Don't like

*Image & card by thingsarelookingup

My favorite cards are Valentines.  This one in particular makes me smirk a bit.  The next month of posts will be featuring some of my favorite Valentine's Day cards and inspiration from around the web.  On Saturday I'm heading to a friend's for craft day in order to make my annual VDay cards.  Would you like one?

Holiday

*Image & card by Vandalia Street Press

For someone who likes getting mail, I am the worst for sending cards and letters in a timely manner.  I have a stack of letters on my desk that despite their outdated contents still need to be sent.  I can't get my act together for Christmas cards, so I think maybe I'll do New Year's cards instead. That means I can send them while I'm on break and don't have to send out tons of e-mail messages asking for addresses, because I'll be able to trade card for card.  We got our first Christmas card in the mail yesterday - man some people have their acts together.  Do you do holiday cards?

Sent

*Images by Tara Bliven via the Ephemera Blog

These are the nifty envelopes I created for the exchange.  Not too bad for what a slacker I was.  I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn't get my act together until the last minute.  I still have a few to send out, but that is just because they will contain more than just the poem (you are extra special).  I cannot get over how beautiful it was in Portland while we were there.  I already miss the green and the neighborhoods bustling with people walking and riding bikes.  That trip was far too short.  What are you currently missing?

Mother

*Image & card by dodeline design

This card made me laugh because I sent my mom a card in the mail today, but forgot to write anything in it (the card was inside of a package... really I thought of framing it but...). I cannot believe that it is already May! I cannot wait for this month to be over. What are you thinking of this Tuesday?

Spork

*Image & card by Hummingbird Cake

While this isn't a traditional Valentine, when I saw the image I pictured my husband cooking in our kitchen. I know in some cultures it is a tradition to have a nice wooden fork and spoon in the kitchen, this could be a subtle modern homage. I'm not sure my husband digs Valentines the way I do, but I think he could dig a card like this. What do you think of a spork Valentine?

p.s. or the naughtier version...

Gnomes

*Image & card by Egg Press

Christmas - check. Gnomes - check. Letterpress - check. Perfect! I was so delighted when my little eye spied this card. Two of my good friends dressed up as garden gnomes for halloween and this had their names written all over it. Plus, the card totally fell into my lap and was on sale to boot. Those are just a few things I can't pass by - perfect letterpress printed cards and those same cards on sale. My Christmas cards all made it into the mail, now it's time to finish the New Year's cards (no, I don't send two cards to everyone). Are you a Christmas card person?

Hooray?

*Image & card by Fuzzy Grapefruit

If I have to spend the day writing I may as well have something amusing lurking in the back of my mind right? We'll see if today I accomplish much in terms of changing my sour-puss attitude about going to 'school' this summer. I spent the weekend running and reading and finishing up some crafts, last bits of indulgence. If anything hopefully today I will accomplish a list of things I would rather be doing than sitting in a classroom and possibly write a few letters. Would you like to receive a letter? Leave me a comment and I'll add you to the list. What pleasant distraction do you have today?

Ye-Haw!

*Image & card by Letterpress Delicacies

Texans do have a good eye for letterpress. Consider the card above as exhibit A. I was browsing etsy for local crafty folk and came across a letterpress printer in Austin. I knew I would be able to find something great in Austin (my city crush) now I've got to keep looking in San Antonio. I can't wait to get my hands on a few of these great cards - love them.

Bad bad bad

*Image by Julie Tenibaum via Kate Spade

I've been awful and awfully busy. I thought I would have time to post something awesome for Valentine's day. Nope. Having friends in town has been so much fun that I haven't found a minute to reflect and write. I promise that more is in store this week, including possibly something fun for you in the mail.

Text

*Image via Bella Muse

In the age of technology this seems witty and appropriate. How many people will send their Valentines text messages instead of even calling, let alone writing? I'm inspired to finish packaging and addressing envelopes for my Valentines so that they can all smile and know that I'm thinking of them from miles and miles away. I will make sure to write. Are you inspired?

Robotic

*Image and card by We Heart Paper

Of course, I'll readily admit what a big dork I am. Robots are not just for dorks and nerds, they are also perfect for showing affection. Not having found my own San Antonio paper haven, the internet is the perfect place for all of my letterpress love. I have a nice stash of cards just waiting for the perfect occasion to be sent. What is the best part of receiving a letter in the mail?

Post

*Image via Snow & Graham

I can't believe that I snagged such awesome cards last year. Now all I have to do is finish addressing and sealing envelopes. Hopefully I'll get as lucky with next year's cards. Speaking of paper, my snowflakes are starting to melt and I'm disappointed because while judging of porches was scheduled for Monday, they said it would happen today. Uggg... looks like I may be cutting a few more snowflakes.

Mom

*Image by a.drian

My family is gone now and it seems strange to wake up or come home and have them gone. It was so nice having visitors (even if I did get lost on the road a bit). It was good to have family in town. Nothing like your mom to make a holiday in a strange town more like home. I came home to find a lovely letter adorning my computer screen. I already miss them.

Monthly

*Calendar by Linda & Harriet via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Genius! This calendar doubles as 12 postcards. This idea is fantastic and I wonder why I haven't seen it sooner. I could be part of the postard-a-month club. I know that all of my pen pals would appreciate it. (Especially because I finally stocked up with stamps). I've been really bad at writing letters and actually sending them lately. This could be another great venture. I do love paper. This could be a great New Year's resolution (not that I'm planning ahead).

Savor

*Notebooks by Oh Joy!

This girl loves her paper, but sometimes she rides the fine line of loving too much. Some paper is so pretty I can barely stand to write on it. These notebooks are something I would love to get my hands on, but it would take a while to finally write in it. I would probably smooth over the cover and admire it for a while before I wrote in it. I'm not the doodler, I'm more of a regimented list-maker type. Right now I'll sit back and admire the covers.

Mail

*Image by Dave Ward

My self-description on this blog states that I love getting mail and that is correct. Today I had the pleasure to unfold a wonderful letter from an old friend. Now I'm all weepy because I miss my friend. I was lucky enough to find this perfect picture online and it even hails from Bellingham; the stars were aligned. I've been writing letters all week and now I have yet another to add to my list. I might have to re-learn some crafty letter-gami from days of yore. Right now I am just wishing that all of my thank you cards were finished - I guess that means I should encourage my husband to pick up a pen. On my agenda: a nap (woke up super early to chauffeur Trevor to work), clean, grocery shop, sunbathe, airport pick-up. But, the best thing about today was checking the mail.