An August Love Note

An August Love Note 💌

Hello Friends,

August. 😅

While I love the lingering days of summer, they are less "carefree days of August" and more "let's get things done" over here for me this month! I have a full plate of projects and am grateful for the time and space to tackle them. Sometimes timing turns out differently than you expected, but I'm ok with it. 💌

This week I had the joy of spending the day at Everson Clare Boutique 🛍️ in La Cañada and giving a little talk about the power of handwritten notes. I shared personal stories from my year of intentional note writing, handed everyone a set of Jill's Go-To cards and asked them to write a note right then and there. 🥹 Watching people slow down and put pen to paper was really cool and I think everyone enjoyed it.

My Personalized Stationery Collection is live -- 16 designs, completely personalized with your name! 🎨 with free shipping extended through August 8th (use code FREESHIPPING).

Fall shows are coming fast and I am looking forward to launching new products, new designs and lots of exciting things ahead! 🍂

3 Things I'm Loving This Month 💖
1. Lake Tahoe 🏔️with my Princess Cruises 🛳️  crew 
A long weekend with old friends who feel like family. Can't wait! 🥂

2. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 🛍️
My once a year treat — and this year's favorite find is the most perfect olive green Staud ankle booties (still on sale in some sizes through August 9th). Sometimes you just know. 👢

3. Fight On!! 🏈
This will not be to everyone's liking (I see you UCLA fans 🐻)...but football is (almost!) back and this USC Trojans household ✌️❤️ could not be more ready. I went there. Paul went there. My parents MET there. And my son is biggest USC fan I know. Can't wait! 

New Personalized Stationery is Here!

Free Shipping Through August 1st…Use Code FREESHIPPING!

Can I tell you something that took me 25 years to finally do?

I've been designing stationery for other people my entire career — birthday cards, thank you notes, theme packs, holiday cards. But personalized stationery with YOUR name on it? That's a whole different kind of special.

Introducing our brand new Personalized Stationery Collection…16 designs, each one completely your own. 💌

So tell me — which stationery personality are you?
Share in the comments.

🐆 The Bold One — confident, striking and unforgettable
🦋 The Classic — timeless, elegant, always in style
🏄 The Beach Girl — coastal, carefree and sun-kissed
✨ The Fancy One — simple, refined and perfectly you
🌹 The Romantic — florals, hearts and timeless elegance
🗼 The Frenchie — Parisian charm and sophisticated style
🦄 The Whimsy Girl — a little bit of flair, that is all your own
🌸 The Vintage Soul — nostalgic, charming and beautifully detailed

Whatever your personality — there's a design with your name on it. Literally. 😊

P.S. Personalized stationery makes the most beautiful gift — for a birthday, a hostess, a new job, a graduate, or simply someone who deserves something beautiful with their name on it. Just saying! 🎁

💌 Celebrate National Letter Writing Day (9/1) and the Power of Putting Pen to Paper 🖋️!

September 1st, is World Letter Writing Day—a day that personally reminds me of the timeless power of a handwritten note!

For me, this day carries a special meaning. Last year, I committed to a year of letter writing. Over the course of 12 months (366 days, accounting for Leap Year), I wrote to friends, family, strangers, mentors, and even my mailman. What started as a personal challenge turned into something much bigger—a journey of connection, gratitude, and discovery.

I have also tagged it as my year of JOY because every single day I was thinking of someone to write to and what I could say to them about what they mean to me and that made me happy and excited for them to receive my words. And on the flip side, I was blessed by the overwhelming feedback I received in return. Give it a try 😉 , and it doesn’t have to be every day…I promise you will find the JOY too 😊!

I learned that the simple act of sitting down with pen 🖋️ and paper 📃 can (and will):
💌 Brighten someone’s entire day.
💌 Create lasting keepsakes that people treasure.
💌 Offer a sense of presence in a digital world.
💌 Heal, encourage, and inspire in ways we sometimes don’t expect.

That journey also deepened the mission behind my business, Social Butterfly Designs, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year 🎉. For 25 years, I’ve been designing stationery and cards with one goal in mind—to help people connect more meaningfully through handwritten notes.

To celebrate this occasion, I’m sharing a resource close to my heart: 14 Note Writing Tips (see image below 👇) with ideas I have been sharing on my Instagram account @socialbutterflydesigns over the past several months. Whether you haven’t written a note in a while or already have a drawer full of stationery, these tips will help spark ideas, ease the pressure of “what do I say?”, and make the process fun again.

