Why handwritten notes?

(like these correspondence cards? They are K. Batty! Look for them soon on Esty!)

People's desire (hopefully!) to send & write handwritten notes is a major part of my business, so I thought a little blog series on the subject may be in order.

First up: Why send one in the first place?

Emails are quick. So are texts & phone calls. So, why wait on snail mail to deliver a sentiment? All have their place. But, in my opinion, none of them show the sincerity of a handwritten note. I turned to The Art of the Handwritten Note by Margaret Shepherd for a little guidance. Shepard says that sending a handwritten note tells the recipient that "You are worth the effort it took" to write, stamp & send this note.

I like that. She also points out that it's rarity heights the appeal. That makes me like sending them even more. To show someone that I am thinking about them by doing something that is (sadly) rare these days increases the importance of the gesture.

Now, you don't need to write anyone a book or your life story in a note. Figure out your message & send what's needed to deliver it. Maybe it's a card just to say hi! Saying something is better than saying nothing. So, if it comes to texting or emailing your message, then fine.

But, the point is put down your device, pick up a pen and make someone's day with a surprise in their mailbox.

Up next: haven't decided yet! Basic formats for notes? Perhaps materials, like pens & paper? Let's get excited about handwritten notes, people!

Voting is open!!

Hi all! It's June 11th. Do you know what that means??

Well, yes, it probably means that it's someone's birthday (send them a card from K. Batty!) but it also means that voting is OPEN for the 2010 Holiday Challenge on Minted.com. So, GO GO GO vote for the K. Batty cards! Pretty please :)

This is really important because for this challenge there will be TWO ROUNDS of judging due to the number of entries (more than 1300!!!). So, my little chick-a-dees, you have until June 14th to help me get to round 2.

You can use the Voting Badge on the right hand side of this blog, or click here to access my designer page & see all the designs I've submitted. Feel free to make comments! Or give me a shout on the K. Batty Facebook page & let me know you've stopped by.

Thanks for all the support!

One more on Minted.com...

Hi guys! Mark June 10th on your calendars. That is the day that voting begins for the 2010 Minted.com Holiday Challenge. That's THIS Thursday. So far I've submitted 3 designs (the latest above) & might have just one more up my sleeve :)

Stay tuned! And thanks very much for all your support!