How to Start a Letter Writing Practice

The lost art of letter writing is something we need to bring back. It’s a great way to connect with others and step away from all of the technology in our lives for just a bit. I was gifted some of the items in this post by Erin Condren, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When is the last time you wrote a letter or received one? I actually got a nice note from my grandma recently to thank me for ordering groceries for her. I had already been thinking about how I want to send cards and letters more often, this confirmed that I need to do this.

My great aunt is amazing about sending cards for every birthday and holiday. When I got married she even started sending my husband a birthday card, he really appreciates that she includes him in this tradition.

I have thought about for a long time how I want to be like my great aunt. It’s a simple act that can really brighten someone’s day. It’s also so rare these days to get snail mail that isn’t junk or a bill.

There are two things that always prevent me from starting this letter writing practice and both have to do with not being organized. My addresses are in several different places and I can never seem to find them and I don’t do a good job putting birthdays on my calendar. I blame Facebook for the lack of writing down birthdays, I’ve gotten too used to letting it remind me but by then it’s too late to send a card.

Being separated from loved ones right now I think has a lot more of us thinking about letter writing and sending greeting cards. It’s another way that we can connect safely.

I wanted to share how I’m bringing back lettering writing and adding it to the vintage skills I keep alive in my own life. Maybe it is something you will want to pick up as well.

1. Start an Address Book

Do you have an actual physical address book? It’s one of those things fewer of us seem to have now. Mine was extremely out of date and disorganized so I got myself a nice new address book from Erin Condren.

I’m going to gather addresses from close friends and family members and get them nicely organized in my new address book so they are ready to go. No more asking for an address every time I need to send something.

2. Buy Beautiful Stationery

Having stationery ready to go is key. I love to make homemade cards for birthdays and other celebrations and plan to make up a bunch to have ready to go.

I also wanted to have some simple blank cards for sending thank you cards and just because cards. For this, I love the Erin Condren blank note cards. There are several beautiful designs and you can customize them.

3. Keep All Supplies on Hand

If you don’t have everything you need on hand to send cards and letters you will likely put it off. Make sure you have some nice pens, stamps, and address labels ready to go.

I like to get custom address labels from Erin Condren so they match the notecards and are ready to go. You can also get a custom address stamp to address your cards and letters.

I also like to have some fun pens around. A good black pen is fine but sometimes you want to add a bit more color to your letter. For this multi-color dual-tip markers work perfectly.

Don’t forget to get stamps. With the Forever Stamps, you don’t have to worry about the amount of postage changing so you can buy a lot at once.

4. Write Down Special Occasions

It’s a lot of fun to write letters for no real reason but it’s also nice to send cards and letters for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

Don’t think you will just remember these, write them down. Keep these in your calendar and when planning out your week be sure to check what birthdays are coming up in the next week or two so you can get those cards in the mail on time.

You can also fill out and get cards ready all at once at the start of the year. Then you just have to remember to stick the cards in the mail. This can be a big time saver.

My Favorite Letter Writing Supplies

Once you have your supplies just set up a place to write your letters and start to make a habit out of it. You are sure to brighten some people’s days.