December is here (as I am sure you are well aware)!  In this month's newsletter, I hope to give you helpful information to make December go a little smoother.  Who likes hustle & bustle?  I'll start sending new information & product launch details closer to & after the New Year.  Every year I like to read this book: The Little Book of Christmas Joys, 432 things to do for yourself and others that just might make this the best Christmas ever.  I think I've had it for over 20 years.  I certainly don't even come close to doing 432 things, but I do try to do a few to keep me focused on the joys of Christmas.  

I wish you joy, peace and time to do things that matter to you this month.

🎄 Christine

 

Since you worked so hard on making all of your cards, you want the process of sending them to be just as enjoyable (and not become a rush or chore):

Here are a few tips on keeping Christmas card sending pleasant:

1.  Use a Water Painter or paint brush & water to seal all of those envelopes.  Licking them all would create a bad taste and dry mouth.

2.  Batch.  You don't have to address, write, sign & seal all in one sitting.  Divide up the tasks over a period of several days (envelope writing, card writing, sealing, postage) or only write out 10 or so each day.  I know my handwriting becomes illegible if I write out to many at one time.

3.  Put on Christmas music or a well-loved movie while writing.  Be sure it's something you are familiar with, otherwise you'll be watching your screen instead of writing.  Bonus - put on your favorite jammies, enjoy a warm beverage and sweet (or order take-out so you don't have to worry about cooking dinner).

4.  Use a special/favorite pen.  Create the tradition of only using a designated Christmas card pen/marker to write out your cards.

5.  Enlist help!  Who says YOU have to write inside every card and address every envelope???  Get everyone in the household to help.  If you want to write the message inside, have someone else address them, decorate the envelopes, put the stamp on and seal.  

 

If you have the time, or kids in the house who need a project, consider decorating your envelopes.  If you don't have time to do them this Christmas, make the resolution beginning January 1st your envelopes will not go through the mail naked.

I did an online search and came up with some practical & inspirational ideas.  (I wish I had time to decorate them all myself for you, but it's December and I know you understand what that means). 

Search topics:  Envelope Art, How to decorate an envelope, hand decorate envelopes, stamping envelopes

You can decorate the inside flap, outside flap or front.  Just be sure the addresses are clear and legible so they don't end up in the post office mystery pile.  Think a little bigger than just one stamped image!

HGTV Magazine had a good article giving a few envelope decorating ideas:  https://www.hgtv.com/design/design-blog/how-to/ways-to-fancy-up-a-plain-envelope

Alternate ways of decorating (creating)an envelope:  https://www.therealisticmama.com/mail-art-addressing-an-envelope/

Truly works of art (that happen to be envelopes):  https://thepostmansknock.com/12-artistic-envelope-ideas/

 

 

 

Wink of Stella is the PERFECT tool to use this time of year.  Everything needs a bit of sparkle, right?  Wink of Stella is a pen with a brush tip that applies a subtle coating of glitter.  Use it over stamped images or plain card stock.  Things that need glitter this time of year are snowflakes, Santa's beard, Christmas trees, holly, candles....

The Wink of Stella Glitter Pen is only $8 and is a must have for every crafter.  It would make a great stocking stuffer too!  Item #141897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lots of Pun Paper Pumpkin Kit (all inclusive crafting kit) includes enough egg-citing elements to create nine cards and coordinating envelopes. From giddy gingham to splatters and stripes, this playful Paper Pumpkin kit features a fun and fresh look with one-of-a-kind patterns and designs! Egg-cellent for any occasion, reason, or season throughout the year, the kit’s pun-packed stamp set provides completely customizable characters for a very versatile crafting experience. Pair each stamp with its matching die-cut snack, then mix up the faces and accessories for an absolutely adorable accent!

Pick up your friends and family with pun-filled projects. December’s delightful kit is sure to make ‘em smile! (I just ordered this kit for my daughter, I thought she would enjoy mailing her college friends these punny cards).

To subscribe (or resubscribe) click by December 10:    www.mailsomethingpretty.com/monthlycraftingkitsignup