Snail Mail On The Go

For the past few months, I've been researching ways to take my snail mail supplies on the go with me. As a Letter Writers Alliance member, I am often involved in mail art meetups in my area. It's nice to be able to take favorite tools and stationery to share with others. 

I had an idea of what I wanted. I didn't want a travel case. I wanted a wooden tool box. Finally, this month, I found exactly what I was looking for in the form of an affordable art supply box. 

It is the perfect size and meets all my needs. For a more detailed view of the box, be sure to check out my video below. In addition to the wooden box, I also found a use for all those Altoids tins I've been saving. They are perfect for housing postage stamps, ink cartridges, calligraphy nibs, etc. 

With the help of some Instagram inspiration, I decided to alter my tins to look like mini parcels. It's amazing what some vintage stamps and Tim Holtz washi tape can do to add a special patina to those adorable little storage vessels. 

All items purchased with my own money. This is not a sponsored video. Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.  This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support.

Summer Stationery Haul

There are few things in life I hoard. I prefer minimal and organized living spaces. But, when it comes to books and stationery, I admit I am weak.

I do try to limit these items and keep them confined to my library and office. If they start to spill over into the rest of the house (nightstands, dining tables, living room), I take it as a sign to purge. But, so far, I have remained fairly disciplined. 

This summer I stocked up on some of my favorite stationery supplies. I allowed myself to fill a small box kept in my office. Once it was filled, I put a halt on purchases (at least until Fall). Here's a look at the items I picked up this summer. Links for all items listed below. 

Classiky Rubber Stamp 
J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor Ink
P.W. Ackerman Ink - Purchased at Miami Pen Show
Twsby Fountain Pen 
Tim Hotlz Tissue Paper 
Moleskine Notebook 
Glassine Envelopes 
Cello Envelopes 
Vintage Postage Stamps (From Letter Writers Alliance Member Shop) 
Life Paper 
Classiky Paper 
Pen to Paper Book 
 

Magazine Journaling

Hello September. I'm a few days late kicking off the month, but we just had hurricane Hermine blow through Florida. Now that it's gone, I can officially get back to blogging and making a mess in my craft room. 

Magazine journaling is my current focus. The idea comes from a video I saw on Dede Willingham's YouTube channel. Basically, you take any magazine you have (preferably one with thick paper stock) and paint over the pages with acrylic paints. You can paint over everything on the page or leave select images.  Once you are done with the first layer of paint, you can add more layers of paint, texture, collage, or handwriting. Now you have journal. Brilliant!

This is a fantastic way to use up all those Stampington & Company magazines I have stacked in my creative space. You know the ones: Where Women Create; Willow And Sage; Somerset Studio; etc. They have some of the most beautiful images and I just can't throw them away. If anything, this project gives me a good excuse to hoard my favorite magazines.

The prepping of the pages does take time. I am no where near finished, but slopping paint down haphazardly gives me great joy. Plus, it costs me nothing to make since I already have all the materials. I'll work on it on and off this year and, if all goes well, I'll have a fun journal to use in 2017.