Lovely Letters Snail Mail Exchange

I recently participated in the April Lovely Letter Snail Mail Exchange. My partner, Barb, and I sent each other colourful themed goodies! She’s a fellow Canadian and it was so nice to receive some mail from the great white north! The mail came quick! I was surprised since Canada post usually takes forever. She’s still waiting on my package, which will be there soon – hopefully! I really hope she likes what I sent!

Okay, so a bit about the parcel. Woohoo!! Yay, mail! When I saw it I knew by the size of it that it was a “Lovely Letter”. Most of my other mail is relatively small in size.

Mail tragedy: When I turned it over I realized that there was a rip 😦 Nooooo, mail carriers, please care for our mail like you would a small child! Am I the only one who gets sad when something like this happens? When I opened it I saw bubble wrap – amen to that – secured with some fun washi tape. I love surprises!!!

There is one thing I saw as soon as I opened the envelope. Yummy yummy chocolate! SMARTIES! I have never ever seen smarties in Korea, so this was very special! It was a chocolate egg with colourful smarties inside, but sadly I couldn’t get a pic since I scarfed it down as soon as I saw it. A bit of it melted, but thankfully the other goods weren’t affected. And on to the other gifts….

Look at how this lady spoiled me! Amazing stuff!! Along with the chocolate, a set of colourful hilighters, a wonderful memo book (that I will definitely put to good use at my new job), three pretty note cards, organic earl grey tea (can’t wait to try it while writing some cards) and a beautiful “Birthday Rafiki” friend chain! What I loved most about the chain is that it can be a necklace, bracelet, anklet or headband…. and the chain supports education in Free the Children communities. Barb’s purchase has provided children with tools that empower them to lead happy lives. 🙂 Thank you, Barb! Such a thoughtful snail mail pal and person!

        

I’ll be sending Barb a thank you note soon. Be sure to check out her blog! Oooh and take a look at Lovely Letters, too!

Happy mailing, everyone!! 🙂

7 Ways to Find a Pen Friend

Recently, a fellow blogger asked how I connect with people who love snail mail as much as I do. In this post, I’ll list some sites/projects that have helped me find and maintain pen pals all over the world. Surprisingly, letter writing isn’t as much of a dying art as people tend to think. I’ve found that there still many people who continue to write and send mail. Do you participate in these projects or know of any others? Check these out and hopefully you’ll meet a few pen-pals along the way!

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1. Postcrossing 

What is it? “It’s a project that allows anyone to receive postcards (real ones, not electronic) from random places in the world.” I have received 362 postcards and sent 359 – been a member for 3 years. 

LOVE: It’s super easy. Every postcard you send out, you’ll get one in return. It’s great because sending postcards is more affordable than packages. It’s totally random and you have the opportunity to meet people from all over. Great for postcard and stamp collectors. 

MEH: Some people write a line or two and you never really get to know them. After you receive their postcard you can thank them… but that’s usually where it ends. Sometimes users are interested in private swaps, but it generally ends up being a one-for-one swap. 

 2. Swap-Bot

What is it? “On Swap-bot, you can host swaps, join swaps, and chat with other swappers from all over the world.” I have completed 43 swaps with a rating of 5.0 since April 2014. 

LOVE: Not limited to postcards, you can send and receive tons of stuff: generally stationery, art trading cards, washi tape, paper goods, tea, samples etc (the list is endless). Easy instructions and a good way to connect. Go for the “pen-pal” or “long letter” swaps, generally people continue writing… even after the swap has ended. 

MEH: People are hardcore about swaps here. If you flake out and don’t send… everyone gets upset (for obvious reasons) so don’t join this if you aren’t serious about sending things out. If your rating is low you’ll basically be banished so choose swaps wisely and send only when/if you can. 

3. Lovely Letters 

What is it? “A monthly snail mail exchange where you can make international pen friends.”

LOVE: There is a different theme every month and  guideline of $7 or less per package. You must email your partner to get to know them before you send the package. You’re paired with a different partner each month. You can participate monthly or join in intermittently whenever you want. 

MEH: Each package should have a tracking number when shipped. Since it’s considered registered mail it could become costly depending on where you live.  

These are the three sites that I use most frequently.

Here are some other great ways to make pen friends….

• Interpals
• Happster Mail
• Facebook Groups: ie. Penpal Fever, Penpal all over the world etc.
• Instagram: #snailmail, #penpalrevolution, #penpaling, #penpalswanted etc.
• Or you could start a blog (if you don’t already have one).

