My grandmother’s refrigerator was always covered with handmade cards we kids had sent to her as thank you messages for presents. She and my mother taught us the value of handmade things – and how to return the favor by sending a hand-written thank you note in return.
In today’s world, sometimes buying a card, locating a pen that still writes, jotting a note, finding a stamp and getting to a mail box can seem like a lot of work, especially when a couple of clicks will send your thoughts and feelings around the globe in seconds. Who can even keep track of postal rates, after all?
Bicycle Card Set by vanessakimball
Snail mail greetings on one-of-a-kind handmade cards have gone the way of the dodo, haven’t they? Not quite.
There’s a community of artists and crafters who are using the internet to both acquire unique correspondence materials – like handmade greeting cards – and to find friends with whom to exchange them. Upon receipt, members post photos of their handmade greetings to share the cards with others.
Cool Blue Leaves Personalized Stationery Set by crescentmoonpaper
But you don’t have to send something around the world to honor the dying art of hand-written correspondence. Perhaps you could write out your New Year’s greetings on some handmade cards available from the EtsyGreetings Street Team. (Or anywhere else on Etsy!)
Personalized Stationery Set of 8 by InvitaPaperStudio
Further Resources:
History of Mail Art
Flickr.com/groups/LetterLovers
Nervousness.org
PostCrossing.com
EtsyGreetings.blogspot.com
5 comments
Sign in to add your ownkalliART says:
I agree - it's important to me to make and send a thank you note of appreciation after receiving gifts. I've done thank you emails before, and they just felt a little weak, being one of a zillion emails you will get a year.
4 years ago
theseawithin says:
Wonderful article! I love the art of letter writing and handmade cards. Paper goods are what I buy most on Etsy!
4 years ago
happydaystudio says:
Nice article, miscelena! :) If you don't have the time to create a handmade card to send, the EtsyGreetings Team has really put their hearts and souls into these little works of art! Very special to send, and receive! :)
4 years ago
geauxorganic says:
very nice, but you forgot one of my favorites, and she needs to be recognized!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8488914
4 years ago
papermenagerie says:
You couldn't have put it better. Thanks for reiterating the importance of the fine art of letter writing!
4 years ago