write me in English with the aid of Google Translator. What a wonderful way to be able to correspond with someone who does not speak your language!  I will be doing the same!

Write Letters,
Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Waiting List Has Begun

The Summer JALWSociety  Pen Friend Exchange....Has Commenced!

If you haven't done so, check your email to receive your Pen Friend information.  I have finished the lovely task of matching all of the requests and now it is time to send out your emails to greet one another and then letter the letter writing begin!  If you sent a request, filled out an Pen Friend application, but did not hear back from me, then please notify me as soon as possible! Also, if after emailing your pen friend, and you do not hear back, please let me know as soon as possible.  I will be in the Blue Ridge Mountains  for the next two weeks, where my internet will be nearly non existent,but I will endeavor to get back to you as speedily as is possible. 

For those of you who have just stumbled upon my blog, please do not fret.  I am beginning a waiting list  and as applicants become available, I will gladly match you up as well.  The first step is to fill out a "Pen Friend" application form (top of this page is the tab, click on this and it will take you to the form), then manually "cut and paste" it into your email and send it to me completed at :JALWSociety@gmail.com.

Thank you for all your sweet comments about the society.  I wish you all the best with this new Pen Friend  Exchange.

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Announcing Pen Friend Sign Ups for February-April

A Scene Out Of A Book

I had received a letter before the holidays from one of my pen friends.  Included in the letter was a pretty sketch of Jane Austen.  I decided to respond to the letter with a picture out of The Jane Austen ten Guide to Life by Lori Smith,  and the charming illustrations are  by David Grant.  So out came my water colors and away I went.  I wish I could have done more justice to the sketch, but it is what it is.

A Jane Austen Quote...always a nice touch!

And the Letter Writing Society's official wax seal!

After my letter was written with a dipping pen ... and I included of course, Tea for two!  I had thought of sending this envelope in a clear cello bag, but  opted instead to just spray with some Krylon Kamar varnish on to protect it through its journey.

It is time to announce the next round of Pen Sign ups!   What say ye? If you are reading this, and would love to create lovely letters  (ha, ha, illustrations are not required!) to send to someone, then  go ahead and fill out the pen friend application  (you just need to copy it into an email) and forward me your completed application at jalwsociety@gmail.com.   Let's have the cut off by February 11th.  That is a two week time period.  So let your friends know about the sign up and let the letter writing begin!

Write Letters

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Austen Mail, Outgoing!

Outgoing Austen Mail!

Has everyone put pen to paper yet?  I know some of you have.  My daughter told me that she had received her "Austen Mail" even BEFORE I had gotten around to writing mine!  That got me motivated, and I carved out the time to get my Austen mail out the door and into the mailbox!  I had such an enjoyable time penning my letters, and putting ink to paper.  Such a lovely pastime.  

I went to work on my envelopes.  One of my pen friends is an "Elinor Dashwood", so I used sheets out of a copy of Sense and Sensibility to  decorate my envelope.  I did put these letters in a cello envelope to protect it, and to give the USPS a helping hand.  I added additional postage as well.

I wanted to let you know that these Jane Austen Letter Writing Society postcards are now available in my LostArtRevived Etsy store.  If you are looking for some Jane Austen -ish  postcards, this might fit the bill.


I hope you having an enjoyable experience  in the Pen Friend  exchange.

Write Letters,
Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Tea With Jane, Books, and Letters!

The Making Of Pride And Prejudice...

We have had several days here in Central Virginia of heavy rains and very cool temperatures.  Today called for a hearty mug, not a delicate tea cup to take my tea . A cup of robust Chai and a nibble on one of these dense muffins of every sort of grain, or seed imaginable, and I am set! 

 I have been re-reading The Making of Pride And Prejudice, I think this is my third read  through.     The book is, of course, photo rich, and full of so many details  of the actual film making.   Just the fact that  the film project was on the back burner for oh, lets say, 11 years before production began is hard to imagine.  The book also chronicles all of the deadlines,  searches for the perfect houses,  procuring the period musicians (on period instruments), etc. etc  All of the dance scenes (Meryton assembly, and the Netherfield ball where musicians are shown , they  showed up and just played the music, absolutely NO practice beforehand.  The only exception to this was the fortepiano key board player.  He got a running start, receiving the score 2 days prior to filming!  It is such a delightful read, I highly recommend the book.

