Astounding calligraphy + amusing comics

This very talented blog reader has written me in calligraphy before, and it was such a treat to hear from him again! I think I want to frame this envelope, it is so magnificent. And I love the feather flourish at the top.



The return address is beautiful, too, and the sealing wax matches the ink.

I know you want a closer look at that eagle seal:



Dazzling! Now, someone might be able to tell me why the crowned eagle is sticking out his tongue? That must have some interesting significance.



This kind blog reader's ostensible purpose was to send me these very amusing comics about letter-writing; they're fun, but I enjoyed his writing far more!



Indeed, the whole letter was that incredibly beautiful.

How can ANYONE think that an email could ever equal THIS?

Yay! Snail mail goodies!

This label is fabu. Clearly it came from 16 sparrows or The Letter Writers Alliance, possibly one of their many free download goodies.

But the envelope itself is what's totally gorgeous - a dark, dark blue paper with a kind of gold sheen. (I am sure it's not coming through properly in the photo, even if you view the large size. Oh well.) Lovely combo.

And of course the letter is written and addressed with a very old fountain pen with a flexible nib, the effects of which you can see in the line variation of my address. So lovely. (In case you're wondering, I have a lot of fountain pens but no flex nibs yet. *sigh*)

Red and gold elephants

What a gorgeous treat was this paper. And the writer also has gorgeous handwriting, in this case with a flex fountain pen.

I have a particular soft spot for elephants, and the combination here of deep red and gold leaf is really striking. I don't think my photography and use of light really do it justice, but it is a treasure. (Go ahead, take a closer look.)