Writing a blog is a reward unto itself: searching out things to write about and hearing from RLD readers are two of my favorite parts of the blogging process. You guys share all sorts of things with me, both online and on postcards: hilarious postal anecdotes, clueing me in to something mail art-ish I should know about, showing your incredible mail/art skills and talents. I am one lucky girl!
In January, I often find myself thinking about the recently passed year, as well as the year coming up. What kinds of art/correspondence projects will I tackle in 2013? (I’ve got a few ideas.) Was I happy to say goodbye to 2012? (in some ways yes, in some ways no.) How can I make this an even better year, postally AND personally? (I’ve got some ideas there too.) Taking stock helps me remember what I should prioritize, what I can learn from, and what I can leave behind.
That’s why I’d like to take a paragraph (or two!) to thank YOU, fabulous RLD readers! As mentioned above, a blog is fun to write but it’s only as much fun as the readers who are along for the ride. The input, perspective, and advice that each of you offers up keeps the RLD “car” moving, so to speak.
To that end, I want to give a special shout out to the RLD “Fab Five”! These are the top five “comment kids” on the blog for 2012 and I’ve got a little surprise for those five folks. Can I have the envelope please? (insert sound of ripping paper here…) And they are:
- –Angie P. (Miss Rose)
- –Maureen F. (happenstance)
- –Dorothy Y. (dot’s rainbow)
- –Andria (drawing near)
- –Pamela G. (cappuccino & art journal)
Each parcel consists of a smattering of fun items to help you with the coming year’s correspondence: a handful of enticing envelopes, an ephemera assortment of old and new bits, and a hand bound soft cover journal to keep track of your correspondents. Put it all together in an airmail themed zipper pouch, and there you go! (if your name is listed above, please contact me at redletterdayzine@gmail.com to confirm your snail mail address.)
And I have another little “thank you” for the first 15 folks who leave a comment below telling me their favorite RLD blog post of 2012! (sorry! The folks listed above aren’t eligible for this one…) I love writing about the mail art shenanigans and postal high jinks that make you guys happy; tell me about the write ups you’ve enjoyed and 2013 will be filled with more of the same.
(edit, 10:55pm: guess what gang? All presents have been spoken for! But you’re of course welcome to keep the discussion rolling below, if you’d like…)
All in all, I can promise that 2013 is going to be a bumper crop year: correspondence and creativity are going to abound, both in person and via the mailbox. I’m looking forward to swapping more stories, sending a mountain of mail and keeping in touch with RLD friends near and far.
You guys are the best!
Postally yours –
–JH
Hands down, my favorite post was your washi tape post! I love that it took you so long to embrace it but once you did, you were just like the rest of us (at the washi tape’s mercy)!
Miss Kimberly — (winner #3!)
I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the washi series…did you think the videos were interesting? I’d love to do more videos/demos for the new year, but they’re a bit time consuming — all the editing and uploading takes awhile. But I know how I am: a video makes so much more sense (sometimes), when you’re trying to learn a new trick or technique…
Anyhow: confirm your mailing addy with me at: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
Hmmm…that’s a hard one….I think it would have to be the post on 11/14 on AARPEX, delicious eye candy and introduction to wonderful artists. And I LOVE the photo of you with a glass of wine at the airport creating!!!
Miss Cathy — (winner #2!)
ahhh AARPEX…I wish there could be an encore performance! And you’re right: that glass of the wine at the airport cracked me up. The other thing that cracked me up was the couple sitting at the table right next to me; they struck up a conversation by asking what it was that I was up to. You could tell it took a few minutes to work up the nerve, but we had a GREAT conversation about making books!
I’ll be sending out your goodie at the end of the week. 🙂
–JH
I know this probably isn’t much help but I love ALL of your posts. Call me a fan girl but your blog is one of the few that I actually read (and not just skim through looking at the pretty pictures.) I love your posts about your work in progress, your Zines and mail art, your favorite things, places you’ve visited, etc… Please just kept being the jewel that you are in 2013!
Miss Kelly — (winner #1!)
heheheheh! I’ve got your number: paper? check. zines? check. favorite tools? check. You know what I want to write about in 2013? A playdate that we have TOGETHER! 🙂
Confirm your mailing addy with me at: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your CrackerJack prize (it’s not a temporary tattoo, I swear…)
–JH
Well…gee…Miss Red Letter Day….that is sure nice of you to give the five of us a surprise — but really, it is my pleasure to read and comment on your wonderful blog. I love every post and every photo. You are a treasure. Wishing you a 2013 full of wonderful mail-art in your PO Box! (I’m glad I am excluded the contest because I would be hard-pressed to pick just one favorite post – I like them all)
My favorite post of yours was the washi tape post. A big part of that is the awesome word “scraptastic” which I absolutely love. I also am hesitant about that sort of thing and my first washi tape was a gift, but then of course I loved it. 🙂
Miss Emilie — (winner #4!)
