The Penpal Project!
Image by D Sharon Pruitt
I’m in a bad mood today….woke up to an hellacious email problem that is still unresolved. I am still getting my email copies via Gmail, so it seems I’m not losing any mail, just not able to download it via Thunderbird, which is what I use to store and organize my copious amounts of email. So frustrating, ugh! I really don’t feel like dealing with this today, or ever for that matter. Can you hear that? That is me banging my head on the desk. Anyway, that’s enough about frickin’ email! This post is actually about snail mail and not email.
We all love to hate email, right? I spend so much of my day, sending and responding to emails. On an average day, there are hundreds of emails making their way into my Inbox and almost as many replies. But, even though I’m communicating with people, I feel so disconnected from them. There’s usually not enough time for niceties, greetings and questions about health & family. I know I’m not the only one with this email volume problem or the only one who feels email is so impersonal, I think it’s just a reality of our times.
That said, I’ve decided I want to bring back snail mail. I want to return to the long-lost days of letter writing, penpals and handwritten thank-you notes. There’s something so special about going to the mailbox and seeing a letter in there amongst the bills and sale fliers. I know you know what that feeling you get when you see a personal piece of mail, it’s like validation that someone loves you! So, I’m making a point of sending thank-you notes and not thank-you emails. I’ve also lined of a few penpals with whom to trade letters.
How about it? Want to a penpal and help me bring back snail mail and the lost art of the letter? If so, leave a comment on this post to express your interest in being a penpal. Also, introduce yourself a bit, list some of your interests and your email address in the comment. That way, folks can find other folks with similar interests and contact them to trade snail mail addresses.
I’ll start….
I’m Jen. I’m a blogger and I like cute things. I have an obsession with woodland creatures, bags, jewelry and drinking orange pekoe tea with local raw honey. I am a vegetarian, love to cook & garden. I like to make stuff from yarn & paper, do embroidery, make jewelry and really all sorts of artsy craftsy stuff. I love all kinds of music ranging from Miles Davis, surf music & the Allman Bros to The Pixies, The Unicorns, Sufjan Stevens and Iron & Wine…plus too many more to name. I have all kinds of stationery that I never use and I’d love 2-3 more penpals. My email address is: jen@indiefixx.com.
So, if you want a penpal, leave a comment on this post or contact someone else who has already left a comment that you’d love to swap mail with. And if you want to bring back penpals and letter writing like me, help me spread the word about our paper-based revolution and link to this post. You can use this logo or this banner if you’d like.
I look forward to some mail!
P.S. If you like this sort of thing, you will probably also like the Letter Writers Alliance.
P.P.S. If you decide to become a penpal, or just want to read more about others doing it, be sure to follow the twitter trend #thepenpalproject.
Image by sarijk
Image by chrisinplymouth
Image by Kasaa
Image by by ohhellofriend
Let me write that again I’m a textile designer maker love knit, stitch, print and quirky projects and would love some penpals. About to move to Cambridge, England to study an MA and seems like a great idea to to have some new friends to share the journey and snail mail is sooooooo much fun to recieve
by Karyn Syms on July 8, 2010 at 6:22 pm.
Hi Jen,
My name is Tristin Miller and I live in Greenboro, NC. I just decided to bring back my pen pal project from a long break. I decided to google “the pen pal project” and i found your blog. I became really excited because I think we have a very similar perspective on things. So I wanted to extened an invitation to be pen pals and really put letter writing to the test! Please feel free to look at my two blogs: tristinmiller.wordpress.com and thepenpalproject.tumblr.com
I hope this finds you well and best wishes on your pen pal project too!
much love, Tristin Miller
by Tristin on July 9, 2010 at 1:33 pm.
This is a great idea!
Hey! I’m Whitney. Grew up in Baltimore and now live in Syracuse, after graduating from Syracuse University for graphic design. I work for a small design firm and do freelance for a surface pattern design company in the area.
When I’m not working I like to browse various types of blogs and swoon over the amazing things that people create, fix up, find, and post about. I was even inspired to start my own: wrkdesign.blogspot.com
I’d love to find a pen pal to share stories, ideas, life, whatever! Just shoot me at line at: designs_by_whitney@yahoo.com
by Whitney on July 11, 2010 at 3:38 pm.
I just wanted to comment to say I am loving this project!!! I have two amazing pen pals already, but am open for more – so get in touch if you’re in search of someone to write!!
I am blogging about my pen pal experience too, you can follow the happenings on my blog http://blushingbirdcages.blogspot.com/.
Happy writing everyone
by Madolyn on July 15, 2010 at 4:26 pm.
A BIG HELLO FROM SINGAPORE. snail mail!! a blast from the past and really, everyone needs a dose of that every now and then! Besides indulging in photography and sewing, i love to make button badges. Creativity knows no boundaries! I would love to exchange little heartfelt(handmade) gifts with anyone really. Love anything and everything that is handmade
alldecked@gmail.com
by Audrey on July 16, 2010 at 3:59 am.
