Writing letters in the dark
This past Saturday, March 28, 2015 was Earth Hour and Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, 2015. Earth Hour in particular, is an hour where we are all encouraged to shut the lights out and make things go dark to conserve energy and to raise awareness of the impact of climate change.
All the darkness got me thinking about days gone past and what was involved in writing a letter.
Candle required
A fountain pen, an ink well, wax, and a light source are just a few of the things needed to pen a letter years ago. Imagine the time that it took!
Time a necessity
And we think it takes too much time today, when a click of a switch turns on our lights, ball point pens are common place, and self adhesive envelopes leave a funny taste (thank goodness for washi tape) and can be found at your local dollar store.
Use recycled paper
Of course we paper lovers need to be conscious of using recycled paper products whenever possible and maybe even trying the technique of cross-writing a letter to save on paper.
Help me solve a mystery
I do love my wax seal. I especially like how when it is dry, it still looks wet. Have you ever sealed a letter with wax?
I do wonder, if by the time my letter reaches someone, if the seal is still intact. Are you game to help me solve this mystery?
Send me your address and I will send you a note with a wax seal and you can let me know. Any takers?
I have often used a wax seal on special hand given cards. Back in February I used a wax seal on an envelope sent within the UK…as part f Letter Month but I have yet to hear if it arrived intact. The stick of wax did claim to be ‘flexible’. You can send me one if you wish to try sending it overseas.
Julie
Hi there Julie, I would love to send you a note with a wax seal. Please email me your mailing address. Let’s see if it makes it through to you. I bet the person on the received end of your was seal was delighted.
I used to write letters all the time. When I was young I collected pen pals. At one time I had 98 pen pals from all over the world & one from each state. It was pretty amazing. I would race to the mailbox daily and pout when I did not get at least one letter! I observed Earth hour and I will be doing something for Earth Day…this Earth has been awfully good to me.
98 pen pals! This is incredible Nikki. What stories and friendships you must have heard and made. I completely pout when there is nothing good in the mailbox. Ha. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve never used a wax seal. I have received some “fake seals” (I mean, they are stickers but they “seem” wax seals), and I haven’t use them yet. I’m afraid they will tear the letter while passing through the postal machines, or get lost in way…
Of course I wouldn’t mind to receive a note from you, but I’m afraid that would be a bit more expensive for you.
Eva, it would be my complete pleasure to send you a ‘true seal’ on your envelope. I wonder about those exact things..the postal machine process etc. I’m game if you are? Let’s chat via email.
We gave my stepdaughter a wax seal and candle for Christmas a few years ago. She enjoyed writing her thank yous now that she has a fun seal to put on the envelopes!
Hi there Lisa, What a novel gift for your stepdaughter. It is a fun way to get anyone involved in sending a note or card. I know my son was very taken by the whole melting of the wax part and that it actually sealed the envelope. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I have never used nor received a letter with wax! You sure ARE who you ARE in being one that will not allow the handwritten note to go by the wayside. Love that about you. I like your ideas and I also like the friends and resources you have, and introduce us to! 🙂
PO Box 958152
Duluth, GA 30096 THANK YOU!!
Sending one your way tomorrow Sydney. Thanks for all your encouraging words. 🙂