Some of my favorites include:
✨ Try writing to someone out of the blue — those unexpected notes often mean the most.
✨ Don’t forget to write to people you live with — a little surprise love note can go a long way.
✨ Write to a stranger — during my letter-writing year, this was one of the most magical experiences.

So, in honor of National Letter Writing Day, I encourage you to:

1. Pick up a pen.

2. Choose someone—anyone—who could use a lift or just a few kind words.

3. Write a note that’s just a few sentences long.

That’s it. No need for perfect wording or fancy stationery (though I won’t say no if you use a favorite design 😉). What matters most is that you take the time.

Because when you put pen to paper, you’re giving someone a piece of yourself—and that gift lasts far longer than a text or email ever could.

Check out “Jill’s Go To” Pack

These four designs were my

“Go To” notes during my year

of letter writing!

SIDE NOTE: This weekend I got together with some lifelong friends and shared a handwritten note one of these friends had written to me in high school and she was so caught off guard to see her handwriting and words (single-lined college ruled paper, double sided front to back) after all these years. She was amazed I still had it and was touched I shared it with her and passed it along. I have so many more where that came from because the thing about notes is that you can hold onto them forever, unlike a text or email, and they still mean something to me and if shared, to the one who wrote them in the first place.

OK, so if you have stuck with me this long, you obviously have some interest in the topic at hand. I am going to be putting together a course which I am (for now) calling The Notewriting Lab, where I am going to go deeper into my own personal note writing experience and share a lot about what I’ve learned over the past 25 years in running my stationery business with tips, personal accounts and some surprises along the way. If you might be interested in such a course, just drop a heart in the comments or send me an email and I will be sure to keep you posted.

Happy National Letter Writing Day, friends! 💕

Jill

Follow along on Instagram @socialbutterflydesigns and @thenotewritinglab. Hope to see you there!

National Stationery Week -- Let's Celebrate the Power of Paper!

Celebrate Snail Mail Magic with Me! 💌

Did you know it’s National Stationery Week? As someone who just completed a year-long handwritten note journey (yep, 366 days of heartfelt words and sentiments!), I couldn't let this week pass without a little fanfare.

To celebrate, I’m debuting something special:
✨ The Jill’s Go-To Pack ✨
A curated set of 8 notecards featuring the 4 designs I reached for again and again during my letter-writing year. Whether it was a thinking-of-you, I appreciate you or a spontaneous "you’ve got this!"—these cards carried my words with just the right vibe.

Why do I love them 🥰?
Because they’re versatile, cheerful, and just the right nudge to get you writing that note you've been meaning to send.

🎨 Jill’s Go-To Pack – 8 notecards, 4 delightful, all-purpose designs I reached for all year long.

🦋 1. Butterfly Trio – “Just for You”
My go-to for thoughtful, anytime notes. Sweet, simple, and perfect for any occassion, especially a “just thinking of you” moment that flutters right into someone’s heart.

🌸 2. Floral Heart – “From the Heart”
This beauty was made for meaningful messages. Whether I was writing to an old friend or sending a dose of encouragement, this card wrapped my words in love.

👯‍♀️ 3. Hello Friend – “Little Things, Big Love”
Bright, playful, and bursting with charm. A note with this card always brought smiles—and reminded me how fun it is to connect just because.

❌⭕ 4. XOXO – “Hugs & Kisses”
Short and sweet, this one says it all. When I wanted to send warmth and love, XOXO did the trick.

So grab your favorite pen, pour something soothing, and celebrate National Stationery Week with a little handwritten joy.

✍️ Put pen to paper. Make someone’s day. Start a ripple of connection.

With paper love,
Jill 💕

P.S. I’m offering a special discount on this card set this week! You can take 20% off this pack with code JILLSGOTO through Friday, May 23rd.

The Jill’s Go To Pack

April is National Letter Writing Month -- Let's Bring Back the Magic of the Mailbox!

Did you know April is National Letter Writing Month? It’s the perfect time to slow down, pick up a pen, and connect with someone the old-fashioned way—with a handwritten note.

I believe there’s something truly special about putting your thoughts on paper. A note in the mail is a little moment of joy, a smile tucked inside an envelope. And in a world buzzing with notifications and emojis, it’s a deeply personal gesture that stands out.