Do I have everyone settled for the  Nov. / Dec. Pen Friend Exchange?  Please let me know if you have not made contact with your pen friend.  I plan to get my letter out  by tomorrow.   Please feel free to leave comments below about how you plan to approach this round of letters.  Do you have any special topics of discussion?  Do you have any creative ideas to share?  Anyone doing the ghost writing challenge?   I am going to begin with an introduction letter, and go from there.  I have a special idea for December that I will be sharing later this month.  

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Last Call for Pen Friend Sign Ups!

Tomorrow  is the last day to sign up...

"Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?"

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the November/December Pen Friend Exchange.  All the details can be found here .

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:  JALWSociety@gmail.com

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Make Haste! Make Haste!

It's Time To Sign Up For The Jane Austen Letter Writing Society 

Pen Friend Exchange!

November/December

Just a reminder that sign ups are going on right now. The registration for this exchange expires in just 4 days, Oct. 30th. This is a totally FREE  Pen Friend service that will match you to your very own Jane Austen persona, or you could select a different personality to correspond with.  If you do not know if you are an Elizabeth, Anne, Marianna, Elinor, etc-- then do not distress, I have a link in the side bar to your right (below the Jane Austen Thesaurus) that will take you  (with one click) to the Jane Austen Heroines Quiz  to discover your very own character that you can relate to.

The details of the November /December Pen Friend exchange can be found Here .

If you are interested in becoming a Society Member, just fill out the Pen Friend Application found at the tab at the top of this page.  Cut and paste the application into an email.  Fill out the application and then simply send it to Lady Pamela at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com

I am here to assist you in any way that I possibly can, in navigating  letter writing perplexities.  Our highest aim is to make your experience a pleasurable one.

Write Letters,
Write Often.

Lady Pamela

November/December Pen Friend Exchange Sign Ups Commence!

Now Receiving Pen Friend Applications for the 

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society

How To Secure A Pen Friend: 

It is time to sign up for the next Jane Austen a Letter Writing Society Pen Friend exchange beginning November 1- December 31 2015.  The process is simple.  Click  on the tab at the top of this page that says"Pen Friend Application".  Cut and paste the form into  the body of an email and answer the questions.  Then mail the completed form to me, Lady Pamela,  at JALWSociety@gmail.com .  November 1st I will send you your Pen Friend  match.  At that point you need to make email contact with your partner and then send a Jane Austen styled letter to your partner within 5 days of receiving your Pen Friend match.  This round will last a full two months, so you should be able to get at least two  letters to your partner (if international) and more for domestic match ups.  Sign up deadline for the Nov./Dec. exchange is October 30th.


Try some of these basic letter writing ideas for your Jane Austen letter:

• Write your letter on paper that looks period, perhaps some parchment if you have any.
• Try using a dipping pen, if you are adventurous, give a try at using a quill pen.
• Perhaps spend some of your letter discussing how you became interested in the Jane Austen novels, and discuss your favorite novel and why it is your favorite.
• Did you know that you can use the Jane Austen Thesaurus to make sure that the words you use are words that Jane herself used. I have a button on the right column of this site that will take you to  the Jane Austen Thesaurus. (Personally, I have used the thesaurus for small projects, but haven't used it yet for letter writing.)  Ha, this could be a challenge all in its own!
• Relax and have fun, these ideas are NOT mandatory, they are just suggestions for those who are new to letter writing and  the Society.

Janeite Letter Writing Challenge:  (Optional)

Jane Austen Challenge for November/December  was suggested by a participant from the last round.  I am sorry that I have lost  the email that revealed who brought this challenge to my attention.  (Please email me to let me know so that I can give you the proper credit for this challenge.)
The Challenge is to be a "ghost writer" of sorts.  You select a character (major or minor) from any of Jane Austen's novels and assume that character as you write the letter.  You may add to that character, giving more depth to the character by way of carrying his or her story into more detail.

If you are wanting to do this "ghost writing", please let your partner know when you email them.  I think that would be a proper thing to do.  You could also make the character writing just a part of your letter, or the whole  letter.  That would be up to you.  Sounds wonderfully  creative, and interesting.

Thank you , dear readers, for your input and suggestions.  As always, I am here to help you navigate this Society.  If you run into any problems, please let me know as quickly as possible.

Affectionately yours,

Lady Pamela