Happy National Letter Writing Month!
April is National Letter Writing Month, and we are here for it! Sending mail spreads happiness. In a world of junk mail and texting, the contrast of a thoughtfully handwritten note can absolutely make someone's day. To celebrate the joy of writing and receiving handwritten notes, we are serving up back-to-back events and workshops. See below for a list of events we've put together. Space is limited, so save your seat now! 
April 3: Correspondence Club
We cannot think of a better way to kick off National Letter Writing Month than with Correspondence Club, our sweet monthly meet-up for those of you who enjoy the company of fellow paper lovers. We invite everyone to come write letters, bullet journal, chat, doodle, tell jokes, juggle pens, etc. The space is yours and we hope it works as a way to strengthen everyone’s sense of community. Everyone who joins in the fun will also receive a 10 percent discount on paper goods (cards, boxed notes and letter pads). Space is limited; save your seat.
April 6: Custom Calligraphy Pop Up with Meant To Be Calligraphy
If you’ve been looking to add some custom stationery to your collection, this is a great time to do it. On Saturday, April 6, 1-4 p.m., our friend Michele will be in the shop, offering complimentary customization with her beautiful hand-lettering. Her calligraphy will then be printed on your choice of custom stationery. We have a variety of options from Crane & Co. and Haute Papier. If you are eager to make your paper selections before the event, please swing by Penny Post or schedule an appointment by emailing us or calling 703.888.1515. Event time is limited, so kindly RSVP so that we can plan accordingly. We're so excited to see what you create!
April 10: Love Letters: Making Marbled Paper Stationery
Join Kelly Laughlin of Odette Press on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30-8:30pm to explore the creative and meditative process of suminagashi-style paper marbling. Suminagashi means "floating ink" or "spilled ink" and in this workshop, you'll do just that. Use colorful inks to paint on water as you create your own set of marbled paper stationery. Explore how the paper marbling process has been used historically to connect to letter-writing, and how we can connect this expressive process to our own practices of correspondence. You'll walk away with a set of 10 marbled cards and envelopes along with the knowledge of how to set up a paper marbling practice at home. All materials are provided. This class is perfect for makers of all stages, and is especially great for creative beginners. RSVP here!
April 17: Creative Envelope Design
She’s back! Spend the evening lettering with Michele of Meant To Be Calligraphy. Using a mix of monoline and brush pens, we’ll explore different ideas for envelope design, with end results sure to brighten any mailbox. To start, Michele will draw upon her decade as a professional calligrapher to share tips and tricks for eye-catching envelopes. Then we’ll get to work: each student will receive a dozen envelopes (plus matching notecards!) and seven new monoline and brush pens to play with ($30 value). We’ll sketch our ideas, then bring them to life as class unfolds. If you love sending mail and want to up your envelope game, this class is for you! Hope you can join us!
April 24: Create Your Own Wax Seal
We are so excited to have local artist and block printer, Sue Henry, hosting another workshop at Penny Post this month. Sue will guide you through the process of creating a wax seal of a family crest, secret symbol, or fun pattern to stylishly seal your letters. Think old world wax seal meets modern techniques in this fun and hands-on two-hour workshop. All the tools you'll need will be provided. Simply bring your imagination and if you'd like, a letter that is ready to be sealed. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with your unique stamp, a new skill, and all the supplies needed to add a touch of creative elegance to your handwritten notes. Sign up now!
If it’s not clear, we are very excited for April! We hope that you’re able to celebrate with us in one way or another. We have never held events quite like these, and we’re excited to introduce them to you. Most importantly, write letters! Just think of all the joy you can be responsible for sparking. Be sure to share your creations by tagging #ShowUsYourMail and #WriteMoreLetters!