Mysterious Letters

Two people decide to write a letter to the entire world, and start with Cushendall, Ireland. It doesn't get any better than this. {via design*sponge}

The Graceful Envelope

Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that only people who travel in calligraphy circles are aware of the Graceful Envelope competition but I think it's just great. Above are some that I especially like from this year.

Also, many of you have asked about calligraphy lessons (specifically, do I give them). Sadly, I don't (nor do I feel qualified) but, if you're in Philadelphia, I highly recommend you head over to the Philadelphia Calligrapher's Society and take a gander at the members who teach. I can give you some specific recommendations if you wish.

Bicycle envelopes

Another great one...

Envelopes that break my heart all over the floor

I found these envelopes celebrating the American Bicentennial. Each one honors a different aspect of...well, what makes America great? I get inexplicably emotional when I look at these envelopes-- something about living in a country that once honored the American Craftsman, Farmer and Homemaker on correspondence...it's too much.

August Favorite: Greta Garbo

It is hard to choose favorite stamps. I have many. So I'm going to try to choose a favorite each month. These Greta Garbo stamps are just stunning. Aside from the the striking image, these stamps are textured-- they are engraved. I've never felt another stamp like it.

Gratitude

I recently wrote one of the most important notes of gratitude of my life. The experience reminded me that I should write these types of expressions more often.

Summer brights

There have been some wonderful, bright colors this season. Here: vibrant teal.

Stamps: Birds & Animals

I recently started offering a vintage postage service . I will track down wonderful old stamps for Neither Snow customers to adorn their correspondence. My most recent haul includes the state bird stamps and an assortment of wonderful animals.

Black & yellow

Recent order: I love the look of black ink on this rusty yellow envelope.

Desperately seeking: the person who made this sign

Many months ago we had reason to visit the Trenton train station. I was awfully impressed with the care someone took to write out this sign. He/she even sketched in guide lines. The handwriting makes the message so much more effective.

Words in Chicago

We had a great visit to Chicago and stopped by the new modern wing of the Art Institute. I'm always smitten with Cy Twombly's use of text (50 days at Iliam is one of my favorite rooms at the PMA).The photography installation was mounted in a way I'd never seen, with folded gray paper lining the walls from top to bottom, with text printed on it. The font was super interesting: it's not entirely clear in this photo but some of the letters (there's no pattern as far as I can tell) are bolder than others which makes for a terrific effect.