Hello future friends!!
My name is Deana, I live in Southwest Oregon (USA) about 40 miles inland from the coast. I’m a just turned 40 y/o mother of a boy-20 (already flew the coop)and two girls-16 & 12 1/2 & wife to a disabled veteran. I am a SAHM due only to a horrible back injury and surgery in 2001 (otherwise I would be an RN right now). We have 3 animals (all boys) 2 dogs (pomeranian & toy poodle mix) and a cat who weighs 17 lbs. I’m a republican, Christian, & wannabe crafter (not necessarily in that order!) I love to learn, read books and mostly craft/DIY magazines. I love popcorn, pepsi, mexican food, margaritas, homemade food & things. I’m a hoarder of books and all things crafts (probably from my grandparents living during the depression!). I’m a Soldiers’ Angel (check out http://www.soldiersangels.org) and have been since October 2005. Right now I am writing and sending care packages to my “adopted” serviceman who just happens to be a sweet 21 y/o Marine from the midwest currently serving in Afghanistan. I know I’m late in the game with this post, but would be happy to have new friends from anywhere.
deana693@yahoo.com
Deana Kinney
PO Box 693
Myrtle Point, OR 97458
P.S. I still have several friends that I’ve been friends with since 1st grade and my BEST friend & I have been best friends for 26 years!
by Deana K. on July 16, 2010 at 4:19 am.
There’s nothing better than recieving a hand written letter. I’m so excited about finding this post!
OK so my name is Nerys, I’m 24 and from Wales but live in Ireland with my lovely boyfriend. I’ve recently started up a craft business. I’m a fan of all things crafty, love reading blogs and never have idle fingers! I also love to bake and grow food and try and do / make as much as I can from scratch.
It would be lovely to hear from someone far far away!
My email is craftyjemima at gmail dot com. I hope someone will get in touch.
Nerys x
by Nerys on July 16, 2010 at 6:21 pm.
Hello,
My name is Jackie and I reside in southwest Texas. I am a christian, a mother of three, and would enjoy connecting with some one who have an interest in sewing, quilting or crosstitching. I would be happy to exchange snail mail with you. Send me an email if you are interested.
Thanks.
by Jackie on July 16, 2010 at 7:39 pm.
HI! I am Vanessa, greetings from Costa Rica! I am an interior designer by trade and the mother of three wonderful kids and one cat. I have been married for seventeen years now even though I am only 36.
I loooove handmade stuff and I am am teaching myself to sew,knit and crochet. I am also a very good cook and my family always looks forward for the weekend to see what I will bake.
If you want to hear more about this small paradise where I live and myself let’s get in touch…I would love to hear from you.
This is my snail mail address:
Vanessa Hernandez
Apartado Postal 1498-1000
San José, Costa Rica
by Vanessa Hernandez on July 17, 2010 at 10:27 am.
Hi! What a great idea… I’d love some new penpals!
I’m 29, been married for 7 1/2 years, no kids… other than our 3 dogs. I have two associates degrees and am working on a bachelors and eventually a masters. I own a gift shop on the campus of the University of Rhode Island where I spend most of my time.
That’s pretty much all about me. E-mail me if you’re interested in swapping handwritten letters, and maybe little knick knacks (buttons, magnets, pendants, stickers, etc).
Hope to hear from someone soon! nichole2203@hotmail.com
Thanks!
by Nichole on July 17, 2010 at 11:49 am.
This sounds like a very fun idea! I enjoy photography, making cards, sewing, scrapbooking, cooking and the outdoors. Feel free to e-mail me to get my address!
sashel1@yahoo.com
Thank you . . . and I look forward to hearing from you.
by Nicole on July 19, 2010 at 7:26 pm.
What a lovely idea! Can’t wait to start!
My name’s Sarah, I’m twenty-one, live in washington state, and am currently in my second year of college. I’m getting my AA first, then either going to live abroad or attend a private university here in washington, and study public relations.
I love scrapbooking, I’m currently starting a project of putting a book together of my entire highschool ‘career.’ very exciting!
One of my favorite things to do is shop for vintage clothes, and put together cute little outfits for myself.
I’d really like to exchange letters and crafts with someone. So if you’re interested, email me at s.breckon@live.com, and we can send a few messages back and forth and exchange addresses if things work out!
Hope to hear from you!
-Sarah
by Sarah Beth on July 20, 2010 at 11:50 pm.
hi, my name is vivian in San Diego CA. this pen pal project is really cool. i have a collection of letters from my youth and its fun reading them now that i’m older. my good friend wrote me several months ago and it truly made my day. i hope to aquire a pen pal or two. i’m 39 but feel 25 minus the aches and i look young too. i have a 16 yr old daughter and two cats. my interests are art, looking at and making though im not very good at it, i take art classes online…i love crafty stuff and want to meet people who can show me a thing or two. i love to dance and be silly. i enjoy all sorts of music especially 80s stuff.
xxxvhxxx@yahoo.com
by Vivian Huddleston on July 23, 2010 at 1:49 am.
