What is RAK?

I being somewhat new to the whole penpal world was totally clueless at first what people were referring to when they spoke of RAKs.

So for those of you that don't know I will fill you in.

It stands for Random Acts of Kindness, which in the penpal world refers to when you send sweet little bits and pieces to your penpals that you think they might like etc.

Some can be small and others quite large, I guess it depends on your budget. It doesn't have to cost the Earth, putting thought in to it is always appreciated.

I have started writing a list of potential bits and bobs to send that I thought may be of interest to those looking to get started.

Here goes:

• Washi tape - Whether it be full rolls or 'samples' of your own
• Origami - Bows, Stars, Hearts...whatever your heart (& skill set) desires
• Cute Paperclips
• Baker's Twine or Ribbon
• Buttons
• Stickers
• Sticky notes/memos
• Writing Sets
• Notebooks
• Paper cut-outs
• Pom-poms
• Garlands
• Pens
• Bookmarks
• Labels
• Quotes
• Postcards
• Recipes
• Tea or Chocolates (something that would last the distance)
• Paper Doilies
• Stamps
• Mail Tag

Right, I think that there is enough there to get you started and get the creative juices flowing.

Another great way of finding inspiration is by looking at some of the most common hash tags on Instagram.

Such as - #showandmail #sendmoremail #snailmailrevolution #penpals #snailmailrevival

I hope this has been educational ;)

Happy snail mailing.

Keshena x

Snail Mail Love

So I decided to start a new blog on a whim, a blog dedicated to my love of stationery (and let's not forget the all important coffee, with whom I co-exist on a daily basis). To clarify, I have two small children and that alone should explain at least the necessity that is coffee...but I do also love it, it gets me through the day.

I plan to come here and share bits and pieces in regards to my penpal  adventures (it truly is so much fun, I really enjoy it). I haven't been a penpal for all that long but it really is a great way of meeting some truly amazing people from all over the world and making real connections. Plus it opened up a whole new world creatively, I have Instagram to thank for that (what an awesome community you get on there). I attribute it with my new found love of snail mail and everything that entails.

I have always been a lover of stationery ever since I was a child, but now I am slightly obsessed with it. There are some crazy talented people out there, I am inspired by them every day. I hope to one day be the one inspiring others. For now I just want to bring a smile to your face and a bit of happy to your day. I don't take myself too seriously and I love to laugh.

I also want to share the things that I love, old and new. Things I create that I think might be of interest or just a bit cute. I am a sucker for all things kawaii, washi tape (a recent discovery and now addiction), kraft paper, baker's twine, neon...basically a never ending list of all things stationery.

I hope you enjoy my little slice of heaven and the interwebs ;)

Here's a little taste of what's to come

All wrapped and ready to go for #thecreativeexchange (check it out on Instagram, you won't regret it)

A cute little cloud I made as a gift for someone

Wise words

This was for the #handmadeval exchange back in Feb

We could all use a bit of love in our lives

Some little envelopes I made

Washi tape & twine bunting

Take care,

Keshena xo