Dressing Your Thoughts

Chicole::Intermixed hearts stationery, paper goods, and quality writing instruments. I ASKED for and received my first calligraphy set when I was 8 years old. I know, I know. You don’t have to tell me, but in my defense, I also asked for the entire collection of Jem and the Holograms dolls. Through the years, I’ve grown to notice the difference and the impact of messages delivered on ho hum versus quality stationary.

When expressing your thoughts of gratitude or other sentiments, the words you write are not the only part of conveying a message; the stationery itself is also very important. Often, it tells your true thoughts before a word is read. Yes, it is the thought of sending your sentiments that counts; however, would you go to a celebration dressed in sweats? Why treat your well intentioned thoughts like Cinderella before the ball? They want to be dressed too. Quality stationery for personal sentiments is traditionally thick and feels rich and textured to the touch. The style, design, and color are also crucial to creating an appropriate image or symbol of your thoughts. It may be a simple monogram or a more elaborate image that invokes thankfulness, well wishes, thinking of you, or sympathy.

But even when dressed, your thoughts are even more spectacular when handwritten. The type of pen, tip and ink used can add an additional eloquence and sincerity to your thoughts. Want to express something more casual or whimsical, use a complimenting ink color besides black or blue. Don’t like your handwriting, hire someone to write your thoughts for you in an appropriate lettering style.

Etsy, “the place to buy and sell all things handmade,” is the number one place to head for handmade and customized paper goods (and everything else handmade). Handmade or customized screams “You’re Special” to the recipient. On a budget, you can find quality at a great price point because Target is now selling Papyrus stationery and card sets. Better yet, get creative and make your own stationery. Be sure to stop by our friends at Handsome Lucy as they prepare to launch as a stationer dedicated to reviving the art of social and executive communications.

As we enter the season of expressing thanks and giving (back), here are a few perfect writing tips courtesy of Stationery Style:

Whether it's a simple note of thanks or a serious business correspondence, letter writing is a skill that everyone should develop. Not only will good writing enable you to communicate well in print, but it can also transform your spoken and personal communication as well. Here are some simple tips to remember whenever you are writing...

• Make it personal. A letter is always received more consciously when it is addressed in person versus, "Dear Friend," or "Hi There!"
• Take your time. Never write when you don't have time to think. Stop and be engaged in your writing. Contemplate who you are writing to and think about how they may receive your message. If you must write something difficult or negative, put that information in a "compliment sandwich". That is, say something positive about the person or situation on either side of the negative. There are few, if any, circumstances where being blunt is better than being gracious.
• Throw in a quote. There have been many, many great phrases uttered through history, and an appropriately-placed quote can make your correspondence more memorable. A quote can also serve as an interesting way to introduce your note or letter.
  Make it real. Simply put, write like you speak. Nothing is more impersonal than distant, "high-brow" writing. Be natural and simple in your correspondence. Don't use two words where one will do. And don't be afraid to start a sentence with "and."
• Practice good grammar. Natural and "real" doesn't mean substandard. Be careful to avoid words like "ain't" or "sucks" or "the bomb." Looking for an original word? Just visit thesaurus.com or buy a small reference thesaurus to keep near your writing desk.
• Writing environment. This may seem unnecessary but it really helps... Sit up straight in a good ergonomic chair and write on a hard surface with good lighting. It will help your concentration and focus, allowing you to write longer without fatigue. For a handwritten note, your handwriting will also not suffer as much over time if you put your body in a good position to write.

Chicole::Intermixed has quality stationery on hand just waiting for your thoughts! Contact us today so we can get started penning your holiday thoughts or personal sentiments. I may even break-out my childhood calligraphy pen to add a touch of nostaligia to your thoughts.