Rue How-To: Sponge Paint Stationery

Julia Ivins — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:00:02 +0000

I’m proud to say that I’m a snail-mail girl. The odd handwritten note that arrives in my mailbox – from save-the-dates to “how’s that eyeliner working out for you?” from the nice girl at Bobbi Brown – incites excitement. I’m constantly on the lookout for fun stationery, thank-you notes, and the like, so when I discovered $2 blank notecards at the craft store, I was pretty pumped. Handwritten and handmade letters? Grandma will be so proud. Here’s how you do it:

What you’ll need:

Blank notecards and envelopes
Paint (I used Artist’s Loft acrylic paint in magenta)
Stamp (any letter or design you prefer – I opted for a cursive “J”)
Paintbrush
Sponges
Masking tape
Scissors
Newspaper

How to do it:

Card

Prepare a surface with newspaper.
Squeeze a dollop of paint onto the paper.
Using a small paintbrush, paint the rubber side of the stamp (the water-based acrylic paint will easily wash off when you’re finished).
Gently press the stamp onto the notecard and let it dry.

Envelope

Cut a piece of wide masking tape, about 3 – 3.5 inches long.
Stick the tape on the envelope where you would like the address box to be.
Use another small piece of tape for the corner where the stamp will go.
Dip the sponge into the paint and lightly dab the envelope, covering it completely.
After 4 – 5 minutes, gently (so not to tear the envelope) remove the tape.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Joining the mission to bring back snail mail (bills not included)? Tell us in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Classic Courtesy: The Art of the Thank-You Note

Jess Huckins — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:00:01 +0000

Thank-you notes are vital to the gift-receiving process, not only to be polite but to show friends and family your genuine appreciation. However, a thank-you sent late or in an inappropriate format (read: emailing Grandma) can be worse than not sending one at all. Here, some tips for saying “thanks” with grace.

The Golden Rule. According to Emily Post, send a handwritten thank-you note “any time you receive a gift… and the giver wasn’t there to thank in person.” It’s also polite to send a note thanking event hosts after a dinner party or other such occasion. The exception? Even if the giver was present at your wedding or shower (both bridal and baby), always mail your thank-yous.

To Write, Email, or Call? When the gift is from a close friend or relative, it’s okay to email or call – except in the two situations noted above, or when you know the recipient would prefer a handwritten acknowledgement. (And you can of course do both, notes social-grace expert extraordinaire Kelly Browne in her book, 101 Ways to Say Thank You).

Get-Well and Sympathy Gifts. If you are sick or grieving, feel free to ask a relative to write thank-you notes on your behalf. And yes – flowers deserve a thoughtful thank-you, too.

The Sooner the Better. Generally, write the note within a week of receiving the gift or attending the event. Showers get a brief extension – up to two weeks – and guests expect to receive a thank-you within two months after you say “I do.”

Design is up to you – just make it personal. Buy blank-on-the-inside cards, design custom stationery, or go DIY – either by hand or with a service like Shutterfly. Just show timely, heartfelt appreciation, and you’re sure to stay on everyone’s good side no matter the occasion.

By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer

How do you stay organized for writing timely thank-you notes? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Rue La La » How to Write a Thank You Note

Rue How-To: Sponge Paint Stationery

Classic Courtesy: The Art of the Thank-You Note