Dear Friends,
I am writing you today to tell you about a subject that is very close to my heart and a person who creates connection and beauty through all she does. Allow me to explain...
I am an old soul (and I always have been). At times I have wished that my spirit was more ‘youthful’ sure, but also my old lady qualities are what I tend to like most about myself. I bake cookies and crochet (you know that thing with a hook and yarn your grandma used to do), I am learning to preserve and can like they did in the olden days and I enjoy my daily strolls through the neighborhood more than almost anything. I am a hundred years old... just kidding... but also I have had double hip surgery so assume what you like.
One of the other (old lady) characteristics I possess is a love of letter writing, like proper old school correspondence. Guys, I’m a grown ass woman with pen-pals and I LOVE it. Admit it, you would love it too. There is nothing better than opening your post box to find a hand written letter from a friend or family member; the very fact that there is a piece of mail in there that is NOT a bill, ad, credit card offer or some other piece of fodder bound for the recycle bin is magical.
This month- the month of April- is National Letter Writing Month (NLWM)! Who knew right?! And since such an occasion exists I think we all deserve a free pass to write a letter to whomever we want, about whatever we want. Have you been wanting to tell someone you love them? Do it in a letter! Have you always wanted to write to your favorite celebrity? Do it the old school way and send them a letter, keep the long lost art of fan mail alive!
Another thing to consider, in honor of NLWM, is the idea of ‘paying it forward’. Pick up a gorgeous set of stationary as a gift for the bride and groom of that wedding you are attending next month. Get custom letter head made for your friend who just got promoted! Just think of how amazing would it be to send out letters on your OWN letter head!? Very 90’s CEO (in the best way of course, not in the sleazy Enron sort of way). Better still, get a set of custom stationary printed for a friend as house warming gift, they will get enough bottles of wine to last them a year from everyone else in attendance, set yourself apart and give the truly personal gift of freshly printed paper (hint to all of my friends for next time I move).
Now about that person I mention at the start of this post, the one who creates beauty in all she does...Alissa Bell of Alissa Bell Press, is a boutique letter press printer in LA (and dear friend). Making her the perfect lady to talk about during NLWM right? What makes her even more perfect is that she has just launched a new, in house, line of customizable stationary that comes in several styles and price points of course. Also, her work is flawless, made with love and dripping in decadence (and I'm not just saying that because she is my friend). The quality and attention to detail is visible in every piece of paper Alissa puts out. Sounds dreamy right? (because it is... it is just the dreamiest!)
Now, I know what your thinking, who sends mail these days? The answer is clear my friends... YOU DO! You have the power to change someones days, make someone feel thought of and loved; what could be better!?
Do yourself, your mom, your grandma, your boyfriend, girlfriend, long lost lover a favor, pick up some stationary and stamps and get to work! I promise it will be worth it.
xx
