💌 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!

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!