Writing to people is the amazing opposite of social media. Instead of isolating us, it connects us. Instead of being focused on appearance, it focuses on the spirit. Instead of flashy and distracting, it's slow and meaningful, and helps us re-focus and reflect on our relationships.  You can change your whole attitude and help change the mood/day of the lives of the people around you just by writing a simple and thoughtful note 💌. 

Why Letter Writing Still Matters

Think about the last time you opened your mailbox and found something that wasn’t a bill or a catalog. A real letter, addressed just to you in familiar handwriting. Remember that feeling? That little flutter of excitement? That’s the power of handwritten connection!

Whether it’s a thank you note, a birthday wish, a just-because message, or a simple “I miss you”—your words, in your own penmanship, mean more than you know.

Let’s Celebrate All Month Long

To celebrate Letter Writing Month, I’m challenging you to write at least three unexpected notes this month. Here are some ideas:

• Surprise an old friend with a “thinking of you” card

• Send a note to someone who’s helped you recently

• Leave a love note for your spouse, your child—or even your mail carrier

• Drop a few lines to someone you see often but never pause to thank

And of course, I’ve always got you covered with specially-designed note cards to make your words even more memorable. From quirky cards to heartfelt sentiments, each design is made with connection in mind.

Join the Note-Writing Movement

Need a little inspiration? Follow me on Instagram at @socialbutterflydesigns where I’ll continuing to share note writing prompts, ideas, and a peek into my own letter-writing routine.

Let’s bring back the joy of the handwritten note—one letter at a time.

Happy Letter Writing Month!

xx 💕…Jill 🦋 💌

🎊 Cue the Confetti—Social Butterfly Designs is Turning 25 in ‘25! 🦋✨

I’m feeling all the emotions ❤️‍🔥 as I write this because this milestone represents more than just a number—it’s the celebration of a journey that has been incredibly personal to me. 2025 marks the 25th year of Social Butterfly Designs—an entire quarter century of creating, designing, and delivering countless invitations and paper creations for all of you. It has been, without a doubt, one of my life’s greatest
passions 💋.

Today, as I step into this anniversary year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me here, the amazing people who have supported this business, and the exciting ways I will celebrate this milestone with you.

🧐 A Look Back 🔍

What started as a small stationery business focused on designing invitations has blossomed into something far greater than I could have ever imagined. Social Butterfly Designs has never just been about invitations, greeting cards, and paper goods; it has been about fostering genuine connections, celebrating life’s special moments, and providing ways to share the simple yet powerful act of putting pen to paper. Every design, every product, every invitation, and every heartfelt note I’ve created has been from the heart, and has brought me so much joy!

I have been absolutely blown away by the love and support you’ve shown me over the years. I started this journey back in 2000 (anyone remember Y2K? 😂). My two oldest kids, George and Helen, were only 3 and 1, and my youngest, Audrey, wasn’t even born yet! Here’s a snapshot of our family back then (left) and my son’s birth announcement (right), with a special story behind it below.

This little hand-drawn, hand-painted watercolor birth announcement I created for George (now 27!) in 1997 (yes, I painstakingly hand-painted over 150 of them 🤯…and did anyone note my son’s birth weight 🫢…he ended up being born via c-section 😮‍💨) was a turning point for me. It was in that moment I made the life-changing decision to leave my 14-year corporate job in public relations at Princess Cruises to stay home and raise my family. This birth announcement played a major role in inspiring me to start my own graphic design and stationery bbusiness just three years later.

After years of designing my own holiday cards and receiving encouragement from family and friends, Social Butterfly Designs officially launched on November 1, 2000. I initially started the business with my friend Susan Mills 👯 who shared my passion and creative vision. We worked together for a few years, but for the majority of this journey, I’ve been on my own—learning, growing, and evolving every step of the way.

⤵️ Then vs. Now: The Realities of the Day 💻

Back in 2000, people were still using flip phones, and Facebook or Instagram didn’t exist yet! Designs were hand-drawn more often than digitally created, and my workspace was the back corner of my dining room table, piled with stacks of paper, ribbons, embellishments and cutting tools instead of sleek design software (and because cell phone cameras weren’t a thing yet, I don’t have photos of this scene ☹️). But one thing hasn’t changed—the joy of sending and receiving a heartfelt, handwritten note in the mail 💌.

Brad Pitt was the “Sexiest Man Alive” and flip phones and Razor scooters were all the rage in the year 2000.