HAHAHA!!! I make words like that up ALL THE TIME. You are welcome to use the word “scraptastic” anytime it seems to fit! On another note: why did so many of us resist the tape? After my “first time”, the sound of palm hitting forehead was quite audible…
Please confirm your mailing addy with me at: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
Oooh, yes, I forgot to mention SCRAPTASTIC…favorite word of 2012!
Kimberly —
HAHAHAHA! Just wait — what will 2013’s word be? 🙂
–JH
Being in Australia I have to say I love the posts about the expo’s/paper show thingies you attend. We just don’t really have the kind of scene here (small population thing I guess) and I get JEALOUS!!!! (In a good way!!!)
Make and Book Shop — (winner #5!)
I really love writing about the travel/vending aspect of mail art and such…there are such interesting folks out and about in the world! That’s also one of the great things about the ‘Net too: you and I can write back and forth (instantly) about the stuff we love and like. You and I may have eventually met through the mail, but sometimes (I’ll confess) the efficiency of the ‘Net works out in everyone’s favor.
Please confirm your mailing addy with me at: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
Hi Miss JH,
My favorite RLD post of 2012 was the one you did on washi tape & your cool way to store rolls of washi tape. Keeping it on an old lanyard is easy & so convenient!
Miss Jan — (winner #6!)
The lanyard is a lifesaver!!! And then, did you see in the comments for that post? Sally Wurlitzer mentioned storing all of her rolls of tape using a Reynolds Wrap box — GENIUS.
You’re lucky Winner #6! Please confirm your mailing addy with me at: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
I must not have checked back after she posted but am glad to know they can be used to store washi tape. I’ve been wondering if either Reynolds or Saran wrap boxes would work. Now that I know I’ll definitely be saving them for washi when I used it all up. I’ll be emailing to confirm my addy. And thank you, thank you. Just love your blog & your book. 🙂
Washi tape (Oct 10) does make my heart beat faster!
Miss Tammy — (winner #7!)
Well, I guess there definitely has to be more “demo” posts then, if the washi tape makes your heart beat faster! 🙂
Send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
I’ve enjoyed all your posts specially the ones with photos of your own mail arts!
Miss Mary — (winner #8!)
Hmmm…more photos of mail art, that’s what I’m hearing! Done and DONE… 🙂
Send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
Romance of New Art Supplies 2. Helped get me hooked on washi tape. Mine are mostly stored stacked in clear jars and I’m up to about 15 rolls now.
Miss Garci — (winner #9!)
Clear jars –> brilliant! Not only do the jars-o-tape decorate and beautify, but you can see everything at one go! As far as the tape addiction is concerned: if you hear of any support groups, could you let me know? 🙂
Send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
I’m with Cathy. AARPEX for sure. That blog post (all of them actually) organize things in such a way that this really is a resource to go back to again and again. (And now that I know there are treats involved, I’ll make sure to comment every time I’m here 🙂 Also a shout out to your wonderful photos. They always make me want to get into my studio & create! Thank you… xoxo SW
Sally Wurlitzer — (winner #10!)
AARPEX…like the best type of class reunion and debutante party, all rolled up into one! I’m with you: that was an amazing event, definitely changed the way I look at mail art, artistamps, the whole tamale.
As far as the whole “blog as resource” thing, I really try and tag stuff so that folks will be able to find certain articles again, if need be. You should see some of the search terms that appear in the “what people have been searching for” feed for the RLD blog!
Keep an eye on the PO box; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week. 🙂
–JH
Hmmmm…. I have to admit that I don’t have a particular post that I’d look to and declare “Favorite!”. I’ve really enjoyed EVERYTHING! The mail art, the travels, the tutorials, the discoveries, the postage… Yep, I’m just glad to be along for the ride! 🙂
Long live the RLD!
CMN — (winner #11!)
Aww shucks…I always feel like I’m along for the ride when I receive your fabby envelopes and incredible mail! You put things together in the most spirited and spontaneous way. It really is a treat to see your things arrive in the PO box. May the new year be a fruitful and creative one, correspondence-wise. 🙂
Go ahead and send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
I liked the December 18 Bookbinding post. I liked how your tunnel book was propped up and in the making. Is that a repurposed stand or is it specifically for making tunnel books?
And I didn’t know about the classes in Oakland at Biblioforge.
Always a wealth of info!
Miss Grace — (winner #12!)
