I was always too proper to be cute like that. Stickers were for saving. I had a huge sticker collection. And stamp collection. And coin collection. Now I stick to collecting yarn and bars of soap.
Well. Back to business. I was always afraid to buy pink stationary. As I said. Cute was not my thing. But I liked politically correct recycled paper in it's early days. Grey and dull. But I felt really good about it, thinking I saved the planet. And the pen should be right, too. I liked the paper to have structure, as I am quite tactile. A polished, glossy paper is no fun handling and it just doesn't feel right.
I have still some of my old stationary waiting for a pen pal. And some cards that can even be concidered cute. Atleast flowers might occure.
Ah, Le Sigh.
Why are all my Seoul mates so far away.
I am a totally tactile and visual person, and though we might have different styles, the paper itself is CRUCIAL. I love all kinds of paper, but as much as I love the glossy finishes, they're not practical at all for holding written ink. My favorite papers have a texture and visible fibers that right through the pages.
Several years ago, I inherited a stack of incredibly unique paper--almost like a cross between onion skin, parchment, and old-fashioned typing paper--and I'd like to think it's still waiting for a very special recipient.
A friend of mine is part of a ministry that serves international students, and she needed someone to write up about 30 introductory "Welcome" notes to include in their care packages. She wanted them to be hand-written for a more personal touch.
I was glad to volunteer. I got a chance to use up some of my "special" papers, cut the edges with fancy scissors (the kind that makes the edges of paper look like lace), and buy some tiny "back-to-school" stickers designed to be miniature pencils, notebooks, backpacks, and even an apple for the teacher.
My friend's group serves students from some of the most influential families in their countries who are coming here to get high-level doctorate degrees.
Hopefully, they'll appreciate the humor of a "Welcome" note that looks like it was designed and written by an elementary school child.