Happy mailing, everyone!! 

 

Incoming package from Tomomi

Tomomi sent me this cute little package from Japan. I absolutely love the Disney stamps and how she decorated the front. And inside… this goody pack was filled with some roasted green tea, coffee, a lovely letter and sweet wedding card. Thank you, Tomomi!

Recent incoming mail

Some recent incoming mail: Sarah from Philadelphia (an amazing wedding card – I love it!!), Renate from Germany, Tone from Norway and Thea from Australia! Thank you, everyone!~

A great surprise from Gabrielle

Last week I received this letter from Gabrielle out west. She decorates each envelope so beautifully. The paper used is so delicate and her handwriting is exquisite. She also enclosed this old book card. Those born pre 90s will remember that we had to write our names on this card to sign each book out. Surprisingly, my younger friend had no idea what this was. Thank you Gabrielle, for your letter… But also for bringing back old memories with this extra gift!

Tea from The Netherlands!

Who doesn’t love getting individually packaged tea bags from half way across the world? Kelly sent these to me all the way from The Netherlands. I can’t wait to steep a cup for myself this morning. Thank you Kelly!

Birthday Goodies

In my last post I uploaded pics of birthday cards from Emma and Sarah. Here are some others! Above is a handmade card from a swap-bot group that I am part of. So sweet of them to send a birthday greeting 🙂

And here are some more cards from lovely friends and family!

I got this uber kitchy Korean card from Samantha, who searched far and wide for it in Toronto. Wrapped in teeny shimmery paper was this “fighting” stamp. I can’t wait to use it on outgoing mail and postcards. It’s very small but oh-so-cute! It means good luck or you can do it!!

Dimitra surprised me with this Korean Girl charm and bracelet from Pandora! We are both expecting that this charm will bring good luck to me in the future!! haha!

Renate from Germany sent best wishes with this card, which reads “birthday”. I learned something new today. Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes. I love you all! 🙂

Incoming Letters from some fabulous Ladies

A stack of letters has accumulated over the last week. These lovely ladies sent amazing cards, as usual! So grateful to have such amazing pen pals.
A victorian style stationery set with a Hello Kitty envelope: From Anne in Canada

A super cute birthday letter: From Emma in the UK!! 🙂

 
I haven’t heard from Tanja in Slovenia for a really long time, but I was happy to get this letter from her! A reply is on its way!

A letter with an”Old Town Alexandria” Postcard and a beautiful birthday card: From Sarah

A handwritten note and some fun stamps from Rachel in South Korea

and finally… From Debbie in the UK. She makes her own envelopes and has some incredible mail art. A very talented lady 🙂

I love each and every one of these! Thank you 😀

Postcards from my future Nephews

Every once in a while I’m so moved by the incoming mail I receive. My fiancé, Kiuk, has a beautiful family. They are accepting, kind… just really great people. Kiuk’s older brother and his wife have three little boys. They are 2, 4 and 6 years old and enjoy life in Korea. I was lucky enough to spend time with them while I was living there.

The day these gems arrived at my house I wasn’t sure who sent them… until I kept reading. “How cute!?” I thought. This is really one of the best gifts anyone has ever sent! I’ll try to translate… the writing is really cute.

“Dear Aunt Stephanie, Hello! This is Dongwoo the second son.
How are you doing, Stephanie? I miss you. I love you. Bye”

This postcard is from Beom Mo, the first son (eldest).
He writes “Aunt Stephanie, Hello. It’s Beom Mo. Have you been doing well? I am good and the summer was good [or something like that.. haha clearly, my Korean skills aren’t that great]. I went to the beach and the waterpark. Have you been doing well, Stephanie? I really miss you. Next year, I will come to your wedding in Canada. I love you. Bye”

Seriously, I’m so lucky! These little guys are the best – ever! Thank you to my future sister in law, Yujeon Onnie for sending these over. Love and miss you all!

Incoming Mail from Jun in Korea

Korean is difficult and it’s been many years since I began studying. Finally, I’ve found a pen pal who is interested in exchanging postcards that are written in Korean. I must say, this is an awesome way to study a new language. Although my Korean is far from fluent, it’s great  practice and I’m glad that I can write to someone who is willing to help out. She always sends such pretty cards that remind me of beautiful Korea.

Thanks Jun!
A reply it on its way.