That Dec. 18th post was a bundle of fun to write! The tunnel book shown is slotted into a plastic drying rack that came with my Print Gocco machine a few years ago. I just did a quick search right now and it looks like Northwood Studios has ’em for sale — cheap! : http://www.northwoodstudios.us/misc.html
As for Biblioforge: I’ll be taking the Pocketbook class there this weekend, which I’m pretty stoked about. The owner has asked me to teach there in March, so I’m pretty excited about that too! I’ll update the RLD “Sightings and Appearances” page when everything’s confirmed.
Go ahead and send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
My fave post from 2012 was your report on the Chicago Flux Fest from February 27, 2012. I’ve always wanted to go and have mailed a few times, but I appreciated your report and photos.
~ Jack @ Cascadia Artpost
Mr. Jack! (winner #13!)
Chicago FluxFest!!! You would be such a fun addition to the party; it’s a weekend of goofing off, performance scores, cold weather, and meeting people you’ve always admired! Sounds a lot like AARPEX, no? 😉 When/if you decide to go, we should co-ordinate schedules; it would be a hoot to be in the same place, at the same time once again!
Go ahead and send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
Hello Jennie!
I am soooo thankful for your AARPEX post. It was such a treat to finally get to meet you and to enjoy the company of such talented artists. Thanks for keeping us in touch with these kinds of events. p.s. you are a pretty cool chick and such a postal inspiration to all.
Hugs!———-> Millicent
Miss Millicent — (winner #14!)
I ADORED meeting you in person; just the other day I was admiring the wonderful little stamp goodie you gave me at AARPEX, the one with the spooky skull on it! Meeting folks in person that I’ve only ever corresponded with is one of the things I love about doing vending events; it’s such a kick to hang out with/meet people who are “nerds with a purpose” too! It’s too bad you couldn’t stay longer…perhaps next time! (or in the summer, at the Focus Conference in Forest Grove, OR. …)
Go ahead and send along your mailing addy to: redletterdayzine@gmail.com for your goodie; I’ll be mailing out at the end of the week!
–JH
Yay! I get a prezzi! Can’t wait!
Miss Rose —
WOOT! You know it baby; your package is already addressed and ready to go… 🙂
–JH
I love presents! You da best red letter postmistress I know…
Miss Maureen —
Thanks a bundle Chicky Bella! You’re not so bad yo’self… 🙂
–JH
I really like every single post! Either it is from 2012 or 2011 or from today… but I am looking at pictures from your outgoing mail for days…well yes. maybe a little interrupted for a short powernap – but then I am looking again.
thank you for your wonderful mailart-posts. I love them.
fr.hirse (winner #15!)
Hello and welcome and thank you! It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying both the blog posts and the photos. 🙂
Please send along your mailing address to redletterdayzine@gmail.com and I’ll send a postal present your way!
–JH
PS: a powernap sounds like a GREAT idea!!!
My favorite post of 2012 was the NYC post written in October. It looked like such a fun time and I imagined myself being there with all of the other creatives.
JarieLyn —
That NYC trip is so much fun! The folks I meet at the NY Art Book Fair are the best. Over the last two years, I’ve heard the most incredible stories, seen amazing artists’ books/zines, and hobb-nobbed with some of my favorite mail art mavens. As long as Printed Matter will have me, I’ll keep doing the book fair! 🙂
–JH
Well, I’m too late to join the contest, but I would like to say that I really loved the washi tape post.. I ordered up some tape and am having lots of fun with it. I also loved the post when you came back from a mail convention and shared photos of all the incredible goodies! Looking forward to reading your 2013 posts.
Miss Debbie —
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the washi tape post; that’s definitely a hands-down winner in the “favorite blog post of 2012” category! 🙂 As far as posts for 2013 go: there’s almost (alomost but not quite!) too much to write about. Wherever shall I begin? Oh yeah — I guess I’ll write about mail art!!!
Never a dull moment here at the blog…;-)
–JH
I’m too late also, but I also loved the washi tape post – I went and ordered more!!! I also love all the photos you take – they are really eye-catching!Looking forward to more mail art posts!
Tama —
Ahh yes: the photos! Thanks for mentioning them. For the most part, I photo everything myself — mostly things that I see around town, am working on in the studio, get inspired by. Occasionally, I’ll pull a photo from the web…you probably noticed the vintage greeting cards used for this particular post, or when I used Paper Chipmunk’s punching cradle photo for the “AYWFC Bookbinding” blog post.
I’m an incredibly visual person, so I always love it when blogs have eye catching, “fall in love and have to have it” photos. I mean, that can be distracting too, but in a really really good way! 🙂
Thanks for reading…
–JH
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your content
seem to be running off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon.
Kudos
Hi there Healthy!
I’ll take a look and see if the formatting is something that can be taken care of on my end…I was noticing that WordPress has been tinkering with the “under the hood” stuff on their end, so it could be something like that as well!
Thanks for the heads up; I appreciate it. 🙂
–JH