Hi! My name is Maureen and I live in Washington state. I’m 25, married with 3 cats and I love love LOVE music and crafty things. I just moved somewhere out in the country, so a penpal would be great! I love anything cute and cuddly (except real raccoons! They scare me!). I love video games and taking silly pictures. I also love exploring! Let’s be friends! ;D
by Maureen on July 24, 2010 at 8:52 pm.
Ah i love snail mail! But i cant find a pen pal! I’d love to send letters/ swap gifts with anyone from the ages of 14-18. I play seven sports, im a huge health junkie, i love to doodle, scrapbook, blog, shop, put on makeup, and i loveee fashion.
SNAIL MAIL ONLY.
please dont contact me if your older then 17!
by Lili on July 24, 2010 at 11:04 pm.
I would love to find a penpal! My name is Katie, I am live in TN and love reading, knitting, organizing my surplus of crafty goodies, exploring our new home, nature, scrapbooking and anything unusual. My favorite weekend activity is to explore thrift stores and yard sales for anything fun, unusual or vintage.
by Katielou on July 27, 2010 at 2:44 pm.
Hi My Name is Janet i am 46 years old and live in the UK i love creating art, art journaling and mixed media as well as graphite portraiture, greeting cards, artists trading cards and tags..i am
interested in the spiritual side of life and love the tarot, meditation and art as therapy i suffer from panic and anxiety disorder and often have difficult days and a letter or parcel sure cheers me up and makes me feel valued..i am not a
great long letter writer but would love the occasional letter postcard parcel or MAIL ART.
artbyjan@gmail.com
by janet on July 28, 2010 at 5:14 am.
This is so exciting! I love letters and it would be great to write to some craft-minded people out in the world!
So – *braces herself for a thrilling introduction* – I’m Becca, I’m a 24 year old Jewellery Designer who lives in the middle of the UK – which is lovely, but does put me rather far away from my beloved seaside.
I work a couple of days a week in a bookshop (which keeps me in novels – but eats up my wages) and spend the rest of the time making jewellery/silverware/cards and all manner of other things.
I love a good cup of tea, a walk in the woods and whole days spent in my studio with an audio book.
Do send me an email if you’d like to write (ysandre [at] live.co.uk) xx
by Becca on July 29, 2010 at 5:40 pm.
Hey I’m a High school student from New Zealand and I love all crafts especially origami and card making.. I want to learn to knit one day!
At school I am currently taking beginners Japanese, Art and Fabric (textiles) among my core subjects.
When I leave for university in a few years I hope to get a Bachelor of Design and major in Graphic design or Illustration.. I like photography, sketching and making art on Polyvore (a really cool website for art and fashion).. I’m really interested in fashion too. I’m not very into sports haha.
Anyway if you wanna let me know a bit about yourself and maybe exchange postage addresses give me a msg : beccajasmine@hotmail.com I love this idea, I’ve wanted a Pen Pal ever since I was little. It’s so exciting to get personal handwritten mail
Sayonara, (Goodbye)
Rebecca
by Rebecca P on July 31, 2010 at 6:00 am.
Hey Maureen (post #478) can you post your contact info? Or if you’d like you can contact me directly.
Thanks!
Whitney: post 464
by Whitney on July 31, 2010 at 9:25 am.
Hello all!
I would love similar e-mail / snail-mail pals!
I am in my 40′s and am a late flowering lesbian – very gentle and femme.
I love anything vintage and whimsical. I am especially drawn to the 1930′s era.
I like to spend hours in coffee shops people watching…
I like anything visual…exhibitions, film (especially ‘Amelie”!), all forms of art…
I like reading fiction. I collect old photographs that
tickle my fancy…
I would love to hear from anyone especially vintage lovers in in France, Amsterdam or Barcelona!
Contact me at kewpie-girl@hotmail.com
by Kewpie on July 31, 2010 at 11:05 am.
I am a 40 year letter writing veteran with more stationery than I will use in a lifetime, so I’d love more people to connect with. I’m 51, married 28 years, mom to four (ranging from 26 to 14). I’m a full time author/freelance writer, love to read, want LONG letters, not short, occasional notes and I promise the same. I love books, words, paper and fountain pens. Don’t care for religion or housework. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so drop me an email with your address if you’d like to write.
by Tamra Orr on August 1, 2010 at 1:54 pm.
Comments have deactivated. Please note, there is a new way to join The Penpal Project here: http://indiefixx.com/the-penpal-project/
by indiefixx on August 1, 2010 at 9:42 pm.