Roundup : Stationery
I hope everyone’s week is off to a lovely start. Today we’re talking about one of my favorite things- stationery and desk supplies! With a background in print design, I’ve always had a deep love and strong appreciate for physical printed items: books, magazines, pretty stationery products, etc. Call me old school, but hand-written notes and letters are basically my love language. There is a reason I include a handwritten note in all of your Tuesday Made packages. It’s such a heartfelt way to reach out, thank, congratulate, celebrate, or connect with people. Today I wanted to share some classic and functional stationery items with you. January always puts me in the spirit to get my desk organized, and with my upcoming home office reveal just around the corner, I’ve been enjoying some fun new notepads, monogrammed seals, address stamps, organized lists, and a fresh new weekly planner. Is there anything better than starting a new planner at the beginning of each year? Sure, I use my digital Google calendar, but I also write everything down in my planner- appointments, goals, plans, reminders, etc. If you’d like to peruse some of my recent finds, click through! I’ll admit- my new office gave me a good excuse to upgrade some items you’ll find in my desk drawers. I’m just waiting on my antique desk to be finished and then it’s move-in time!
I’m the type of gal who writes everything down, appreciates an organized to-do list (scratching things off is the most rewarding), and enjoys fresh tablets of paper, sticky notes, or planners to keep me focused and on track each week. I also really love getting and sending mail… specifically letters, cards, and notes. It’s always a fun surprise to open the mailbox and find something unexpected!
You know I also enjoy all things monogrammed. Personalized stationery feels so timeless to me… from my desk to yours. It’s also a professional and personal way to connect with colleagues or new acquaintances. It acts as an opportunity to impress and say hello or thank you on a deeper level. Just like business cards, I learned during my print design days that having a put-together stationery set that encompasses your personality or brand is pretty important and creative when it comes to first impressions.
Let’s talk about my new favorite thing: wax seals. Why did it take me so long to invest in a few of these? These inexpensive seals have become my most coveted part of writing & sending letters as of late. This incredibly old practice is quite fun and easy. It really adds an impressive and classic touch that feels endearing and special.
I’m telling you- pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some classical music, light a candle (to melt your wax) and play with seals & stamps because it will make you feel very fancy and fun! I’ve been using them on everything. Not only have I been stamping pretty seals on the backside of envelopes, but I’ve been finding all sorts of places for them- to dress up gift wrap, stamping my personal items (like my planner, work folders, or notebook covers), and you can even use them in the kitchen! Have you seen people use their wax stamps on chocolate? Wouldn’t these medallions look so amazing as cupcake, mousse, or dessert toppers? If you have a small business, of course these seals would also make very special branding. Attention to detail is my favorite, and these stand out in the best way.
Click directly on my finds to be redirected to the source, or use the numbered links below the collage to shop…
01: le pen set // 02: washi tape // 03: initial wax seal // 04: blue monogrammed stationery // 05: floral wax seal // 06: jockey card // 07: appointed notebook // 08: meal planning notepad // 09: leather desk notepad // 10: thank you cards // 11: cursive wax seal // 12: return address stamp // 13: agenda sticky notes // 14: tombow brush pen // 15: personalized floral stationery // 16: custom wax seal // 17: weekly planner // 18: fern cards // 19: round address stamp // 20: to-do notepad // 21: hydrangea personalized notes // 22: split monogram notepad // 23: embossed monogram
The planner I’m currently using is this yearly task planner from Appointed… I forgot to include it in the roundup! I also wanted to mention the pens I linked in the collage. Le Pen is my go-to for everyday writing… jotting notes in my planner, making my to-do list, etc. If you’re into calligraphy (or just getting started), the best brush pen I’ve found is the Tombow! It has dual brushes and writes like a dream, making my penmanship look better than it actually is. I also linked all of my wax stamps, so I can vouch for all of those. They’re beautiful in person!
Last year, Emmett & I promised to do a better job connecting with family. We live on the opposite side of the country from all of our family members- parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. We created a family calendar and committed to sending cards for everyone’s birthday to show them we care and connect in a heartfelt way. This year, we’ll be doing more of the same- showing up in their mailbox with thoughtful cards & notes for each occasion. Pretty stationery that is fun to use has kept me looking forward to this routine.
I’ll also admit- many of you have inspired me to put the pen to paper recently, and get my desk extra organized before moving into my new office. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again- I am so thankful for this lovely community that continues to inspire me. Lauren & Danna took the time to share their tried & true recipes with me, which I eagerly jotted down on some recipe cards… Peggi sent me the most beautiful vintage dish (that really doubles as art) that I’ve been using for clips on my desk, and Anne dropped off a gorgeous desk calendar for me during the holidays. These special surprises only added fuel to my stationery and organized & elegant office supply craze. I appreciate your kindness and friendship so much!
To me (in an age where things are primarily digital), stationery is the perfect reminder to slow down, enjoy something creative, and connect with people or yourself in a more intimate way. If you’re looking for something fun to try this winter, I think letter writing, calligraphy, journaling, keeping an organized planner, or simply playing with stationery items makes the perfect cozy indoor activity.
Looking for more stationery, desk, office, or business / branding ideas? I also made an Amazon resource list for you. Do you have any stationery questions or thoughts for me? Do you also enjoy pretty paper products? Who else enjoys wax seals, stamping, and embossing? I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below! This post really made me miss my old letterpressing days in art school. I used to spend hours gathering type, mixing ink, and printing on the press.