🥂 A Year of Celebration 🍾

To honor this incredible milestone, I have some special things planned throughout this year! From behind-the-scenes looks into my creative process, to exclusive anniversary designs, giveaways, and maybe even a few surprises (think limited-edition designs, nostalgic throwbacks, and maybe even a special collaboration… stay tuned!), this will be a year filled with gratitude and celebration. I want to take you along for the ride 🎢 —sharing cherished memories from the past 25 years while looking ahead to all the exciting things still to come!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey and for joining me to make this anniversary year one to remember!

I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite Social Butterfly Designs card or invitation you’ve kept over the years? Drop a comment or share a photo—I’d love to take a trip down memory lane with you!

P.S. The best way to keep up with these 25th anniversary updates is to follow this blog and/or follow me on instagram @socialbutterflydesigns.

Wrapping Up my 2024 Note Writing Journey

Last year (I cannot believe today is January 1st), I committed to writing a note to someone every day since January 1, 2024…and yesterday marked my 366th note (accounting for Leap Year of course)!

It’s been a remarkable and incredible experience with so many unexpected surprises and connections along the way. I have no words for how meaningful it has been and how much JOY it has brought me.

I’ve put a lot of thought into who I would send my last note to, and how meaningful this note was to me.  While I’m keeping this to myself, I can share that it felt like the perfect way for me to close this chapter.

my last note!

While this isn’t really the end of my note writing journey—in many ways, it’s just the beginning! In the days ahead, I’ll be sharing more about what I’ve learned and how it’s inspired me to create something special for anyone who wants to experience similar connections through handwritten note writing.

I hope you’ll follow along and stay tuned for what’s next…I’m pretty excited about it!

The 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula

In a world where digital messages often dominate, a handwritten note stands out as a personal, heartfelt gesture that can make a lasting impression. But how do you find the time or know exactly what to say? That’s where my 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula comes in! This simple, yet powerful formula will help you write meaningful and impactful notes in just five easy steps.

Why Handwritten Notes Matter: Handwritten notes are a tangible way to show appreciation, strengthen relationships, and leave a lasting impression. In fact, research shows that handwritten notes can create a stronger emotional connection than digital messages. Plus, they make the recipient feel truly valued. Whether it’s for a birthday, thank you, congratulations, or just because, a handwritten note is always in style.

What’s in the 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula? The 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula is a step-by-step guide that simplifies the note-writing process, making it easy for anyone to write a heartfelt, personal note with ease and thoughtful direction. Here’s a sneak peek at the formula:

10 Creative Tips for Connecting While "In" and "Coming Out" of Quarantine

There are many ways to “connect” with those you love during uncertain times…old-fashioned letter writing is a great way to show you care.

These few past months have been an extremely challenging time for our communities, our country and our world. To even imagine we would be spending our days in quarantine for weeks on end would have seemed unimaginable a few short months ago…but this quickly became our new reality. While many states are beginning to open back up across the country, I happen to live in California where our stay-at-home mandates have been extended until the end of July…and trust me when I say this seems like a lifetime away. During these past several weeks I have been able to reflect on the nature of my business and the way I conduct it as founder and owner of my own stationery and graphic design business, Social Butterfly Designs, which will celebrate 20 years this Fall. All of my spring boutiques, the staple of my spring business model, were cancelled due to COVID-19 and I was forced to focus more on my online business as a result. To my surprise it has been going very well and inspired me to be more innovative even hosting my first-ever virtual boutique earlier this month. I love to see all the creativity out in the world with people adapting their lives and livelihoods to new circumstances….so much ingenuity and creativity abound!

Those of you who know me already know I am a big proponent of the handwritten note. In fact, I like to refer to this old-fashioned ritual as “life’s secret weapon”…putting pen to paper is such as simple task but when you add sentiment, love, empathy or gratitude in the words you express behind it, it becomes a powerful tool of connection and can bring great joy to your intended recipient on the other end of receiving it.

As we have sheltered in place for weeks on end it has been a challenge to keep oneself busy….after all you can only watch so much Netflix!! Whether you live in a state where the economy is getting “back to business” or still living with limitations, now is the perfect time to brush up on your writing skills and perhaps even instill them on the younger generation members of your family.

Following are 10 ways you can connect with the ones you love and show them you care through good old-fashioned letter writing, especially when you can’t see them in person:

1. Write a note….Just Because
There doesn’t have to be reason…just pick up a pen, a note card (a piece of paper if that is all you have), and write a heartfelt note to someone letting them know you miss them and some of the reasons why they are special to you.

