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 

Winter Pen Friend Sign Ups NOW

Deadline For Winter Pen Friend Exchange:

Monday Janurary 16th,  2017

Just a reminder that the Winter Pen Friend Exchange will be winding up as far as sign ups go on this coming Monday, 1/16/17.  After that there will be a waiting list.  Here is a link to the application that must be filled out  and information for joining the Society.

So what would Jane do?  Why she would join the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society, of course!!!!

Don't Delay!

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!

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

New Pen Friend Exchange!

It is time for a new 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 application form (at the top of the page, menu bar) by cutting  and pasting  it into an email, 2. and then sent to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications is:  Tuesday, May 31, 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 weekend.    You will be notified of your pen friend after the May 31st. deadline.  It usually takes me about 2-3 days to get it all worked out.  :-)

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you truly 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  2-3 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!  And if you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills, then 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.

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

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

Incoming Snail mail...Jane Austen Style!

Look at this elegant card!

Carolyn has been a member of the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society, and purchased two of my letter writing kits from my Etsy Store: LostArtRevived .  Isn't is gorgeous?  I love the simplicity of the card--so delicate.  Thank you for sharing your creativity with me Carolyn!  

 Currently all my letter writing kits are on sale through my Etsy Store: LostArtRevived!

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Mini Kit

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Incoming January Jane Austen Mail...

Lady Alyssa

I want to share with you this lovely letter from Lady Alyssa.  

She wrote on nice thick paper, I just loved the texture of it.  The paper had a cotton fiber feel.   And doesn't she have a lovely script?  She used a dipping pen and ink.  Beautiful.  She included some very pretty stamped and cut little card tuck ins to include in my future winter mail.

Clever idea!  She used one of these cards as a seal on the back of her envelope! I enjoyed her letter very much and had an equal amount of pleasure responding to her very thoughtful letter.

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit On SALE!

Make Haste!  Make Haste!

Just a quick note!  If you have been wanting to purchase a Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit, don't delay!  My Etsy Store:  LostArtRevived is having a 20% off the entire store, which means all of my letter writing kits!  This sale is going on NOW and will end Monday at midnight. 

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen and Living Simply

The Allure of the Simple Life...

Simple living is a vaporous idea , beyond the grasp of most  people today in our fast pace, technology driven world.  Think of the number of times that we don't even slow down enough to simply take a stroll outside, looking at our changing surroundings.  I believe that Jane Austen's novels strike a chord in many of us regarding the simplicity, and slowness of the lives that the characters seem to live.  The characters took walks,  had gardens, visited the sea shore, wrote letters, visited friends.  All of these things somehow seem to be a shadowy existence to us today.  But one day recently, I slowed down and felt that I was doing an "Austen-ish" thing!  I was outside raking leaves, when I cast a glance over at the wild flower beds in front of our home.  It was a withering mess, with weeds, bent over long stems, dried seed pods, but still, gorgeous blooms peeking out here and there.  I decided to retire the flower bed and "put it to bed" for the year.  

Do you remember the scene in the A & E version of Pride and Prejudice when Lizzy and Jane Bennet are in the garden with their baskets picking flowers, and Jane's famous line: 

 I shall be perfectly content … I shall be myself again …..  

I love that scene...I guess because I love flower gardens and the simplicity of the scene.

So, here I am, slowing down on this warm, balmy November day, enjoying the beauty of a dying garden and making beautiful bouquets.

Saving seeds for next years garden!

Oh my porch...how little I avail myself to its simple pleasures!

This furry creature, Shadow, needs no lessons on slowing down, and enjoying the opportunity of an almost empty flower box!  What about you?  Have you had any simple pleasures lately?  I enjoyed my break in routine to enjoy the beauty around me in Austen style  and  I will be including a package of seeds in forthcoming letters to friends, a reminder of a simple time.

