The Lost Art of Handwritten Letters: A Guide to Crafting Thoughtful Connections

Dear Friends,

I was simply amazed when a young lady stopped me at the local post office recently and asked me if I knew how to address a letter she was sending to a college. She didn't even know where the stamp went! It wasn't her fault, she simply wasn't taught how to do this because our culture has changed so dramatically. If anything, it was a wake up call to me!

I've been given a wonderful gift to have a Father who enjoys writing letters and has  instilled this interest in my own children. He writes them letters filled with beautiful penmanship telling of the happenings of the day. Every letter has a little note about the weather and a little something extra tidbit such as "the birds are singing" along with a quick sketch to make the heart smile. It is a simple joy for my children to receive a letter from Grandpa and this momma's heart bursts with happiness when I observe my children sitting the table or desk writing a letter back to him. I help them double check the address, we add a pretty stamp and take it to the post office for the magic to begin and it travels across the country to a mailbox down a simple country lane in rural Arkansas. 

When I observed that September 1st was listed as the official letter writing day on my calendar, I was inspired to create a simple beginner's guide to the handwritten letter on my blog to help our generation of children who have not had the privilege of being taught this beautiful dance of pen and paper. I hope this will also inspire all of us to take a cherished moment, brew a fresh cup of tea, and pause to write a letter to those we hold dear.

Warmly,

Michelle Leising, The Twiggery

A Beginner's Guide to Crafting a Handwritten Letter

In a world where messages are sent in an instant, the simple, timeless act of writing a handwritten letter is a precious way to connect with loved ones. There’s something magical about holding a piece of paper that someone else has carefully chosen, held, and filled with words just for you. Writing a letter allows you to slow down, think deeply, and express your thoughts in a way that texts and emails simply cannot capture. It’s a way to show that you care, to nurture friendships, and to create a lasting keepsake. Here’s how you can revive this beautiful tradition and touch someone’s heart with a handwritten letter.

The Greeting: Setting the Tone

The greeting is your first chance to set the tone of your letter. Consider the relationship you have with the recipient. Are they a dear friend, a family member, or perhaps a cherished mentor? For a close friend, a warm and personal greeting like "My Dearest [Name]" or "Hello Lovely [Name]" works beautifully. If you’re writing to someone in a more formal capacity, "Dear [Name]" is a classic choice that never goes out of style. Whatever greeting you choose, make sure it reflects your genuine feelings and the connection you share.

The Body: Pouring Your Heart onto Paper

Writing the body of the letter is where you can truly express yourself. Begin by sharing what’s on your mind—maybe it’s an update on your life, a fond memory you want to reminisce about, or just thoughts that have been swirling in your head. Speak from the heart, and don’t worry about being perfect. The beauty of a handwritten letter lies in its imperfections—the slight smudge of ink, the wavy lines, the pauses between thoughts.

Incorporate anecdotes, ask questions, and let your personality shine through your words. Consider including something special, like a favorite quote, a pressed flower, or even a little doodle in the margins. These small touches make your letter unique and memorable.

The Salutation: Signing Off with Sentiment

As you wrap up your letter, think about how you want to leave the recipient feeling. A heartfelt closing is just as important as the greeting. Consider phrases like "With all my love," "Yours truly," "Fondly," or "Warmest regards," depending on the tone of your letter and the closeness of your relationship. Follow your closing with your signature, which adds a personal touch that electronic communication simply can’t replicate.

Addressing the Envelope: A Thoughtful Presentation

Once your letter is complete, it’s time to address the envelope. Write the recipient’s name and address neatly in the center of the envelope. If you’re unsure of the proper format, here’s a simple guide:

• Name
• Street Address
• City, State, ZIP Code

In the top left corner, include your return address. This ensures the letter can be returned to you if it can’t be delivered. Finally, place a stamp in the top right corner. Choose a stamp that suits the theme or mood of your letter—there are so many beautiful designs available that can add a special touch.

Final Thoughts

By taking the time to write and send a letter, you’re telling the recipient that they matter to you, that they’re worth the time and effort. It’s a simple act, but one that can bring immense joy and strengthen the bonds of friendship and love.

So, pick up your favorite pen, choose a beautiful piece of stationery, and let your words flow. Revive the lost art of letter writing and bring a little more love and connection into the world, one handwritten letter at a time.

Fancy Embellishments: Wax Seals and How To Add A Special Touch To Letters

For centuries, wax seals were used to authenticate documents, signify the sender’s status, and ensure that the contents remained private until they reached the intended recipient. Today, using a wax seal is a way to add a touch of elegance and tradition to your letter. It’s a nod to history, a way to connect with the past while creating something meaningful in the present.

To create a wax seal, you’ll need a wax stick and a seal stamp. These can be found at local hobby shops or online.  After folding your letter and placing it in the envelope, melt the wax stick over the envelope’s flap. Once the wax is soft and pliable, press your seal stamp into the wax and hold it for a few seconds. When you lift the stamp, you’ll have a beautiful, unique seal that adds a sense of occasion to your letter.

Letter Writing Day is September 1st!

To help you get started, here are five thoughtful people you or your children (or grandchildren) can write letters to for Letter Writing Day:

1. Grandparents - Share special memories and let them know how much they mean to you.
2. A Favorite Teacher - Thank them for all they’ve taught you and how they’ve inspired you.
3. A Best Friend - Reminisce about fun times and express how much their friendship means to you.
4. A Cousin or Sibling - Write about your favorite moments together and what you’re looking forward to in the future.
5. A Neighbor or Family Friend - Brighten their day with a kind note and a little update on your life.