2. Create A Handmade Card
Paint or use markers, colored pencils or a pen to draw the cover of a card and write some nice sentiments on the inside…this is particularly special to receive. My very talented friend Stacey ( @goandbefancy) drew this beautiful NY scene, where we often travel together, for my birthday card this year…it was so touching to receive and I can’t wait to frame it!

A hand painted card becomes a work of art!

3. Drop a Note Off With a Little Surprise!
Write your note and gather some flowers from your garden, a small succulent…or maybe even a rolls of toilet paper and drop it off on the doorstep of friend.
4. Write a Poem
If you are creative you can even try to make it rhyme, calling out special memories or fun times the two of you have shared over time.
5. Create a Card Using an Old Photograph
Find an old photo of the two of you, a favorite place or something random from your phone or archives and attach It to the front of card (you can create this with any sort of paper you may have around the house)….maybe add a hand-drawn border and a clever caption…this alone is sure to make them smile!
6. Congratulate a 2020 Graduate!
This one is of particular sentiment to me as my youngest daughter is a senior in high school and she is feeling the great sense of loss in missing out on the significance and fanfare this particular celebration of life is supposed be bring. I chose to celebrate her with a full garage display recognizing her accomplishments….just yesterday this prompted an anonymous “Reese Road neighbor” to deliver a card with a surprise gift card enclosed….how sweet was that!

7. Deliver a Friend Her Morning Coffee…and a Note!
Popular with my daughters, this is a fun way to get your BFF’s day off to a great start. You can even be clever with your note…”just wanted to brighten you day with a little morning “pick me up!” We even have a fun set of cards, just for coffee lovers!

You can use any card, of course, but the “Coffee Lovers” pack has some fun options!

8. Curate a Box of Goodies
This can be done using items from home including trinkets, photos, crossword puzzles from the newspaper, favorite snacks, etc. If you don’t have a fresh box you can re-use a bag and decorate it with wrapping paper or artwork….Don’t forget the note!!

9. Send A Quarantine-related Card

I created this “Social Quarantine” pack for this very purpose. Each card speaks to the current situation and from an “I miss you” to an “E.G.B.O.K.” (everything’s gonna be o.k.) you will find four different sentiments for the ones you love.

Lots of theme-related notecard sets are available in our online shop!

10. Not Sure Who To Write a Note to? Here are some ideas:

• Your parents or grandparents who you haven’t been able to visit during quarantine

• Teachers and co-workers you miss seeing every day

• People who are struggling. Those who have been laid off or are sick.

• A college roommate who you didn’t get to spend enough time with this school year.

• A friend you haven’t seen in a long time.

• Your sister, brother, aunt, uncle or cousin…letting them know how much you love them.

Any way you choose to send some good vibes to those you love will be a welcome gift! Now go write some notes and wait for the magic to happen!

10 Reasons to Write Thank You Notes

It is no secret that I am huge advocate of the value of the handwritten thank you note!  Its power knows no bounds!  Above all, it is the single most impactful way to distinguish yourself in today's digital society.  How many times have you treasured a text or anticipated the arrival of an email?  When compared with all the feels you get from receiving a hand written note in the mail....well, there is really no comparison!

Nothing expresses gratitude and respect for another like a personal note.  People don't remember a text or an email but they always remember a thank you note in their mail box!  After all Jimmy Fallon does it regularly on his show, all in good fun of course....but you can too!

10 Reasons Why You SHOULD Write Thank You Notes:

1.   It is always the right thing to do.  

2.  It can make the difference in business in getting the job or the client.

3.  It sets you apart.

4.   Gratitude is good for the brain.

5.   It will make someone's day!

6.  It is an opportunity to reflect on our gratitude and appreciate the time and energy someone     put in to do something nice on our behalf.

7.  It serves as a keepsake - - no one typically saves an email or a text but a letter, definitely!

8.  It perpetuates an important part of our culture and contributes to a lost art.

9.  It shows you to be  a thoughtful and appreciative person.

I have so many stories from clients over the years about different things that have happened in life for them as a result of this simple act.  There are even books written about it.....here is one that might be of interest "The Art of the Handwritten Note" by Margaret Shepherd.

In closing, I would love to hear your stories here too (just click on comments at the top of this article).  And a good rule of thumb on the subject is to remember that the thought behind the thank you note should be equal to or greater than the thought that went into the gift!  

Happy Note Writing!