This was something that had been on my mind for a while, but after Diane’s post, I knew I needed to rein in my small, but constant, spending on stationery/scrapbooking supplies/quilting stuff. With QuiltCon less than 6 months away, it’s time to start saving up my spending money for that instead! My QuiltCon buddy and roomy (and roadtrip driver!) Melissa has very kindly informed me that Target (clothes and shoes that fit), Michaels (cheap scrapbooking supplies) and Trader Joes (choc-coated cherries, spices) are all near her house. As for quilting, the vendors’ hall at QuiltCon looked pretty awesome last time so it’s a sure bet it will be just as good, if not better, this time. So, saving up it is!
And to replace the happy mail/shopping bag thrills, I’ve signed up to a few different pen pal groups!
1. One Crafty Mumma has one for creative pen pal swaps, and I’ve been partnered up with an English lady the same age as me with very similar interests! The hashtag on Instagram for this one is #creativepenpalswap. I sent my first letter off last week and it was received earlier this week! You can see on her picture what I included – some stickers, sticky notes, a few Project Life cards, some washi tape (wrapped on floss holders!) and homemade envelopes from scrapbooking paper. It was so much fun putting it together from my scrapbooking stash!
2. Diana aka @rayssewcrafty on Instagram is hosting one for quilty peeps – check out the hashtag #quiltypenpal for this one! This one’s to send random notes and cards and crafts to people on the group list.
3. Finally, Diane at From Blank Pages is hosting the Nothing Allowed Pen Pals which only involves sending letters. Don’t go buy stuff just to send, just write a letter and send it.
I can’t wait to start getting happy notes in my mailbox!!
Melissa says
This roommate sounds awesome!!!! I hope you save lots because I love to shop!! 😉
Carla says
I loved having penpals in my childhood and teens. I am still in touch with some of them, even if it is now emails and Christmas cards.
I have been on a fabric diet since the start of the Aussie financial year. I am not even missing it, and I have newfound appreciation for my stash and UFOs. Initially I planned to just do 6 months, but I might extend it.
Can you not still get spices at Kinokuniya in Omotesando?
Capi says
Hope the first quilty pen pal group gets the addresses of the second group. I found something you need!
Did you ever find someone who wants to make a number quilt. I still have a 7. Maybe one of the pen pal girls has a 7th birthday coming up at her home.