So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

It hurts my creative soul just to write this post…but I must do it.

Hello, my name is Ashley Brett, and I’m a stationery junkie.

Since I don’t even know when, at any given time, I could easily write letters to about 200 people without leaving the house for stationery.  I have boxes and boxes filled with boxes and boxes of ribbon wrapped, cellophaned, colorful, sweet, sympathetic, congratulatory, wishful, thankful and engaging cards, letterhead, notes and papers.  And I do sometimes write letters!  But I think even more than enjoying sending something nice to someone to find amidst junk mail is the fact that I am obsessed with images and patterns.  It’s a problem.  It’s the same obsession that has afforded me to have about 400 pigs in supply for future posts.  I’m a collector, a lover of art and shapes and colors and the romantic written word and the etiquette of correspondence.

My drastic measure?  I am not buying any more stationery until I use up what I have.

It seems an easy challenge, but it’s not.  I am an observer, a window shopper.  I like knowing what’s out there, and I pay attention to more than just my iPhone when walking down the street.  Things are constantly catching my eye, and I want to know more about them.  I should be on a game show, really.  A scavenger hunt of New York City.  Give me a list of random items:  a certain feathered headband, a specific green high heel, a dish set with an Alice in Wonderland theme…I could find them for you in no time.  Now, tell me to go to some small street that’s not part of the numeric grid in downtown NYC, and I’d have no idea without HopStop.

So, use up my current stationery.  And along with that, and after that, I am going to make a stronger effort to be more green, while spending less, by using sites that offer free online stationery.  My FAVORITE is iomoi.  The patterns and icons are perfection.

Therefore, please don’t be offended if you get an online “happy birthday” or “congratulations.”  You’re really helping me on my way to a leaner craft closet and a fatter wallet (with which I can then buy you a beautiful present for your occasion!)

Oh, and whoever you are…I thank you for reading this!  (But don’t expect a note.)

*Piggy bank notecard from zoetropa on Etsy:  My last stationery purchase before writing this post!   Check out her other fabulous designs at http://www.etsy.com/shop/zoetropa.