This week, we’re encouraging you lovely readers to write more handwritten notes! In this era of digital communication, a personal note can make someone feel really special.

Today, we’re talking specifically about thank-you notes. One of the most common notes we find ourselves writing around here! Today, we’re taking advice from The Art of Correspondence.

We’ve all heard the mantra: “if someone can take the time to give you a gift, you can take the time to write a thank-you note.” But, what many people might not have learned is to write these notes while sounding genuine and real. Remember, while thank-you notes are not always required, they are always welcome. It’s always lovely to hear from someone they enjoyed a gift you gave them, or enjoyed your hospitality or favor. Being appreciated in a note is such a great feeling.

Taken from The Art of Correspondence, if you have trouble coming up with what to say, here are six tips that will help you write successful thank-you notes:

1. Focus on what the person gave. Describe the item or situation, and sound enthusiastic!

2. Ask yourself what made it important. How do you feel about the item?

3. Reflect back to the person. Maybe the gift reflects the givers sense of style, or creativity. Relate it back to them.

4. Tell them what they want to hear. “You made a great choice.” “You’re a great hostess.”

5. Lighten up. Don’t be stuffy, just be yourself.

6. Do your duty. Even if you don’t like the gift, or plan on returning it, find something positive to say. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Around here, we lurve thank-you notes. It’s also one of the most requested designs we get! We’ve just received one of five new thank you note designs that will be featured in a thank you note box. So, no matter when someone does something great for you, you will be armed with great notes to send!

And remember, leave a comment!  At the end of this week, we will give away one set of our Whatever Notes to the reader with the best comment on the blog, or our Facebook page, about letter writing: the best letter you ever received, why you like to write letters, who you write them to… anything goes! Leave a comment every day to up your chances of the winner being YOU!

If you saw our post yesterday, we think it’s important to bring back letter writing! I mean, how awesome is it to get an envelope in the mail that isn’t a bill!?

These two books (The Art of the Handwritten Note and The Art of Correspondence) adorn our office shelf and we’re cracking them open in an effort to encourage some more hand-written goodness.

According to The Art of the Hand-Written Letter, there are three great reasons to write a note. And they are described as the “O” words (no, we’re not going THERE!)

1. Obligations
2. Occasions
3. Opportunities

Let’s dive in a little further, shall we?

OBLIGATIONS

AKA, notes you owe. These notes are considered the “only way” to properly communicate your feelings of sympathy, apology or gratitude. (Of course you can pop open an email, or whip out a text…. but let’s remember we’re trying to encourage note writing in the more traditional sense).  Sending your words on paper is a small gesture that can go far for the recipient. Letting someone know you’re thinking of them in their time of need, to say that you are sorry, or thanking someone for a gift or kind act are all ways of showing someone you care. And, when you write one of these notes, you will “rightfully feel in a state of grace.”

OCCASIONS

AKA birthdays, celebrations, congratulations. Sending notes for special occasions will make you realize “ordinary occasions cab be elevated into special occasions with a note.” These are times we often fall back on an email or phone call, but sending a hand-written note to express your sentiment means so much more.

OPPORTUNITIES

AKA notes that open new ways to connect. These may be ways to “open up an extra way to stay in touch, when you might not have thought of sending or saying anything.” Used routinely, you can be creative and send a note to a special someone, whenever inspiration strikes!

Here is a love letter that my Grandfather wrote to my Grandma. Does it get ANY better than “my own precious darling”?? Wow, we think not.

Remember, leave a comment!  At the end of this week, we will give away one set of our Whatever Notes to the reader with the best comment on the blog, or our Facebook page, about letter writing: the best letter you ever received, why you like to write letters, who you write them to… anything goes! Leave a comment every day to up your chances of the winner being YOU!

In this digital era, I feel we tend to forget some old-fashioned traditions that we really shouldn’t. And yes, my friends, letter writing is one of them! If I were not a stationery designer, I would STILL be saying this, as this girl LOVES getting a nice, hand-written note in the mail. Honestly, who doesn’t?

I have several favorite things in my office. But my plethora of books, on colors, design, stationery, layouts, are certainly my favorites! I’ve been given a few special books which I’ve joyfully added to my collection, both about perfecting the art of letter writing: The Art of the Handwritten Note and The Art of Correspondence. Notice how both titles have “art” in them? Yep, it’s safe to say there is a knack for writing good notes!

Also, The Art of Correspondence is not only an etiquette book, it’s also the cutest darn stationery set you ever did see! Complete with the most irresistible teal, scalloped-edge envelope. Meow.

The rest of this week, I will showcase a few tips from these lovely books and share some of their advice with you. And, whether it be a thank you note, or just a line to say hi….. try to write a note this week to someone who crosses your mind. It will make their day, and yours. Let’s bring back letter-writing!

AND, at the end of this week, I will give away one set of our Whatever Notes to the reader with the best comment on the blog, or our Facebook page, about letter writing: the best letter you ever received, why you like to write letters, who you write them to… anything goes! Leave a comment every day to up your chances of the winner being YOU!

Hi friends! Happy Monday!

You know what would make your Valentine’s EXTRA special this year!? Our hot pink gift tags! These will be on sale for only a few, limited times, this year. Grab yours NOW! Each tag is custom die-cut and printed using metallic ink foil stamping on ultra-thick, luxurious paper. Yes, they are beauties!

Set of 8 = $8 + s&h. 

Email orders@weswendesign.com today to get yours!!

Friends, it’s FRIDAY! Which means it’s #Font Friday!

In honor of the big game this weekend (and I’m totally one of those people who enjoy the Superbowl for the food and commercials aspect), this week’s font pick has a sporty look that reminds me of all things sports, especially football.

Meet Varsity.

I love the super sporty outlined version (uppercase), as well as the more plain slab-serif look (lowercase). And because the average 30 second commercial spot during the Superbowl goes for a cool $3.5 MILLION dollars….. I’m making sure this week’s pick is FREE! Yep, grab it up right here.

Will you be watching the big game? Who will you root for? And, most importantly, what will you be munching on!?

Don’t forget to check out all the other #Font Friday goodness at my friends: Aerialist Press, Alison Owen Design, Blush Printables, Design Editor, Fourth & Folded, Go Against the Grain, Hank & Hunt, Lauren Elise Crafted, Little Bit Heart, Palm Papers, Super Swoon and My Paper Lounge!

Happy weekend!

Wendy