The Plan

I am a planner. I always have been, I probably will be forever. I like to map things out, doodle to-do lists, and take steps that are productive and useful. I love the feeling of checking a box, or crossing something off a list. I have lists everywhere. Really.

With that in mind, I would like to say that I have a plan to move this blog forward. Sadly, I created it and then neglected it, I won’t bore you with details. But it’s always been in the back of my head. Because I want to do this. And more importantly, I want to make a difference to someone, I want to brighten days, share smiles, and send some love.

This plan includes a lot of behind the scene stuff like fixing up the website, redefining my purpose, and sending lots and lots of letters. But it also has some blog stuff, like creating some series, actually making blogging a habit, and getting out there in the media world.

If you haven’t checked out the website, do it. If this is something you are interested in, maybe even love, soon I will have ways for people to get involved and help spread some sunshine. That’s part of the plan, too! Be patient with me, give me some encouragement (ideas, too, if you have some. I like fresh thoughts), and spread the word! Mail it Forward is back in action. And it’s going to stay that way!

A Little Bit of Vintage

It’s time for something a little different. How about a museum of an old post office?

This post office was functioning in the mid 1800’s in Nauvoo, IL and today, it’s used to share the hard work, love, and way of life of the people who lived there so long ago.

Back in those days, mail only came in every 3 or 4 days, sometimes it took even longer. Packages tied with string, small notes with words scribbled left to right, up and down, and diagonally all over the page to save space and postage. People wanted to keep in touch with their families and friends so far away, but back then, postage was worth much more than it is today.

Let’s not forget the painstaking time it took to actually hand-script a letter. Quills and ink. Expensive paper, too

We should be thankful it only costs a couple quarters to send a letter. You can type it up in a blink, or use that handy ink pen that writes so smoothly across paper that’s at our fingertips. Take advantage of the ease you have today and send someone a card. Tell them you miss them, love them, or were just thinking about them!

Stickygram

Have you heard of Stickygram? Whoever had the genius idea is, well… a genius! If you are a fan of Instagram, then Stickygram may get a special place in your heart. They take your Instagram pictures and turn them into magnets. They are just the size of the original image you see on your phone.

For $14.99, and free shipping across the world, it’s hard to ignore a set of 9 of your own personalized magnets. And they obviously make a great gift, too! For any occasion: birthdays, Christmas (never too early to plan!), whatever. Even just sending one in the mail to a friend could brighten anyone’s day! You could send one to 9 different friends with one order if you like; or maybe just 8 so you can keep one for yourself. Or if you are feeling generous, gift the whole set and spread a little happiness!

Hopefully an instagrammed shot of pretty little tulips will brighten the day of a special person in Montana!

Don’t forget about Baker’s Twine when you send a card. It’s the perfect touch to any envelope or card. And it’s just so cute! What do you use Baker’s Twine for??

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, Mail it Forward really does love Stickygram!

Feature // Halo and Meme

Welcome to the first Mail it Forward feature! Once a week, there will be a feature on some pretty fabulous stationary or gifts that are just something special.

Today, Halo and Meme from Etsy, have been the attention getter. The rustic look of these cards just brings a feeling of warmth. How would you like to receive one of these in the mail?

1. The feather and twine give this card a free kind of feeling. // Feathers

2. Who doesn’t adore this camera?? It’s probably the most precious thing there is. // Vintage Camera With Heart

3. Typewriter. Perfect for just dropping a note to a friend. // Vintage Typewriter

4. This little heart is a true quilted heart. Tell me this isn’t perfect beyond words. // Upcycled Vintage Quilt

Which one is your favorite??

Heart Garland

Detroit, Michigan, I hope you are ready for some love! Hearts equal love, and there’s quite so lovely as words on heart. This is a heart garland and it’s quite simple to make. It’s so simple, the instructions are coming paragraph form instead of steps.

Old books are pretty cheap at a used book store, so pick out a thick one and cut out some hearts! There’s 20 in this particular garland and it’s a pretty good amount. This may be the tricky part: sew the hearts in a line on a sewing machine leaving some space between each heart by keeping the peddle down between hearts. Then tie a ribbon on each end and hang it up! Or send it to a friend.

Patterned paper or sheet music would make great heart garlands, too!

Be sure to share your finished project, it’ll end up on the blog! mailitfwd{at}gmail.com

Life’s a Party

If you want to bring a smile to someone’s face, confetti is always a good option! The best part about this confetti is that it isn’t clingy, messy, or annoying like most confetti is. This idea was inspired by Christie at Bedsidesign, who loves to make large confetti by punching circles out of paint swatches. These particular circles are made with a 1 inch hole punch, but any large size would work great! Just so long as your special friend doesn’t have to labor over picking it up!

Next time you’re at a hardware store, pick up some paint swatches. They’re free and come in all kinds of colors to match any happy card you could possibly send!

Hopefully, Moses Lake, Washington will thoroughly enjoy the party they receive in an envelope this week, as this card is on its way there. Remember to enjoy every moment of every day; dance through life and you will never have a dull moment!

“Life’s a Party! So Dance!”

Have any favorite quotes? Share them, they may end up on a card!

Check out the website for more info on Mail it Forward!

Follow the Sun

This special pop-up card arrived in Odessa, Texas this week! As said in the pop-up tutorial post, don’t be surprised with all the flowers! Obviously, this little package came with some flower seeds for the recipient to plant! Nothing like flowers to cheer a friend up! Have you sent anyone flowers this spring? Have planted some of your own? 

Don’t worry, the next card will not have flowers! Wink wink. But does that even really matter? Flowers are Heaven’s gift to the earth. So, be thankful for them. And take a few lessons from them, because…

“The flower that follows the sun, does so even in cloudy days!”

Check out the website for more info on Mail it Forward!

DIY Pop-Up Card

Summer is just around the corner and flowers are on the mind. So don’t be surprised if lots and lots of flower inspired cards are being sent left and right. Pop-ups are a really fun and easy way to spread some love… and it just so happens that this is a flower pop-up card. Follow the steps below to make your own pop-up card to send to a friend.

Items needed:
A card
A cute little cut out (the one that will pop up)
Border cut-out
Scissors
Pen/Pencil
Glue

Step 1: Place your cut-out on the very edge of the card (opposite side of the fold), and mark in the folded edge side. This is how far you can cut the fold so your pop-up doesn’t stick out of the card when it’s closed.

Step 2: Draw two lines from the folded edge to your mark, side by side and cut. Push cut portion of card through so it forms a base for your pop-up.

 Step 3: Glue cut out to the base of your pop-up.

Step 4: Close card and glue border cut-out to the front and back of card to cover the pop-up hole.

Step 5: Decorate and send!

Don’t forget to keep up with us on twitter! Check out the website for details on Mail it Forward!

The Start: Plant a Garden

The very first parcel of the Mail it Forward movement is being sent out today! Boston is the target, and hopefully the recipient will be inspired to believe in tomorrow with these Black-eyed Susans.

Flowers are a great way to brighten someone’s day. Now that things are finally deciding to warm up, it’s the perfect time to start a sunshine-y, bright, and happy garden. Or just send someone some flowers.

Send some happiness to a friend and share with us! To find out more about Mail it Forward, the process, the mission, and the drive and inspiration behind it, checkout the website. And spread the word! You can follow us on twitter and bloglovin, too, to keep up on the inspiring letters we send, DIY card-making, and some features of fabulous stationary.

         “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
~Audrey Hepburn