I have been spending a lot less time online these past few months, but I still definitely enjoy casual scrolling, watching TikToks, and checking out current lifestyle trends and such. One thing I’ve seen more and more people talk about is “Going Analog” or living more of an “unplugged” life. For some people this means using their phone less, not using a smart watch, reading physical books, taking walks, using film photography, French-pressing their coffee… the list goes on.
I’ve been trying to practice some of these things too, and thinking back to what sort of analog joys I used to have as a teenager before the internet was so ingrained in our lives.
Paper media crafts always seemed to dominate my creativity. Whether it was junk-journaling, collaging, drawing, or painting (even though I was never good at it,) my art always seemed to take up the most space on paper. One of my most favorite things was mail-art. Decorating letters or postcards to send to my friends, even if they were just across town. It was a way to let each other know that we remained a source of inspiration and joy for each other, even if we didn't have time to call.
As I’ve been putting more of my energy back in OSG and wanting to foster the space as a little village, I think so many of us are craving a deeper sense of connection and community, too. In a post-quarantine world, where the internet dominates our attention, there is a call to return to simpler, slower ways of life.
So I have an idea! And maybe some of you will be into, too! Especially any of you who are into journaling, letter writing, planner keeping, scrapbooking, or just opening up fresh mail lol!
I’m starting a Snail Mail Club! 🐌
This is how I think it could work (but I’m open to ideas!):
• We would pick a theme (I’m thinking this would be a quarterly/seasonal thing) that could be totally random, or holiday related, etc.
• However many people want to join would purchase a small package of paper/ephemera from the OSG site for $10 or less.
• I will curate everything in the package, including a stamp and envelope, and you will then put together a small parcel (just paper/card) for your snail mail buddy who I will randomly assign to you.
• You would put it all together: collage it, origami it, whatever lol, and could add to it if you want! Include a small personal note (or quotes, poems, anything!) and then send out to the recipient.
All you would need is a pen, maybe a glue stick and scissors, and a little bit of time. You DO NOT have to be “an artist,” or be crafty, or be “good at it.” You just have to put your heart into it. 💓
• Each one will be totally ooak and unique, but will have a common thread that connects us all.
Of course, I see the irony in using an online space to facilitate an off-line project. But I believe we can choose the tools we need to accomplish the life we want. And I hope you'll join me - join us - in a slow, but meaningful, adventure into connection.