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

Tuesday Tea Time and Letters

Tea with Jane

This is such a lovely book.  Have you read it?  I have re read it for a second time and it was just as enjoyable as the first read.  Kim Wilson  pulls out nearly every mention of tea from all of Jane Austen's novels and letters.  I find that fascinating--does that make me a nerd?

I am having some black tea, Lipton Natural Energy...for a little pick up  this afternoon.  What about you?  Do you have any tea rituals when you sit down to write letters?  I wonder if Jane did?  She was in charge of the tea in her home.  She held the key to the cabinet where the tea was stored and typically made the tea for the family at breakfast.

Sometimes, when I receive several letters in one day, I put the kettle on, and make a pot of tea, place it in it's cozy to keep it warm, put it on a tea tray with some goodies, and  then I make my way to my sitting room for some quite time to enjoy my tea and letters.  Perfect relaxation!

Just a business note...the Pen Friend sign ups for November/December begin on Thursday Oct. 15th.  But, I have already received several !  This will be a lovely exchange.  Details coming.

Have a beautiful tea (or coffee if that is what you prefer) inspired day,

Lady Pamela

Let's Make Some Austen Mail!

DIY:  Vellum Window Envelope

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                                   Supplies needed:  

                                   Envelope template or a favorite envelope you can take apart

                                   1 sheet of scrap book paper

                                   1 sheet of clear velum

                                   Scissors, tape, glue

                                   Sequins or other  confetti

                                   Austen silhouette  stickers or die cuts (Austentation)

Old Script Scrap Book Paper 12X12

We are going to make some "Austen Mail", in this case we are meaning making  modern Austen themed envelopes in which to send your lovely crossed letter written by hand with  dipping pen.  But of course, if you do not own such an item, any nice pen will work.  Envelopes were not used during Jane Austen's time ...it would have added to the cost.  Manufactured envelopes appeared on the scene in the 1840's, well after Jane Austen's life.  

Envelopes would have been considered an additional sheet, so these very early letters did not include them.  A letter was simply folded over and sealed with wax that was stamped by a signet ring or a seal. [Jane Austen's World]

But let us continue on with our modern project. I am using an envelope template made by 

Kreate-a-lope.  But you do not need one of these contraptions.  You can simply take apart any envelope and  trace about it to make your own envelopes.

Here, I am positioning my template on this very nice old script paper, but the sheet is a bit too small , so the script will appear at an angle on the envelope.  That is perfectly fine.

 I have cut out the envelope according to my tracing of the template.

After cutting, then place the template piece inside and make your creases nice and crisp. But wait!  Do not glue the back flaps down just yet.  We will need to open the letter up and lay it flat and cut out a "window"  for this project.

Here is how the envelope looks at this point.  But I would like to make a cut away window to add a bit of interest to this envelope.

I have a large 2 inch diameter circle punch , but regrettably there is no way to punch the circle where I want it in the front of envelope.  So I cut out a circle template and traced around it on the envelope, then I carefully cut out the circle window.

The next step is to make a velum pocket.  Here is my sheet of velum.

I used a cutter to cut approximate dimensions for the pocket.

I laid the velum over the opened envelope to check by dimensions and make adjustments where needed.

I tried to use glue to close the pocket (all but one side) but with velum, the glue didn't work very well so I just used tape.

Next I glued in position one Austen silhouette in the pocket.

Things are looking good.  Next, it is time to add the "bling factor".  Sequins are nice and inexpensive, but you could use just about any confetti type of material. Pour a few sequins inside your pocket then seal  the pocket up.  I don't have a picture, but I did cut a piece of  pink scrap book paper  and glued it over the back of the velum pocket to give it a little color.   I then glued on a pink tag and added a smaller Jane Austen silhouette sticker on envelope as positioned below.   

This completes our "Jane Austen" modern themed envelope.  I hope you enjoy this project and that it offers you some inspiration for future envelopes.   I will be posting future "Austen Mail" here, so please stay tuned.

Affectionately,

Lady Pamela