JarieLyn Mail art is a creative adventure that’s part postal tradition, part art movement, and part DIY culture. This form of art brings together stamp collectors, painters, illustrators, sculptors, and just about anyone looking to try out a little creativity and a postage stamp. Over the years, mail art has grown well beyond its early days … Read more
Building a pen pal friendship through letters feels pretty retro these days, but there’s a lot you can get out of it. Instead of just sending quick texts, swapping letters gives you the chance to dig deep into someone’s life, culture, and way of seeing the world. Cultural exchanges through letters have brought people closer … Read more
Because Snail Mail Deserves a Soundtrack Let’s start this musical mail journey off with a bang—or rather, with a pelvis shake and a Motown groove. If I’m going to launch Postal Playlist with intention (and a little swoon), there’s really only one man for the job: Elvis Presley. I’ve been head-over-heels for Elvis since I … Read more
Okay, confession time: I’ve developed a brand-new obsession—and I’m not even trying to hide it. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me post snapshots of my incoming and outgoing mail. Postcards, letters, decorated envelopes, vintage stamps—it’s my happy place. But there’s something else I love tacking onto those posts: songs. And not … Read more
If you ask any writer about their favorite writing tools, don’t be surprised if their eyes light up like they’ve just been handed a first edition of their favorite novel. For many famous authors, picking up their go-to pen is more than just grabbing a tool—it’s a full-on creative ritual. The way it feels in … Read more
Heads up! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, including Amazon. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend products I truly love, use, or believe add value to the world of snail mail and storytelling. Creative … Read more
National Pen Day is one of those quirky, under-the-radar holidays that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a pen snob or just someone who grabs whatever pen’s closest at work. Pens aren’t just tools; they show up in the pockets of our history, creative lives, classrooms, and even in our fondest desk drawer memories. So, I’m … Read more
So there we were—my sister and I, strolling through sunny Santa Monica on our girls’ trip, not looking for a stationery store. But then… we saw it. Paper Source. Our feet came to a dramatic halt, followed by a shared gasp of pure paper joy. Neither of us had ever been inside one before, and … Read more
My footlocker is stuffed to the brim with old letters. Some are crisp, and some are worn thin from flipping them open again and again. Paper scents blend with faded ink, and the dates stretch across decades of my life. Flipping through them, it’s clear these aren’t just pieces of paper. They’re a scrapbook of … Read more
Hand lettering with specialty pens can be both relaxing and super satisfying. I love how this creative hobby mixes the simplicity of pen and paper with the ability to express your personal style. Whether you’re scribbling a quick note, designing an art print, or making gifts, the right pens can make a huge difference. If … Read more