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

Jane Austen Flip Book--Lady Cornell

Here is my most recent letter to my pen friend. This is the flip book from the Flip Book Tutorial  that I recently posted.  I decided to send her some things that she could possibly use in a future craft, or letter.

Let's not forget the tea!

Additional pages were attached by washi tape.

The Letter was  written on such thick paper that it was  a bit difficult to fold properly.

Yes, happy day!

I worked a charm "lock" onto the ribbon.

This flip book was sent into the mail by  placing it in a clear cello bag.  Postage was placed at the Post Office.

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

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 Flip Book, for Lady Alyssa

Jane Austen Flip Book?  Why Yes!

I wanted to try making a few flip books on the Austen Theme,  Lady Alyssa spoiled me with her crocheted  letter pouch and I wanted to reciprocate with something special.

Here the flip book is opened. This is a piece of pink card stock paper that is cut and then folded into thirds.  I made it the dimensions of my journal cards that serve as the "pages".  They are taped into place using strips of washi tape.  I also have a Jane Austen Quote tag card taped in.

Hi, dear friend!  This, as you see is a journal card.

The goodies...  The page that has the polkadot bag with the feather, is also on a journal card.

This is the "Tea Time" page...

And the letter.

I used one of these cello bags to hold the letter, it worked out nicely.  So that is the flip book with a few Jane Austen touches.  I enjoyed putting it together so much that I plan on making a few more!

If you make some, send me a picture, and I will happily post it here to share with others!

Write letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela