adventures in letter-writing: the pen-pal swap!
remember my crazy craft stint last march? or maybe you’ve checked out craft zine’s national handwriting day? has your handwriting (like mine) been reduced to pathetic chicken scratch? have you forgotten the cost of a stamp? have you lamented that you occasionally can’t remember your address?
well, my carpal-tunnel suffering, paper-frightened friends — i’m here to assuage your woes and hopefully making some connections in the process. because of my newfound obsession with samara o’shea’s new book, for the love of letters, and letter-writing in general, i’m in a frightful letter-writing/posting spree and i want you involved. LOOK OUT KIDS, i’m armed with a pink pen and superhero stamps and i’m ready to rumble.
what does that mean for you unsuspecting, two-finger typing people? i’m rejuvenating the pen-pal.
if you’re interested in acquiring a pen-pal and possibly making a new friend, leave a comment here (with your valid email address). feel free to also tell us a little bit about yourself and if you’re open to overseas pen-pals. over the next week, i’ll start making random connections, introducing folks via email, and feel free to dust off that pen and paper - let’s get writing!
4.3 Updates! thanks for the overwhelmingly wonderful response!!! 48 comments, oh my! so, ok, kids. i paired up everyone in the first 44 comments, more to come! and, hey, if you like someone else here, feel free to contact them on your own! this is all about making new friends and connections. so run with it. and while you’re at it, check out whipup’s post on letter writing and how the most meaningful letter for her is the exchange with the foster family in China who took care of her adopted daughter for the first 300 days of her life…
4.4 Updates! okay, pen-palers, crackberry-revolters! i’ve matched up comments 45-79. enjoy! and again, feel free to write anyone in this thread, however, as alex so sagely notes, strike up the friendship if you’re willing to write the letter. some folks get all excited (and hey, why not?!!) but the excitement fizzles out and gives way to daily to-do’s, the email clutter and the life clutter. so my suggestion: do it if you can rock it.
and ?
4.6.07 update OK, folks, I’ve got a set up for the project. join, post your letters, projects, photos, etc. and spread the word! click .
4.14.07 update: greetings all! i’m no longer making matches, so if you dig someone on the list and want to email them, go for it! if, for some reason, you can’t locate their email, please feel free to contact me and i’ll send it! thanks!!! and if you’re seeking a pal, please leave your email address in your comment. THANKS!
April 2nd, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Hi Felicia,
This is a great idea! I’m in.
Here’s something about myself. In my day job I’m an editor with CRAFT and run the craftzine.com blog. I love all kinds of crafts and have a special love for paper (who doesn’t?). I love british period movies and love reading all kinds of books. I love fashion — especially vintage styles of the 20’s-30’s, and 50-60’s. You can see more about me through my flickr photos:
I’m open to someone in the U.S.
Thanks,
Natalie
April 2nd, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Hi Felicia ~
You know I’m in!! Thank you for bringing letter writers around the world together
I spend lots of time writing letters for other people through my web site LetterLover.net, but it’s an entirely different experience to start a friendly snail mail exchange with someone who loves the art of letter writing as much as you do. Let me think now. . .I like rainy Sundays. . .art museums. . .vintage posters. . .and I memorized The Raven (for no good reason) when I was in college. I prefer a Stateside pen pal.
Many thanks,
Samara
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:15 pm
oh I’m so in!!! the art of letter writing isn’t lost at all. I’ve been penpalling for years! overseas is fine for me. A little about me? I’m a knitter..live in California, have goldfish..am a former teacher who wants to get back in the classroom. I have ventured into cardmaking–though am in need of guidance! I love movies, music, and reading.
and so much more.
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
I’m up for this! I haven’t written a real dead-tree letter in ages, but would love to do so. I’m a forensic psychology master’s student and live in Vermont with my wonderful boyfriend. I love to knit, I have a terror of a cat, I read avidly and widely, and I also like to garden when a plot of dirt is available. I’m perfectly open to having an overseas pen pal, but I would prefer that their letter be written in English. You can see more about me at and on my blog.
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Hi Felicia:
This is a great idea! Since I’ve recently moved abroad, I’ve been getting more into letter writing again. I’m also collecting some interesting paper to write on from wherever I happen to find it.
I live in Ecuador, and am open to mailing anywhere. I work for an international non-profit humanitarian organization, and am an avid knitter and novice crafter. I love traditional textiles, strange and mundane books of all sorts, and cooking. I also speak Spanish, and could read Portuguese if necessary (I could use the practice).
Thanks!
-Maureen
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Hi Felicia~
This sounds like so much fun. I love letter writing. I’m at the moment a house wife who’s waiting for my first baby to hurry up and get here in october. I love everything craft related, knitting, sewing, all of it. I have a dog, 2 cats, a goldfish, a cray fish, and a turtle named bruce. I would love to have a pen-pal or two anywhere in the world.
thanks so much,
Shawna
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Hi,
I just saw this of Craft: and I’m very interested in being a part of it. I love sending (and receiving) letters. I’m open to a pen pal from anywhere, as long as they speak/write passable English. I can be reached at ncnguyen514 [at] gmail [dot] com. You can find out more about through my blog (sugarcane-kumquats.blogspot.com) or through www.virb.com/ncnguyen514
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Hi Felicia!
This sounds so lovely! So easy, so simple, so rewarding!
About me: I’m a freelance graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for paper! I refuse to learn html because I want to create work people can actually put their hands on. Avid picture taker and I love anything vintage, Asian or “cute”. I adore traveling, have been to Western Europe, India, Japan, Thailand and Cambodia. Happy to communicate with anyone anywhere!
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:44 pm
So exciting, guys! Keep it coming! I’ll start playing matchmaker within the next day or so.
Cheers, Felicia
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Great idea! I’m an on-and-off again college student hoping to finally finish my undergrad degree this summer…soon after my 10 year high school reunion! I love photography, music, books, knitting, weird stuffed animals, paper crafts, and wry/semi-sacrilegious senses of humor and takes on all of the above. I also love traveling. I have a big-ass dog, too. When I was little I had pen pals all over the world, and I’m super excited to have one (or five) now! Thanks!
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Yea, Felicia! What a great idea. I’m so excited to meet my pal.
I’m Jess & am a photographer/photoshop-er in the midwest (of the USA). I love toy cameras, cheese, chocolate, sailing, and anything old & decaying. I also love to travel & have been to most of Western Europe, lived in the Bahamas, and am dreaming about a trip to Eastern Africa in the next few years.
I’m open to a penpal anywhere in the world–I’d actually prefer a penpal overseas. I speak a little French, and a little less Italian.
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Excellent idea, Felicia!
I’m Megan and I live in Sydney, Australia. I work in marketing for a publishing company and love books (of course), craft (despite being horrible at it), photography, writing (doing a masters in it). My biggest love is probably travel, and so far I’ve visited Vietnam, the UK, France, Italy and Switzerland. Next on my list is the rest of Europe, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China, Mongolia and NYC!
I’m happy to talk to anyone, anywhere, and I love learning about other countries. I’ve actually met a penpal on her homeground (in England) and it was fabulous. We’re lifelong friends, and she’s coming to visit me in Sydney in a few months. I’d love to make another friend like that!
Again, fab idea Felicia. Letters rock
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Hi,
What a great idea — I’d love to join in!
As for me, I’m a web editor, science writer, and all-around geek-y type in NYC. I love taking things apart (and wreaking havoc with the pieces), I dabble in cross stitching, and I often pretend I have my own cooking show in my kitchen. Words are my favorite things to use, in all sorts of ways.
I’m happy to exchange in the states or overseas…my Spanish isn’t too bad, so that’s one option. Looking forward to it!
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Fab idea!
I’m a girl with fingers in many editing, geeky, crafting type pies but mostly I’m a stay at home mummy to my baby boy. I love scrapbooking and baking and have pretences in beading and embroidery (ie, lots of supplies …
I leave on the South Coast of England, right by the sea.
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
oh wow! this is such a wonderful idea.
i’m going to inform some of my friends and see if they would like to do this also!
cheers!
rosie!
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
hey, felicia!
i would love to join this project. i’m open to exchange with penpals in the states or overseas. unfortunately i’m not fluent in another language so i’m limited to english-speaking/writing penpals.
a little about myself: i’m an almost 42 year old mom of a 17 year old daughter. my interests include knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, altered arts/mixed media, bento boxes (i know i’m weird), NASCAR (namely Elliott Sadler), and soccer.
i used to have a blog, but recently made the decision not to post my thoughts online. i wanted to get back to writing in a journal again and to capture my thoughts, drawings, grand ideas on paper again. this project has come along at a perfect time for me.
bye, beverly
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:46 pm
beverly,
obsession with bento is not strange. i’ve recently discovered them and have plans to purchase a set online!
cheers, f.
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Hurrah! Letters!
I’m a artist/graphic designer in San Francisco. I like small things. I love paper crafts and making things and knitting and baking and sewing and generally figuring out how things work.
I watch cartoons and old movies and listen to music and dance in my kitchen and read completely inaccurate science books from the 50s. I make my own clothes (sometimes) and ride busses (always) because I like them. I hate eating meals alone and I pick things up off the street. I name the pigeons that hang out around my third story window.
i can’t wait to have a pen-pal from anywhere in the world.
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Hi! I’m so excited to have a pen pal! I’m a geeky Canadian expat living in Brooklyn, NY. Stuff about me: I have seen every “Buffy” and I’m working my way through “Veronica Mars”. I know lots of Canadianisms and like to bake (I’ve baked 4 wedding cakes so far, including my own!). I like red wine, daisies, cupcakes, freshly-mowed grass, yoga, and things that are orange. I have a cat named Memphis and an affinity for boys named David (including my husband).
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:05 pm
my name is ‘feather’ i am 22 years old. I live in Kalamazoo, MI. I am senior in college majoring in creative writing and fashion merchandising. i like making things with my hands more than anything in the world. i knit, sew, and bind books. my favorite toy is my polaroid camera. the the idea of an international pen pal excites me! i love all things vintage, and have been remaking old dresses into new ones this week, as well as making a series of squids and other stuffed toys out of old sweaters and recycled wool. i cant wait to have a new penpal!
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:11 pm
HI! Yay it’s so true that letter writing is rare i even admit i dont do it very much with everyone i know being online. I would like to get a penpal!
I am 24 and a stay at home mom of a soon to be 3 year old. i love crafts-knitting, sewing, beading and a few other small things.
I love to read and collect stickers, stamps, and postcards. i like fairies and sheep and i have been drawn to owls lately.
I like to watch movies old and new. Listen to music. but of course alot of my time is kept busy with my little man!
and i wouldnt mind overseas penpal.
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:48 pm
I’m a 34 yr old stay @ home mum of a 3 yr old boy. I live in the cotswolds in England. I’m completely new to craft & am interested in card making & in particular atc’s (artist trading cards).
I’d like a penpal from anywhere
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:52 pm
This is an excellent idea!
I’d love to be Maureen’s penpal, if I can make such a request.
I grew up in Indiana, and now live in Los Angeles where I make cellphone games for Sony Pictures. I’m an avid knitter and historic re-enactor although I haven’t sewn in a few months.
I enjoy speculative fiction, especially cyberpunk, and fairy tales.
I’m open to mailing anywhere!
- Theresa
April 2nd, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Thanks for a great idea, Felicia!
I am a designer for a “tiny little division” of a greeting card company and my husband runs his own letterpress print shop so I am pretty excited about writing letters and sending cards.
I am also an avid crafter — sewing, knitting, drawing and photography… someday I might combine them all into one big mess. I love quirky, weird, cute, bright colors, bold patterns, asian-inspired, snack foods… oh the list is long!
I’m looking forward to meeting someone new. Thanks for the opportunity.
April 2nd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Howdy,
I’m an Australian 22 year old primary teacher-on-hiatus. I’ve been filling in my leave time with ever-so-much craft, none of which I am particularly good at, but I love it anyway. Particular favorites at the moment are book binding, screen printing, sewing, and learning how to knit *better*. I love subversion, ambiguity and idiosyncracy, and I want to learn to art journal and blow glass.
I was determined that this year I would extend myself and try new things. Penpals sound like a grand ole outlet. I’m quite happy with the international idea, enthused in fact.
Cheers for coming up with this great idea.
Bek
April 2nd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
i am so into getting a pen pal i’m gonna start some drama! i love to write snail mail but my current set of pals, while star-unicorn-glitter-tastic-gumdrops never snail mail me back. i am ready to outsource.
here’s a bit about me:
i am 35 and obsessed with sunscreen - i am pale and wrinkle-free and i intend to stay that way
i work two days a week at a vintage/consignment store where i head up the vintage clothing/accessories. i heart vintage - esp. “new look” and later but it is all beautiful!
the other five days of the week i am a “trophy wife”
i am married and i adore my hubby who adores meat
we have two furry children - breagles whom we fawn over like widdle babies
i am the lead singer in my imaginary metallica cover band - metallicute
i am the president of my own craft club called cuppycakegumdrops. member: 1 (me)
i cook all vegetarian meals at home
i have a b.f.a. in drawing and painting and my crafting is 90% drawing/paper related - i love old ledgers, posrcards, letters, etc.
turnoffs: gum chewing, cell phones, messy handwriting, rudeness, crocs (the shoes, not the animals)
other:
my favorite cd right now: the decemberists: crane wife
last movie i saw in the theatre: david lynch’s inland empire
last movie i got from netflix: elizabeth 1 miniseries with jeremy irons
currently reading: jonathan strange and mr.norrel
blogs i read/sites i visit daily: cute overload, too fat for fashion, you can’t make it up, craftzine, n.e.e.t., podpost, threadbanger, adorn
magazines i subscribe to: craft, adorn, domino, vogue, atomic ranch, blueprint
must see t.v.: the office, law and order: criminal intent, lost, anything on our local PATV channel
(i would like an american penpal, please)
April 2nd, 2007 at 8:39 pm
I’d love to join the fun! I’m a quilter & knitter in Texas, with a cutie husband and and even cuter 5 year old daughter. I’d be happy with an overseas or domestic penpal. Cheers!
April 2nd, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Howdy!
I’m all aboard the pen pal train! Going down the comments, I kept thinking, “Oh, I’d love to pen pal with her! Oh, wait, no HER!” We’re all just so groovy!
I am a displaced Midwesterner living Boston, MA, and am pretty open to pen pals with anyone anywhere. By day, I work in college textbook publishing as a development editor. By night, I play with food in my kitchen, knit while watching Netflix-ed TV shows that everyone else saw years ago, and read piles and piles of books. I’m going to culinary school in the fall with my sights set on getting into the food writing scene.
Not sure if my e-mail will appear for ya, so you can reach me at emma [period] christensen [at] gmail [period] com.
April 2nd, 2007 at 9:50 pm
I’m in! I’m 27 years old and live in San Francisco with my husband. I am a web project manager. I’ve also recently started sewing and am working on starting a blog and an etsy shop soon. I’m open to pen pals anywhere in the world. I love to travel (wish I could do more of it), food, movies and concerts.
April 2nd, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Hello There!
), this is just so exciting and it is a great thing to look forward to!
My goodness I am so interested in this pen pal idea! As you see, My name is Amanda, I am an all around geeky type with a fasination for anything creative. Among my various dabbling activities include quilting, sewing, paper craft, crochet, knitting, just about anything…I have dabbled in it. I also love reading and music, I am also a film lover, meaning both movies and photography.
I am open to a pen pal from anywhere on the globe, (as long as they arent my neighbor who I speak with every day!
:-)
April 2nd, 2007 at 10:17 pm
I would love to join in. I am a 38 year old mother of three. I stay at home now but am planning on going to grad school this year or next. I have a BFA in fibers and really just like to do a wide range of arts and crafts. I sew clothes and costumes. I love aprons–tho I never wear them. I am obsessed with paper and save everything. I like to cook and just today came really close to the best pizza crust ever.
I am open to a penpal anywhere in the world.
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Hey,
I used to have pen-pals when I was little and it was so cool to get stuff (money mostly) from all over the world. I love that you want to start up this lost art again.
A bit about me: I’m 23 and I live in Minnesota. I’ve lived in England for 3 years and fell in LOVE with it (and with a boy…but that’s a whole OTHER thing.) I’m back home now, but would love to live there again someday. Besides my dreams, I am currently interning at the Minnesota Center for Photography, but still have no idea what I want to do in my life. I’m a crafter, dabble in a little bit of everything, but right now really into knitting. I also like making jewelry, used to bead a lot, but make it all sorts of ways. I like to read a lot too. Does all this make me sound boring?
I obviously wouldn’t say no to a state-side pal, but would love to have someone from abroad. Fantastic thing! So excited!!
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
I would love to have a pen pal. Count me in!
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:49 am
This is a great idea! I am from Los Angeles, but have been living in central Japan for the past year and a half, teaching English at a public high school. I knit and crochet (going to a knitting group party under the cherry trees tonight!), make dolls from Japanese paper and occasionally sew. I love eating new food, sunshine, sketch comedy, writing, traveling and foreign candy.
You can check out my blog for more info about me: http://www.giantjeansparlor.net
I’d love a pen pal anywhere in the world. Thanks for organizing this!
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:11 am
Hello! I was just lamenting the other day about the lack of reasons to actually put pen to paper these days…and then here I find a pen-pal exchange online! Ah, sweet irony! Anywhoo. About me: Just turned 39 (March 29!), live in Seattle, WA with my wonderful boyfriend, cat (KitKat), two goldfish (Cheddar and Colby-Jack) and betta fish (Bleu). As evidenced by my choice in animal names, I love food (LOL) and all things delicious! I am a jeweler by trade (www.marlomjewelrydesign.com) and am in the middle of changing everything about how I run my business…thus, I have lots more time to write to pen pal
Born to a crafty mother, I love to make things and usually end up trying to figure out how to sell whatever it is I make. Entrepreneurial spirit, I suppose. I just learned how to knit, want to sew more often (in fact, I purchased a serger last year and have yet to figure out how to really use it) and have just gotten into working with polymer clay (my newest make-to-sell ideas soon to be on etsy!). Hm. A bit of a rambler when writing and love to use parenthesis (sometimes to excess - LOL)…perhaps suited for another who is the same? 
I am open to pen pals anywhere in the world! Looking forward to participating! Thanks so much!
Marlo M.
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:51 am
Hello there, Felicia, i’m 65 and loving it. touching base with someone in antarctica, japan, hawaii or australia would be my cup of tea (chamomile). looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you, lady. onward and upward through the fog! Maria
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:00 am
37 comments! goodness. your pen pal project is very cool and if there is room, i’d like to play too. i am a canadian with a little can-am family living in anchorage alaska. while i love all things crafty, i would so love to have a pen pal with whom to solve the world’s problems. in a fun way. help each other stay motivated, you know what i mean?
i’m totally new to your blog, but you are SO going on my daily clicks. i’m so glad i found your site.
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:24 am
I would LOVE to have a penpal - haven’t done this since junior high! Anywhere in the world is fine with me. I’m a technical writer (software manuals) studying acupuncture; I have three kids and several pets; I’ve traveled a bit and hope to do more in the future; I love cross stitching, reading, biking, doing stuff outdoors, & hanging out with my family.
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:26 am
perfect timing. i just unearthed a buttload of stationery dating all the way from high school and was wondering what to do with it. now i know
i’m also a professed stationery/journal and fountain pen junkie.
i’d like to sign up as well. i currently live in nc, and my main “job” is walking dogs, though on the side i do a lot of gardening and knitting and reading. and a lot of dreaming about a greener earth. my email is sleepyneko at gmail dot com.
i’d be open to a foreign pen pal– i love all the stamps i get from faraway places. it feels a bit like griffin and sabine (by nick bantock, a novel that’s all entirely letters).
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:46 am
hey can we have more than one pen pal? all of these people sound so awesome! people that work at vintage clothing stores and design greeting cards and so many other exciting things! I cant wait to start writing letters…
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:07 am
I would love to join this! I was watching an interesting thing last night about Wainwright who wrote guide books about the Lake District, here in the UK. He actually wrote and illustrated by hand and then had them printed. Even at that time, this was extrordinary. They re-enacted the writing and it looked so soothing and cool! I need to work on my writing, so I’m in! I’m from the UK, so I don’t care where my pen pal is from!
Thanks! Dawn
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:08 am
hey all! this is AMAZING. AMAZING! I will start matching up folks today! Watch for an email from me & your NEW pal!
cheers, f.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:49 am
I would love to join in.
I am a 54 y/o female and live in Montgomery, AL. My interests are:
Needlefelting
Dollhouse Miniatures
Crafting
Oil Painting
Watercolors
Colored Pencils
Cooking
Reading
I only speak and read English.
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:39 am
Count me in too! I miss having pen pals. Here’s some information about me:
I’m a 23 y/o woman, I just graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering (and a minor in German, so ich spreche Deutsch auch), and I’m in MA. My interests are DIY stuff (crochet, art, finding new ways to reuse items, decorating), food (dessert is my specialty), and I’m very feminist. I also edited the college paper for three years, so I’m a mix between a math and science geek and a writing nerd.
I would be open to a foreign or US penpal (and even more than one!). Thanks!
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 am
Oops, I just realized the email I put in my last post was off a little bit. The one for this one is correct though. >_
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:43 am
Great idea, I’m in! How fun this sounds and imagine if you ever actually met your pen pal! I live in Western NY, love the outdoors and animals, especially freaky about dogs. I’d love to get to know anyone, anywhere in the world - hey if you know anyone in Alaska I think I spent my first life there and would to get back and have a connection!
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:49 am
I really want to do this! I love writing letters and would be happy to have a pen pal!
I am 25, female, in Los Angeles area.
I love knitting, sewing, photography, embroidery–all things crafty really. ^_^
I also like writing, vintage items, thrift store shopping, and yoga.
I am very intrested in traveling. My dream is to visit Japan. I love all types of Asian cultures, and am currently studying Japanese.
I love learning about all parts of the world though. I wish i could visit everywhere!
Right now I am a freelance crafter, hoping to start my own business. I just finished grad school in Boston, and now live with my boyfriend in California.
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:50 am
okay, I’ll bite!
Let’s see, a little about me - I’m 31, female, live in Raleigh, NC. I’m a novice dj on the local goth scene. I love the gothic aesthetic, yet also am addicted to Vogue and Sex & the City.
I have four cats. I’m vegetarian and about 90 to 95 percent vegan. I’m passionate about mental health issues, particularly in regards to eating disorders and other addictive things like cutting and alcohol abuse. I’m an avid reader and read a wide variety of both fiction and nonfiction - everything from true crime to memoir to fluffy Janet Evanovich mysteries to classics to contemporary literature.
You can find more about me at my livejournal site - http://witchtara1975.livejournal.com
You can reach me via witchtara1975 [at] livejournal.com
I am open to international correspondence, but would need an English speaker/writer as I have no foreign language skills!
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:21 am
Wow–fantastic idea! I had penpals in grade school and would love to have one or two once again. I’m 29 and live in Minneapolis with 3 dogs and 2 cats. By day I’m an editor, by night I do freelance typesetting and book design. The rest of my free time tends to be consumed by making small plush animals for Crabtree Studio, a business venture I started with my best friend. I also love to knit and have recently learned to spin, am learning how to make my own clothes, am an avid reader, love music and movies, am fascinated by all things Japanese, and ponder how to live more green in a society consumed by consumerism. I dream of moving to the country, starting an alpaca farm and fiber shop, and living more simply. A penpal anywhere in the world is fine, but I’m afraid I speak only English.
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:25 am
Ooh! What a great idea — I fight a constant battle to keep the art of letter-writing alive among my friends, but it’s been ages since I kept up a real live letter exchange.
I was born and grew up in the state of Maine. I’m now 23 and live outside Portland, ME. Last year I lived in Germany, and I did my junior term abroad in Scotland (spring 2004). By day I’m an environmental engineer and am currently applying to grad schools for my MS/PhD. By night I read, knit, quilt, hike (well, I guess the hiking is usually done during the day), take random dance classes, try to learn French at the local community college, bake, and play Set. Even though I was a science major in college, I’m a serious grammar nerd and wannabe linguist.
I’ll take a pen pal anywhere, US or international. In fact, the more foreign languages involved, the better — I’m proficient in German and Spanish, and would even like to try my hand at French if my penpal is patient!
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:49 am
I’d love to do this. I’m a very soon to be 40 yrs young SAHM who loves to craft. My main crafting interest is crochet but I’m also learning how to spin. Recently, I dusted off my sewing machine to make a few things. I love to read, listen to audio books as well as dig in the Garden. I’ll take a penpal from anywhere. I might be able to read French but I am very rusty! English is my main and sadly only language.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:10 am
i used to have penpals ages ago, and i so miss writing letters and dolling them up with lovely stickers, illustrations and sundry happy embellishments. i’m 27, live in Georgia (U.S.), am a vegetarian, and work in a library. i like to knit, cuddle with kitties, and befriend gentle spirits. an international penpal would be just lovely, though i admit to only speaking english and a bit of japanese.
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I would love to have a pen pal! I live in Los Angeles, with my husband, my dog, and my cat. I’m currently doing an internship making puppets for stop motion, and beyond that I’m a painter. I’ve done some comic books, and I knit and crochet. I’m also very big on cooking.
I’d be up for a penpal from anywhere, but english speaking would probably be a good idea, as my proficency in any other language is poor.
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
What a fabulous idea! I remember having pen pals when I was younger. I actually miss writing letters, as silly as it sounds. I’m 40, actually a college student, live in Oregon,love to read, knit, and am a computer geek. I have one dog, a cat and a husband. I don’t care where my pen pal is from, but I do only speak English and a teeny bit of italian. I can’t tell you what a fabulous idea this is. Hmmm, could it be a new trend?
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:21 pm
I would love a penpal! I’m 22 years old, and I live in Vermont. I love all sorts of crafty things - right now I’m working on a ripple afghan (white! pink! green!) & putting a book together with paintings, photos, & my grandmothers recipes. I love to make cards & stationary, and I would love a few penpals to share them with! My other interests include music (I’m a “half-time” professional musician right now), skiing, reading, & watching Six Feet Under.
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:37 pm
hi - you can count me in as well! i’m a graphic designer from downstate illinois… i am into (in no particular order):
travelling
music
sewing
knitting
general craftiness
cooking
eating
reading
garage sailing
thrift storing
garbage picking
i only speak english, but would love a penpal from anywhere in the world. thanks for organizing this!
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Hello,
. My findings wern’t great. I’m okay with receiving and sending anywhere.
I agree with everyone that this is a great idea. It wasn’t too long ago that I was looking for a pen pal the kind that actually hand writes and mails
A little bit about myself. I am 28 years old. Live in California. English of corse is my main language but I am able to understand japanese. Was crafty in my younger years but time has taken a toll on me hehe with work. I love animals and have some cats and dogs. I love to take pictures, crafty things and I scrapbook.
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I’d love to play! A penpal from anywhere in the world would be great! I live in a small town in Oregon with a man, a teen boy, three cats, a dog and a horse, and have many crafty and not-so-crafty interests.
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Hi–I love the idea of a penpal! I am 56, and lifelong artist/crafter—with a long history of fiber arts (including handweaving and handspinning), beadwork, printmaking, and painting…and I am currently a student in fabric (surface) design. I lived for over 20 years in a remote Alaskan town (the”bush”) and developed a love of handwriting letters then. I have 2 grown daughters, and now live in the Bay Area of California. My current art projects include beadwork ( I teach bead crochet), some quilt squares for a friendship quilt, and “repurposed” wool felt bags, purses, and stuffed creatures–plus I am knitting both a hat and a pair of socks. I also like to be outdoors, cook, listen to old timey folk music and bluegrass, and read.
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Hi, I hope I am not too late - I would also like to have a penpal! Anywhere in the world would be great. I am English, currently living in New Zealand. Am 28 years old. I love to cook, read, walk, write, go on roadtrips and listen to music of all kinds. I am also learning Spanish.
Thank you for taking the time to organise this - it’s a great idea.
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:57 pm
I would love to participate! I am 25 years old, and I live in Dallas, Texas. I found out about this project through whipup.net. Thanks for organizing this!
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:29 pm
P.S. - Katie here again, from comment #51. If anyone else wants to contact me, I can be reached at winterharp a.t. hotmail d.o.t. com. I’m also up for having multiple pen pals!
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Greetings posters 45 and on - I’ll be making matches tomorrow!
Cheers, Felicia
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I hope that I’m not too late!!
My name is Misa. I’m 25 years old, from Seattle, Washington, USA. I live with my husband and our two furkids (Murray, our part pug/part Pekingese puppy and Joey, our very smarmy grey kitty). I enjoy reading, writing, cooking (and eating!!… perhaps I enjoy it a bit too much, as I’m trying to lose weight), crazy quilting, embroidery, drawing, painting, crafting, digital painting… oh, the list goes on. The only language I can read/write fluently is English.
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Misa again… I forgot to mention that I’d especially love to hear from anybody else that enjoys crazy quilting or embroidery. If you’d like to email me, you can reach me at misaarant(at)gmail(dot)com.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Hi! great thing going here. I am 24 years old, living in Halifax, Canada after moving here from The Netherlands. Moved here for many reasons and won’t leave till I see a whale and get my drivers license. I love to dance, go on hikes, travel, cook, draw, and take photographs. I also just found a love for potting seeds.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
My name is Kristyn. I live in Colorado. I’m open to overseas penpals. Thanks.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 pm
For the love of mailcrafts, please give me a letterfriend!
I love building complex letters that serve as interactive art pieces as well as reading foder.
Thank you!
Ariel from Philadelphia
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:50 pm
sorry for any double comments. It kept giving me an error after posting!
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Fel, count me in! I’m all over it.
Thanks.
Background: 28-yo non-9-to-5-er who works to travel and enjoy life. Loves learning about new things. Enjoys the simple everyday stuff.
I love what people are doing during the day. This interests me more than I would like to admit. I like it when people write to me, and they’re at a specific place, listening to some music or eating something. Hah.
And well, I’ve been an avid snailmailer for 21 years.
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:03 pm
This is too cool
I’d love a pen pal! I live in Canada, and currently work in a library while I work on my masters in library science. (I’m sooo close to being done!) For fun, I like to knit, sew, read, and cook.
Anywhere is fine
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:12 pm
The English major in me is positively gleeful at an opportunity such as this — I would love to participate with a penpal from anywhere if it’s not too late!
I am a 22 year-old graduate student in Texas, pursuing my MA in Literature. I have a tall husband and two little cats (Scout and Eisley) who I call my Wild Things. I am in love with small houses and simple living, libraries, bird-trees-foxes, my red bicycle, and good books of all sorts — particularly children’s literature. I am working to overcome my fear of flying so I can indulge my traveling dreams…I am going to England, Spain, and France for the first time this summer, and I’m giddy (as well as scared witless).
Thank you for organizing this! What saucy fun!
April 4th, 2007 at 1:04 am
Hi there everyone
I am really interested in jumping on board this truly awesome bandwagon
I’m 26, live in South Australia and work as a lawyer in a community organisation. I enjoy cooking, reading, watching b grade movies and incessantly quoting lines from them. I have 2 cats, Ferris and Sloan and I’d love to write to anyone from anywhere ….
Thanks!
April 4th, 2007 at 1:26 am
I would love to join in! I haven’t had a penpal in ages and I love to send and receive letters.
I’m very crafty also and whoever I’m paired with may receive the occasional handmade gift (not to mention all the doodling I do on the letter).
I’d actually love it more to have someone international- I’m in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the US.
April 4th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Hi,I am Hannie, a 31 year old girl from the Netherlands. I work as a lecturer and researcher at a university. I live together with my lovely girlfriend and my rebellious cat in a small house, we recently purchased. I love reading, cooking, baking, eating, (folk)music, thrift shopping, and decorating our house. When I was a teenager I had two penpals. I remember the joy of receiving a letter, writing a letter, decorating it. I am looking forward to receiving something other than bills in my mailbox. I write English, Dutch and German. You can visit me and my girl at www.hengseltjes.blogspot.com (this site is in Dutch).
April 4th, 2007 at 9:40 am
I think I’d be interested in this, I’ve never actually had a pen pal and I don’t recall the last time I wrote an actual letter so it would be interesting. My hand writing is terrible to be sure, but what better way to get it to be less so than writing. I don’t mind if my pal is overseas, in fact I feel it might make things more interesting.
April 4th, 2007 at 10:12 am
This is a fantastic idea. How wonderful of you to organize it all. It’s nice to see I am not alone in my love for sending and receiving mail. An overseas pen pal would be wonderful, as would someone from another state. I live in Massachusetts and we are emerging from the winter, which always gets my creative juices flowing.
Thank you!
April 4th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I’d love to join in. I am a writer/editor (books, magazine freelance (shelter, home, travel)), ice cream expert and part-time Communications Director for my daughter’s school. Love: travel, yoga, ice cream, natural health, kayaking, gardening, books, paper (journals, cards, stationery) and crafting (collage, knitting, bookmaking). Also, learning to love (and articulate my love for) fashion and interior design. I live in Wisconsin with my DH, and DD (age 5.5), and my four-legged boxer son. Thanks so much for coordinating this — and for resurrecting the art of the pen pal. (My last pen pal lived in Kuwait and we corresponded when I was 10.)
April 4th, 2007 at 11:16 am
oh! Are you still pairing? Me, please! I write letters regularly, but mostly to people I already know. I’d prefer a female, because my husband gets a bit nutty over men.
I live in Nashville, TN. Write grants. Have a toddler daughter & am expecting a baby in the fall. I garden, run, and read. I also spend an inordinate amount of time wasting energy and efforts on slacking off. Most of my slacking off time is dedicated to ways I can make money without working very hard.
Things I am into: swearing, mail, cheap beer, new cds, old cds, my family, chocolate, and just generally hanging around.
Against: olives, stupidity, arrogance, skinny pants, postal holidays, and telemarketers.
April 4th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
hey its me again from comment #22, i would also like more than one pen pal, if anyone is interested. i can be reached at
April 4th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I’d love a penpal! I had my first penpals from Canada when I was 6 years old and first learning to write. Two of those friendships were maintained over years. Long after the magazine that published our addresses had folded we would still look back and calculate to see if anyone was close to our age to try writing someone new. I try to keep up with old friends on email, but sometimes wonder if friends are more likely to respond to a letter received in the mail. I used to ask my mom if I’d gotten any mail and she’d remind me that to get mail, I needed to send mail. Now I get mail through swaps or online purchasing, so letter-writing is much more economical and a needed excuse to keep collecting vintage stationery!
April 4th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I hope the pairing is still happening! Gosh, I didn’t know there were so many people who still like to write in the world. It is a very hopeful sign. Felicia, shall I simply write to someone already on the list?
In February, I moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, via Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh and (originally) New York. Canada is lovely but very different, and I am still trying to adjust.
I like watching clothes spinning in front-loading washers, eating sweet bread with raspberry preserves, reading about everything and anything relating to Antarctica (a place I am determined to see before I die) and taking long walks. I also like long walks on the beach, but there are no beaches here, so the walks are just long and, occasionally, punctuated with a skip. People think I’m weird. I don’t mind.
April 4th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I am def. interested as well! I LOVE getting mail…and I’m one of the only people I know who send little notes and cards to friends for no reason whatsoever. : )
I currently live in California with my husband, dog, and three cats. I love to take pictures, read, write, and walk to the beach. (Hmmm…this sounds like a singles ad) I am originally from Kentucky where I used to move around a lot…even lived in North Carolina for a bit.
I love interacting with people of all kids. My first penpal was from Russia..but when the Soviet Union went away so did my pen pal. I was so very sad.
Anyhoo…anyone interested in being my penpal, feel free to contact me! abbey dot taylor at gmail dot com! (I am looking for a female writing pal.)
So excited!
April 4th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Hello! If there’s still time, I’d like to participate! I haven’t had a good ole fashioned pen pal in, oh, perhaps 15 years? But I kept a number of them as a kid.
Now I live in Portland, Oregon, and work as a communications person for a non-profit. The job allows me to write, edit, take photos, do web work, travel a bit, and do some grass-roots volunteer coordination. I love it!
I’m married, no kids. Besides writing and photography, I enjoy travel, reading, movies, cooking (a bit), running, hiking, dining out, music — shall I go on?
It would be a delight to connect with someone via the post. Please sign me up!
April 4th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Hello, my name is Missy.
I am a zine kid and crafter at heart. I love drawing, making collages, sewing, knitting, baking, comics and art. I have studied graphic design, but my first love is art. By day I work as a designer of gift products, such as balloons and plush. In my spare time I draw comics for a the local free paper and I also study trapeze.
I also play in a band, the French Toasts. My musical tastes range anywhere from Beat Happening to France Gall to the Monkees.
I would like a pen pal from anywhere, but I am especially interested in Japan, France, and Sweden. I live in Athens, Georgia.
April 4th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Hello everyone!
I’d love to join. I’m finishing up my last semester as an undergraduate in New Jersey and I’m heading back to my hometown, Detroit Michigan to begin law school in the fall of 07.
I knit and craft when time permits (not much at all lately) and I really am looking forward to getting a sewing machine in the near future for myself.
I plan on adopting a retired racing greyhound and I love dogs!
I’m also very liberal politically and plan on focusing my studies in law school on civil rights and immigrant rights. The ACLU and I are like true love. If you can’t dig that, it might be better that we not correspond, although I welcome anyone who’d like to have some Revolutionary War-era (polite!) political debate via paper mail!
You can reach me at emgomez AT gmail DOT com.
~Elisa
April 4th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Also, just a note for those 79 and above as well as Felicia, there’s no way to get in touch with most of you, since your email addresses aren’t available publicly unless you type them into this larger comment box. Just an FYI!
April 4th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Good Day
I would love to be a part of this. I have looked online to find a site for pen pals, but only found ones for people in prison.
I live in Toronto Ontario. I run a kitchen in a retirement home. Lots of great senior storys. Really they don’t care anymore. Ha! Learning to knit. Love it.
I’m also really in to Coronation Street. A pen pal from the UK would be great. Their like 6 months to a year ahead.
I have wanted a pen pal so bad that I write letters to my mom, just so that I get some real mail.
-sandra
April 4th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Elisa,thank you.
I’m entry #37. I work at a community college in san francisco and hope to retire by december 1st, collect social security, a small monthly pension, work part time, and get back into art mainly textiles (weaving) and surface design of which I know little at the present. doing administrative clerical work in an office full time does not allow for the pursuit of happier artistic experiences requiring time and focus. the dalai lama is visiting san francisco at the end of april and i am attending his teaching on the 27th and 28th. i am currently reading “death by black hole and other cosmic quandries”, a series of essays by Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson. perhaps i will live in hawaii someday. i usually wait for movies to go to video but i may break down and see “ms. potter”. i’m on spring break this week and loving every second. i welcome multiple penpals including you, Arlene #22. most importantly, i can be reached at mhyman(AT)ccsf(DOT)edu.
April 4th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Wow, I haven’t had a pen pal since 5th grade! We had pen pals from a different nearby school, and we all met up at the end of the school year - I remember how exciting it was to be finally meeting someone I’d gotten to know pretty well through letters. I’d love to find someone to exchange letters with. About me: I’m 27, mom to a 4 year old, married, and live in New England. I work full-time and have gone back to school (again, for the 3rd time now) part-time in hopes that someday I’ll finish my stupid bachelor’s degree. I am a huge reader, I dabble in yoga, I love to bake, and I live near the beach, which I also love. I’m a registered Green, so pretty liberal politically, and I listen to music constantly, mostly indie stuff (Sparklehorse is on right now). Ummm… I’m a grammar and spelling nut, and a heavy swearer (just in case you get offended by the anal-ness of the former and the crudeness of the latter). My email is superblondgirl AT gmail DOT com
April 4th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Hi
I’m comment #92. I thought that I better leave my eamil. silvercloud_188 AT yahoo(dot)ca
#67 if you like it would be cool to talk.
thanks
April 4th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Although this feels a bit like answering personal ads for lonely singles (=P), in the interests of expediting the process, I’d be interested in hearing from: Emma, #29, Anjali, #35, Oona, #38, Eunice, #40, Mary #40, Anna, #76 or Anne Marie, #88. Or all of you at once, but if you already have one or two penpals from this, don’t overload yourself. Or if you think I sound boring, no need to respond
I’m originally #90 and my email is emgomez AT gmail DOT com, once again.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:02 am
April 5th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
How fun! I haven’t had a pen pal since the one I found in the back of a “BOP” magazine in 5th grade! It’s hard to describe yourself in a sound bite, so if you want to know more about me, you can check out my photography website www.relishportraitstudio.com. Looking forward to getting a real letter in the real mail box!
April 5th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
hi there.
Count me in, too. I’m such a fan of the hand-written letter and this sounds excellent.
A bit about me: I’m 26 on monday (yay for birthdays, though most of my friends don’t know - I’m surprising them with dinner instead of the other way around); I live in Portland, OR (like many others I see here - maybe something to do with the weather?!); I lived in Sweden for three years a few years back and loved it. Here are some of my interests: black coffee, hiking, travelling, books, my local library, good music, knitting, drunken karaoke, sewing (I just finished a new duvet and recovered my headboard last weekend!), cooking, camping, blah blah blah.
Feel free to shoot me an email:
slhavens::at::gmail.com
April 5th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
oops - I’m also up for foreign and/or multiple penpals.
April 6th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
What a great idea! I’d love to participate.
My name is Jennifer and I am 34 years old and live in Brooklyn. I’m married (to a musician) and have a daughter (almost 2 years old). We also have a dog and 2 cats. I work in the Entertainment field.
I love traveling- I try to go to Italy as often as possible. I’ve also been to Japan, Paris, Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, London.
I love music- specifically indie rock. My favorite bands are Radiohead, The Smiths, The Pixies, The Strokes, Jane’s Addiction, Elliott Smith. Lately, I’m digging Wolf Parade and the most recent Yeah Yeah Yeahs album.
Before I had my daughter, I used to see at least 3 movies a week (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is My Favorite) and read something more substantial than US Weekly. I try to read a book a week- right now I’m reading ‘Eat Love Pray’ and next will be an A.M. Homes (one of my faves) double-feature of ‘This Book Will Save Your Life’ and ‘The Mistress’ Daughter’.
I am not ashmamed to admit that I love TV- The Office, Project Runway, Lost, America’s Next Top Model, Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars.
I’m an encyclopedia of useless Pop Culture tidbits.
I strive to be a creative sort (knitting, painting, writing) but my OCD/Type A personality gets in the way.
I would love a Pen Pal from anywhere- though I can only read English (and a bit of Italian).
xoxox
April 6th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Me again (#98). My e-mail is
April 6th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
First of all, thank you for doing this! I love the idea, and things like this don’t just come together without a leader, so thanks!
I am a 24-year-old newlywed, working as assistant editor of a city magazine here in Georgia. I also teach trapeze and do aerial dance (fabrics and trapeze) about four days a week.
I like: cooking with my husband (a chef), Nancy Drew, doing crafty home-improvement projects, reading about design obsessively, independent and foreign film and traveling abroad. My musical taste is broad, but here are some things I love: old R&B/soul, old country, and good southern rawk like Drive-By Truckers.
I’m not too picky about who I’m pen-pals with; I like friends who are enthusiastic about life, intelligent and witty.
My e-mail address is: aprilbmoore [at] gmail
Yipee!
April 6th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I’ve resisted signing up until I knew I had the time for it…and after tonight, I’m free of most big deadlines, so count me in!
As other’s have said, it feels like a personal advert…but here goes:
I’m nearly 25, married, 2 kittens. A knitter, dyer, spinner (yarn, not bikes), writer, daydreamer, coffee-drinker, and, by day, web manager in medical education. I live in East Tennessee and am currently torn between getting my MBA (in entrepreunership) or PhD in one of the following: French Lit, Women’s Studies, Fiber Arts, or some combination…
I’d love an overseas penpal, but would be happy with anyone who didn’t mind little bits of fiber and the scent of banana bread on their letters!
April 6th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Hello,
My writing has gotten sloppy from the constant push of buttons only. So this should be away of keep the hand writing in tact. My email is AileenAyuri13 (at) gmail (dot) com.
My comment is up at # 58. I am interested in multiple pen pals. Lif eis never at a stand still for me but I always try to fit things in
Please send me a email if you like we can exchange addresses and get to know each other.
Bye bye
April 6th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Post # 102 sorry I put the wrong email
It is
AileenAyuri (at) gmail (dot) com
No 13 hehe
April 6th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
I am definitely interested! In college letter-writing was my main way of staying in touch with friends at other schools, but in the years since it’s died off quite a bit, much to my dismay. I’d love a new pen pal to rejuvinate my epistilary tendencies! I’m a 26-year-old graduate student in astronomy living in the Bay Area, and in my spare time I knit, rock climb, cook, and generally Craft It Up. I’ve decided to spend this year reading books by female writers only. And as of this July I’ll be a Mrs. I’m not particular about overseas vs. not, but someone similarly poised in life (like many other people who have commented already) would be nice.
April 6th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
I loved having penpals as a kid, and I have tons of beautiful stationery just wanting for words to be scrawled all over it. I’m 28, teach 6th grade, live in New Jersey. I’m up for a penpal from anywhere, although I only speak English and some (now rusty) French. But I wouldn’t mind practicing my French with someone who is patient!
When I’m not grading essays, I enjoy knitting, reading, baking, and checking out my favorite craft blogs. I love Six Feet Under and Brothers and Sisters. Would love to hear from you!
April 8th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
I would love to have a penpal. My penpal will have to be able to write in English as that is the only language I know, except a few words of Italian. It doesn’t matter if the penpal is from the US or abroad. I would like a female penpal.
I am 44 years old, soon to be 45 next month. I love to read, quilt and eat chocolate. I love art and would love to take classes in bookbinding, lettertype printing, paper marbling, etc. I dabble at watercolor, collage and mixed media and I’m always saving little bits of “stuff” to put in my art. My favorite magazines are “Cloth,Paper, Scissors” and “Somerset Studio”. I like to read archealogical mystery stories, anything that has letters in it- I love the Griffin and Sabine books. I also like historical fiction, some Christian fiction as long as it isn’t a romance. I like Clive Cussler novels, too.
I am married and the mother to two teenage sons- one is a junior in high school and the other is a college freshman. I also have two granddaughters. When I am not working on my art or reading, I am helping my husband remodel our house- it is a 1935 craftsman style home. Oh, for a dishwasher and garbage disposal!!!
I love to travel and have been fortunate enough to live in Germany 3 years and Italy for 4 years before moving back to Texas. I miss Italy! I would love to go to Egypt, Ireland and Scotland some day.
Would love to hear from someone!
April 8th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
If you’re still matching people up, I’d love to participate! I had dozens of penpals when I was a kid and I really miss the physical act of writing an actual letter on paper, mailing it, then getting the written response. E-mail just isn’t the same…
I’m 39 years old, married with three school-age kids, live in NJ, and I’m going back to grad school in the fall for my MFA in creative writing. I love writing, reading, crafty stuff (I make quilts and various types of jewelry), cooking, learning about wine, and gardening. I love music and going to concerts (I’ve seen Elvis Costello and Kristin Hersh more times than I can count). I play flute and piano (badly) and I’m politically liberal. And I am a coffee/tea junkie. I am open to having either an international or domestic pen pal.
Thanks!
April 8th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Hey guys! I’m no longer making direct matches, however, if you’d like to contact anyone here, drop me an email at felicia — at — feliciasullivan — dot — com with your request (by comment #) and I’ll send you their email info.
Cheers, Felicia
April 9th, 2007 at 10:07 am
I had many penpals as a child and still have one from England to whom I’ve written for 15 years now…unbelievable!
I am 27, from coastal Maine, have done a bit of traveling and am now feeling temporarily trapped in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My boyfriend and I are planning to build a passive solar, strawbale home in Maine in the coming year or two. I love my 2 rescued black labs, community radio, macs, my sewing machine, organic food, carmel-pecan dream lattes and textiles!
I’d be happy to pen letters to anyone anywhere - email renee [at] varresa [dot] org
April 10th, 2007 at 4:02 am
[…] for money. I am happy that an online pal from the blogging days of yore has started this Letter Lovers project at her blog and in Flickr! = = = = = = = = = = P.S. I will be traveling again this Thu […]
April 12th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
hi! i think i’m late to the game but just followed a link from a friends site, if anyone’s still looking for a penpal pick me! pick me! zudora “at” gmail “dot” com
i live in vancouver bc, i love rock climbing, donuts, cruelty free eating, vegan cookery, for better or for worse comics, foxtrot and shoes. i work from home as a technical writer and i’ve spent the last 10 years trying to shed 10 lbs! can anyone relate? cheers
April 13th, 2007 at 9:10 am
[…] t. You ready?” *and check out Lana Pura & G-Girl’s posts. related posts: where it all started - the pen pal swap. Tag Me:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can […]
April 13th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Can I get in on this? I will be turning 60 in May. I work full time. I had a penpal in high school that I still write to at Christmas. I dabble in photography, crochet, decoupage and whatever strikes my fancy.I love music - especially jazz, blues,rock ‘n roll, doowap, and alt. Reading is my real passion and I alternate between crime novels and quality fiction with history and biography thrown in. I also read the New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Cooking Light, Real Simple,The Week and the Oxford literary magazine. I’m married with a grown son who is getting married in September.
April 13th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I’d love a penpal, any sex, any age (you can tell I’m not fussy lol) I’m 34, live in England, am a stay at home mum of a 3 yr old son. I love to make cards & do toddler craft with my son although we’re on the same level skillwise. I hate sewing, knitting, cooking, & housework. I can babble about anything & can swear more than an oil rig worker.
Mail addy is
April 13th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
I’m so in! This looks so exciting! I’m a buisy mom of 3 but I love meeting new people. The only problem is most of who I meet are still in elemtary school or preschool! ha ha ha! I am currently trying to start my own home based business but I keep taking special orders from friends that I can’t seem to make time for inventory! Anyway, I would love to have a pen pal! I’m up for an oversea pen pal or not what ever. My email address is
April 13th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Hello!
I’d love to find a penpal too - obviously!
I am a 25 year old engaged gal from Ontario, Canada. I teach a split grade 3/4 class (French Immersion) and I love them.
When I’m not wedding planning (wee!) I love to craft. I knit (but only during the winter), draw, paint, papercraft, and play around with photoshop. I pretend that I can sew, and spend hours looking at fun sewing projects that I know I probably won’t ever do. (did I mention I can be a blog junkie?)
I also play the trumpet, play tennis and dabble in yoga. I love hot apple cider.
Any fellow teachers (Karen?!?) out there?
funkylindsay (at) gmail (dot) com
April 14th, 2007 at 2:43 am
hello! i’d like a penpal too! or multiples.. i have lots of time on my hands, because im still in school. my usual crafting stuff are mostly for friends’ birthdays.. like kanzashis and boxes and those kind of stuff. I’ll write to anybody.. my ‘mother’ language is Chinese, but I speak/read English usually, and I can speak/read French and a bit of Japanese. So feel free to write me! Thanks!
frutips_centre (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) cn
April 14th, 2007 at 2:45 am
Hm… it seems like I can’t post comments. Anyways, I’d love to write to anybody. I have quite enough time on my hands since I’m still in school. My mother language is Chinese, but I’m ok with English and French, and japanese too if you want. My usually crafting things are for friends’ birthdays.. little things, no ripple blankets or stuff like that. Please feel free to write me!
frutips (underscore) centre (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) cn
April 14th, 2007 at 3:18 am
[…] re ain’t introducing what I wanted to talk about: Letters. There are many different people writing about letters lately! Letters excite me to no end, forget the fact that I’ve barely ever s […]
April 14th, 2007 at 8:43 am
i want a penpal! i’m into all things crafty and i would prefer a penpal who is outside of the us and canada.
April 14th, 2007 at 8:49 am
me again. just realized that i should have said more about myself - i’m into haruki murakami novels and any novels set in japan. i like zadie smith, david mitchell and alain de botton. i’ve a bit of an anglophile, bit of a francophile too. i love art, craft, design, and fashion.i love really good food and wine. i like swanky hotel bars as well as a dirty old pub with a good jukebox. i’d really like to connect with someone outside of the US and Canada who shares my interests. my email is
April 14th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I’d love a pen pal as well! I’m an almost 40 something, happily married, 2 cats, no kids, professional cook. The ever growing list of hobbies include knitting, jewelery making, gardening, cooking, reading, adventures in no knead breadmaking, and others that aren’t on my radar at the moment. I’d love a pal from the UK, as I spend way too much time watching BBC america and favor britcoms over tepid US fare, but a likeminded stateside pal would be cool as well.
April 14th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Can I have a pal? I’d love one. Please email me to tell me if I can have a pal.
April 14th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I would love a pen pal, I just remember how cool it was in third grade to get a letter from someone off far away. I am a 25 year old art teacher who loves to craft and cook. I am a bad speller so I love my beat-up old dictionary.
April 14th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Hey Guys!
If you’d like a pen-pal, please feel free to email anyone on the list of leave your email here. I’m no longer matching folks up, rather it’s organic and fun if you go at it on your own.
If, for some reason, you don’t see the email listed, please feel free to email me for it: felicia –at– feliciasullivan — dot — com.
Cheers, Felicia
April 14th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
anyone who would like to be my pen pal i would totally be up for it! pwease? pwetty pwease?
April 14th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
I am interested in getting a pen pal! I am very geeky — interested in comics and the like as well as good literature as well. Love to craft, discover new music, and just be goofy all around. 30 years old and I work in higher education.
April 15th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Hi,
I’d lurv a penpal - preferably US/Canada/Aus? 42 y.o. teacher, living with parents and wonderful 17 y.o. son in Liverpool. Broke! Dream of living by the sea, trees, sunshine. Love snailmail but get v busy, don’t write for ages, feel guilty, decide better off without me, stop writing - need help to improve this destructive cycle of behaviour! Love patchwork, quilting, cross stitch, phone-charm making, reading (T. Hardy, J. Austen, T.Brooks, R.Kirkptrick, R.Hobb, JV Jones, theatre-related), films, theatre, more theatre[all the above when time permits!!] & my black lab! Best friend emigrating; ex just married - need penpal solace in lieu of chocolate!? Weird sense of humour preferred!
April 15th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Hi all,
I would like a pen pal, location doesn’t matter.
A bit about myself, I like to craft with fiber and fabric, I draw some and really love to garden. I am an animal advocate and live currently with 2 dogs, 2 cats and raise a coop full of chickens for egg. I generally enjoy life wherever I am and would like to connect with folks from other parts or the country, or the world. If I have peaked your interest you can email me at
Felicia~thanks for getting this started, what a great thing to promote
April 15th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Hi,
This is such a lovely idea, I’ve always wanted a penpal. I’m open to any country as long as this person speaks english (i’m sadly not bilingual). I’m a 19 year old illustration student from Philadelphia, finishing my first year at art school in Baltimore. I hope to write children’s books. I love kettle whistles, kaleidoscopes, music box songs, hot air ballons, and shadow puppets. I watch far too many movies and listen to all kinds of music.
Thanks!
April 15th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I think this is a great idea. I would love to get involved. I am definitely very open to overseas pen-pals. But the location really does not matter. I live in Seattle. I garden, have a huge dog. I just turned thirty and just took up crocheting. I love cooking. I have always wanted to have someone to write with a pen and paper to.
Thanks for the awesome way to start.
April 15th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Just a few short hours ago I was wondering how to get a pen pal, and voila!
How exciting!
Anywho, here are a few things about me:
19 year-old female near Nashville, TN.
Obsessed with Bob Dylan and my cat.
Would die without books.
Planning on buying some very cute stationary soon.
April 15th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
a p.s. for #133…my email is
April 15th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Oh.. please pick me! I live in Melbourne, Australia… I have a little store called Meet Me at Mikes… we stock Vintage, New and Crafty too! I would love a penpal! Someone who loves vintage and thrifting (opshopping as we call it) and vintage childrens book illustration from the 60s and 70s and aprons and blogging and pretty fabrics and softies!
please email me direct to get started.. and thanks for this lovely idea! Pip xx
April 15th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Hello!
I would love to have a pen pal, international or otherwise. I’m lame and I only speak English fluently. I’m originally from upstate New York, but I go to art school in Baltimore where I’m an illustration major. I like to crochet, read, drink tea/coffee, cook, bake and cuddle. I like mellow music, and hearing good stories. I like to think about things. I’m simultaneously seven and seventy, but I’m really 19.
This is exciting!
April 15th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
About me -
Bay Area
Artsie and Craftsie
English speaking and writing
Knitty- love beautiful textiles
I love to cook, write, knit….
April 16th, 2007 at 12:15 am
Hope I can still take part in this…I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get pen pals for a while now!
I live in Austin, TX
I’m a foodie
I love chocolate
I love mail
I’m a little crafty
I love this idea!
I’m off to search through the comments for some new pen pals…
April 16th, 2007 at 12:16 am
So sorry, forgot to post my email just above:
comments(at)poco-cocoa(dot)com
April 16th, 2007 at 1:00 am
Hello,
I hope I am not too late to find a penpal. I live in Australia and would love a new penpal.
I too love to craft. You can take a look at my flickr here:
ohh, this is exciting. Very nice idea Felicia.
April 16th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Hi.
I am probably too late for this, but just incase anyone is still interested. I am from Scotland, I love making things, architecture, art, photography, reading, travelling (though not flying)& music. I love sending & receiving things through the post.
My email is
Thanks
April 16th, 2007 at 8:35 am
ANOTHER SWEET REMINDER: NO ONE is too late in snagging a pen-pal! Although I am no longer matching folks up, please feel free to page through the comments to find your fun match. If, for some reason, you do not see their email address, feel free to contact me and I’ll send it along.
April 16th, 2007 at 10:56 am
I would love to be a pen pal to anyone anywhere in the world! I live in the US in Virginia. Thank you!
Lizz Reedy
April 16th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I just learned about this. How awesome! I was just talking with a friend about how I miss writing letters. I love to craft… scrapbook, paint, photography… anything that gives me the ability to express myself in new ways. I love to send and recieve surprises through the mail too!
my email address is put penpal in heading) so I dont delete ya!!!
anyone feel free to contact me. OH, I live in Southwest Michigan
April 16th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Hi! Just found out about this and I would love to participate. I’m a married mom of 4 and I live in US in the great state of Texas. I love having pen-pals especially overseas ones. I craft and create and sell on ebay and etsy. I crochet, sew, bead, embroider, applique - a little bit of everything. I love to send and receive surprises too! If anyone wants to contact me, feel free to do so at my email and mark it penpal.
April 17th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
[…] (crazy space shot of Caroline) In other Internet times, I came across the Pen Pal Swap (via craftblog) hosted by Felicia C. Sullivan. A project linking people - not by blogging, or emai […]
April 18th, 2007 at 12:24 am
ooh, me too!
I hope I’m not to late because I’d love a penpal too…
I love the sight of an honest to goodness stamped envelope, hand addressed, in amongst all those bills and statements.
I love beautiful paper, children’s picture storybooks, my local library, the colour blue, music of all shapes and sizes, dancing, eating (especially sweet things), the smell of seaweed, steamy breath in the morning, knitting, and pickling.
Once I was a chef, then a student, but now I’m madly cramming things into my baby’s nap times. If you want to be my penpal, write to me at j(underscore)norling(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au. Yay for letters!
April 18th, 2007 at 12:27 am
ps. I live in Melbourne, Australia, so I guess only pick me if you don’t mind posting international.
April 18th, 2007 at 12:48 am
man, i wish i had gotten in on this earlier, but i would love to join in. if anyone wants to mail me, please do! i’d love to swap yarns across states, oceans, or other geological barriers. ^_^
i’m a 21 year old psych student in Oklahoma, for any of you who are just absolutely enthused about midwestern, Bible belt culture. =p
April 18th, 2007 at 12:49 am
omg, duh.
email:
April 18th, 2007 at 1:42 am
Hello,
I’m afraid I’m a bit late coming up to this, but I only just heard! I would love to strike up a conversation through the USPS (or abroad).
I am a New Yorker turned Rhode Islander - currently living in Providence. I have a puppy. I knit and am new to sewing. I am a 22 year-old English major/Drawing minor, and I expect to graduate college Dec. 2007. God only knows where I’ll be Jan. 2008.
My email address is:
Please, feel free to contact me,
Caitlin
P.S. This is a fabulous idea.
April 18th, 2007 at 4:45 am
Hi, just found this site through the turkeyfeathers blog and I think it’s a great idea. Would love to join. Well, my name is Brigitte, I’m Austrian, living in Austria/Europe (perhaps there’s someone who’d like to practice German?), I’m a woman in my 50’s, love craft, writing, reading, gardening, food etc. etc.
My email-address is:
April 18th, 2007 at 4:59 am
Hi,
Like Caitlin I just heard about this project and I think it´s promissing
I´m willing to participate if I still can… I´m a 38 years old mom and student again after a few years… from anthropology I´m driving through psychology now.
I like crafts. I started with x-stich and decided to make my own postcards… it´s been a while now and i`ve been doing a lot of other things even trying to crochet and knitting.
I speak fluently english, french, portuguese and spanish but I can also write in german and understand perfectly italian, so I will post anywhere!
I love to write and handwritten letters.
Hope to find someone interested very soon.
maria
April 18th, 2007 at 9:15 am
I would love to participate if it is not too late. I am a stay at home mom of 4, homeschool, and love any kind of craftiness. I am fascinated by letters and love to read books of old correspondence between people. I also love the thrill of writing and getting mail!
Hope to find a penpal soon!
Glenn
April 18th, 2007 at 9:49 am
ANOTHER SWEET REMINDER: NO ONE is too late in snagging a pen-pal! Although I am no longer matching folks up, please feel free to page through the comments to find your fun match. If, for some reason, you do not see their email address, feel free to contact me and I’ll send it along. Have fun & WRITE!!!
April 18th, 2007 at 11:20 am
[…] ffering up FREEBIES! *if you’ve participated in the pen-pal swap and left a comment here, today i’ll select a winner at random. what do you win? a copy of Samara O’Shea’s delici […]
April 18th, 2007 at 11:55 am
What a fantastic idea. I would love to be a part of this.
Here’s a reason to run to the your local stationery store and stock up on pretty envelopes and paper!
April 18th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I’m in… I can’t write much about myself right now but will do so later….
April 18th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
im going to jump in - super late but im home sick from work today and its been the first time in ages to catch up in the blog world to find this! such a great idea!
I am 32, a fabric librarian in san francisco. i live with my husband and 2 cats and am super into the handmade. spinning and dyeing fiber is #1 (spent the last weekend at a workshop spinning yak and camel fiber - yummy!) but am in also in nightschool for pattermaking, and knit. I devour books on an average of 1 book a week, and these days the subject matter has been sustainable design and environmental psychology (though paul auster is my favorite writer ever.) music is huge part of my life, i play in a band and back in the day i had a zine and loved meeting people through the mail through ads in mrr and slug n lettuce…i also have a terrible case of francophilia (godard and 68, pop and serge) id love to write with other people with too many ideas and who are into some or none of the same thing i am! i can read french. sadly. that is all. contact me at yarnindustry at yahoo.com
April 18th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Count me in! What a wonderful idea, I even bought a fountain pen for this challenge!
I’m a very young 40 year old (yikes!) originally from the Dominican Republic (for those of you in Australia, this is in the Caribbean). Moved to New Jersey 20 years ago and relocated to Arizona two years ago (no, I’m not retired, just enjoying the weather). Love crafts but saddly don’t have much time for it, love everything that has to do with technology - my family says that if it has buttons I’ll buy it(they’re not referring to shirts) and they’re right!! I can handle anything in English and Spanish, can read Italian and Portuguese somewhat and just discovered books on tape and thai iced coffee. I work in the recruiting department of a Law Firm (boring!). I can be reached at if you’re interested in getting to know me. Must warn you, I’m a comedian and don’t take life seriously.
April 18th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
I’m a 27 years old, and I love to write letters. I belly dance, and have slowly been getting into sewing my own costume pieces. I also knit, and am currently working on a knit stuffed K-9 from Doctor Who. I am obsessed with my garden right now.
My favorite book it The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. My favorite movie is either Heathers, Annie Hall, or maybe some other quirky romantic comedy that isn’t coming to mind right now. My favorite color is red, and my favorite food is anything spicy and flavorful.
Please get in touch if you would like to get in touch: antimony /at/ azazello /dot/ org
April 19th, 2007 at 3:44 am
I would love to write others letters. I’m 37 year old single female, Australian. I’d be open to writing letters overseas.
I love cross-stitching, crazy quilting, and thrift store shopping.
I like old westerns, anything to do with the wild west, Arizona especially, and I love victorian things, the colour blue, craft books and fairies.
Please feel free to contact me at toshmuses /at/ gmail /dot/ com
April 19th, 2007 at 6:48 am
Hi. My name is Adrienne and I live in Melbourne, Australia. The kids are a little older now and my brain is emerging from the baby haze - I need to get back into the real world! I enjoy cooking, knitting. I like the idea of quilting but haven’t tried - yet! Window shopping is another favourite hobby of mine. I love, love, love chocolate.
I can only speak English - sorry! I would love a penpal from anywhere.
April 20th, 2007 at 9:44 am
This is a fantastic idea! My name is Amanda, I am 23 living in Chicago with five cats (yikes!) and my boyfriend. I am GM at a restaurant but only have a couple weeks left to work. I quit to find something that would make me happy, who cares if I am poor! Anyway, I should have plenty of time coming up to write snail mail. I just taught myself to knit and can’t get enough of it, love looking through all the diy blogs online, and love to paint (not that I am that good at it but it is so relaxing). I would love to have a penpal from anywhere, pick me!
April 20th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Okay, I’d love to join in! What a wonderful idea. I think everyone in this day and age needs to practice letter writing! (and I promise to draw something on every letter I send….)
Female
41
SAHM
wife, mother of young children
graphic designer
drawing, painting
thrifting, dumpster diving
jewelry maker
tinkerer (love Make blog)
love science fiction
comic books
Southern US
April 20th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I’ve been wanting a pen pal, so this is awesome! I’m Melissa, turning 26 in a week. I moved from Florida to Texas last year and am trying not to run back to my native swampland.
I do a little bit of everything (knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, sewing, cross stitch) but right now I’m working on my first quilt.
My hero is Gregory Peck, my favorite author is Kafka. I’m not very ladylike, although my tastes tend to run more grandma than rebel. I like children’s encyclopedia illustrations, Edward Gorey and southern style. I’m into survival skills, forensic anthropology, sharks and tapdancing. I only speak English because I’ve forgotten all my French, although my favorite word in the world is aujourd’hui.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
It looks like I might be hopelessly late in joining, but I’d love to exchange mail with someone.
I’m a twenty-year-old college student about to embark on a year abroad (England, Turkey, Greece) then a few months in New York City before returning to my native Minnesota and college town Iowa.
A serial reader and writer - everything from Murakami to Chekhov, Austen to Eggers, Woolf to Didion, Melville to Lethem - I love to talk about books, writing, ideas in general.
Interests: elephant polo, buckaneering, flea circuses, swimming with squid, tightrope walking, fishfighting, orchid hunting, mist-netting warblers, tiger taming, collecting random urban detritus. (really more like photography, painting, writing, camping, cooking, traveling…though that’s less interesting. that thing about urban detritus, though, that’s true).
Check out my blog or email me if you’d like to get in contact.
April 21st, 2007 at 10:51 am
Me too, if it is not too late.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:14 am
It looks as if I might be terribly late, as well, but I would love to join. I’m 25 — a military wife — mother of a newborn boy — graduate student — and run a not-for-profit organization. I adore collecting vintage items and stationary, painting, writing, photography, and paper craft. My newest projects are quilting and baking. Feel free to e-mail me at or view my blog at TheLittleBluebirdDiaries.typepad.com if you’re interested in becoming penpals.
Best,
Rosalyn
April 22nd, 2007 at 10:26 am
Yes! Penpals!
I’m a 19 year old art student. Originally from New Jersey, going to school in Baltimore. I’m a total beach bum, love all kinds of art, knitting, sewing, things of the sort. I’d love to have a penpal from overseas, but I’d love someone from the states too!
Cait
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Thank you so much for suggesting this, Felicia! What a briliiant idea! I’ve always loved the art of handwritten letters and miss having penpals… I hope I’m not too late!
My first love is paper - I have oodles of it! - and I enjoy making handmade cards. I collect vintage children’s books for their lovely illustrations, as well as ephemera (mostly, old postcards & magazines). I’m studying to be a counsellor but currently work in a post-secondary institution. I have a vicious sweet-tooth and an affection for cupcakes, cool shoes and Apprentice UK. I am also a huge fan of The Artist’s Way! Take care and happy writing!
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Hi my name is Anna and I am looking for a pen pal! I am almost 14 and I live in the U.S.A. in New England. I like writing, singing, soccer, softball, hot cocoa, dancing in the rain, licking cookie dough off the spoon, flip flops, and hugs. I would love to have a pen pal from anywhere in Europe, especially England or France. Other countries are welcome too but they have to speak English!! Ummm well I guess that is about. Thanks so much!
April 25th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Would love to join in and partake in the lovely art of letter writing. I’m a 51 (extremely soon to be 52) year old happily married wife and mom of two grown sons. I’ve dabbled in antiques for the last 40 years (started my collection with money earned from babysitting:). I share an antique space with a friend at a local mall and we also participate in a couple of local antique shows. I would love to correspond with anyone somewhat close in age to me and I would especially love a new friend from either Maine, Nova Scotia or Denmark (can only read English, though). My other passions are long walks, kayaking, knitting & reading. Good day!
May 2nd, 2007 at 6:51 pm
My friend Pip told me of this lovely way of recieving mail, that wasn’t bill related!
I’m 22 and live in Melbourne. I love such things as sausage dog, knitting, sewing, cups of tea, lamingtons, op shopping, dresses, wombats, reading, fabric, buttons, dancing in the rain, music, mcleods daughters, trying to learn french and my house mates dog pug.
I have some nice writting paper that i cant wait to use!
Oh this shall be fun!
June 21st, 2007 at 11:22 pm
I hope there’s still people checking out this entry! I would love some penpals and here’s some info about me:
I’m 28 (soon to be 29–Libra), work at home mom to a 19 month old very active toddler. I’m a consultant for Passion Parties (I love my job) and I try to squeeze in some crafting. My schooling and before baby job was costume design/construction for the stage. I still freelance and do commissioned projects, but not as much anymore. I love to sew; I used to bead and make jewelry (now considered beautiful choking hazards, lol). I like making purses/handbags, plushies, clothes and costumes! I like making corsets–mabye it’s my desire for perfectionism, since it’s such a structured garment. I also like wearing corsets too, I think every woman can feel sexy in a corset. I also like to collage and do other papercrafts. I’ve been attending a papermaking workshop so that’s fun. I also like to cook–I watch Top Chef, Next Food Network Star, Project Runway. My husband’s got me into So You Think You Can Dance. I make some yummy scones too!
I also like to read, I’ve been reading a lot more lately because I don’t have the time to craft right now. I just finished The Time Traveler’s Wife (excellent book). For my popcorn reading I like to read cozies (light murder mysteries) especially when they’re about food, wine, or crafting.
Gosh this feels like a singles ad, doesn’t it?
June 22nd, 2007 at 8:32 am
Oh shame shame….how late am I. Id love an OS penpal. I’m in Australia and am a learning support teacher. I dabble in lots of craft and adore cutting and snipping large portions of fabric and paper into little snippets and relocating them- i.e big fan of patchwork and scrapbooking. I dream of getting to Houston to a REAL quilt show sometime and my latest passion is civil war quilts & reproduction fabric… merrily boosting my stash!!
I just adore many ‘f’ things….frogs, flowers, family, & photography & great kids fiction books! I delight in gathering old bits and bobs and resurrecting them - whether its old quilt blocks, bits of embroidery, buttons etc. Currently muddling with mosaicing and make all our greeting cards etc. I’m due to hit the Big 50 soon..currently making a BOM to myself to celebrate? commiserate/?!! the occasion.
I have 2 gorgeous adolescents to assist with the ageing process and a gorgeous dog desperate to walk these additional kilos off me.
I haven’t had a penpal since primary school and,despite some travel over the years, could really do with a boost to my geography ability.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:18 am
i am mukesh from new delhi, India. i am 30 years old and i am working in an college as a teacher. i want to learn french as quickly as possible. i want some friends from french speaking states of the world. thanks mukesh
je suis mukesh de New Delhi, Inde. j’ai 30 ans et je travaille dans un collège comme un enseignant. je veux apprendre le français si vite que possible. je veux certains amis des états parlants français du monde. merci mukesh
July 8th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Well.. me. I’m 16 and I really want to have a pen pal because I prefer using pen and paper rather than a keyboard.
I only speak English, but am takin french at school. I live in the UK and am happy to have pen pals overseas as long as they speak good english.
In my opinion I think I’m quite funny, I have a good sence of humour lol love to laugh. I’m a good listener (pardon the pun, since we’re talking about writing but you know what I mean).
I’d prefer to talk to people who are near enough my own age.
July 14th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I love to write and exchange letters with other people. I am seeking a pen pal in the U.S. and/or overseas.
August 7th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Is it too late to join this? I LOVE writing and would love to hav a pen pal anywhere in the world! Hobbies include anything art related, but I can babble on paper about anything!Email me…English is my only language, however if anyone out there writes even basic English, I am more than happy to write back–it’d be good practice for both of us!
August 8th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Dear ,
I am a flexible yourng girl my name is Nina,i am 23years of age, looking for a man i can love,marry and stay with for the rest of my life,so also a man careing and be my hearth provider please if you have intrest try to reply me so that i can tell you more about myself, and I know this mail may get to you as a suprise since we have no previous correspondence, I decided to write you after going through your profile and my mind accepted what i read about you thus, if you don’t mind I will like to know you better.
Best regard,
Nina.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Hello out there!
I’m considering myself fashionably late for the pen pal swap; is anybody interested in blabbing back and forth about this and that? I found this link through the Craftzine blog, so I was hoping to chat with someone who loves to be creative.
I’m a graphic designer by day, and I am obsessed with crafts by night. I really don’t get a lot of time to finish my crafts (and my husband calls my obsession invisible crafts). However, I think about craftiness a lot.
I collect what I can of vintage goods, toys and kitschy ceramics. I’d love to have an actual pen pal, as my handwriting has been reduced to a cryptic language and I spend all day on the computer. Anybody thinking the same things?
September 9th, 2007 at 3:39 am
Hi there,
Just discovered your website. Would love to acquire a few penpals from abroad. I live in Melbourne, Australia and would love to swap holidays, i.e. come and visit me in Melbourne and I would love to come visit you “where ever”!! #36 (Maria) and #112 (Larraine) seems a fitting choice as I fall into their age group (give or take a few years!). Look forward to getting feedback from interested pals in their 50s and 60s.
September 9th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
greetings all!
please note that i am no longer making matches. if you are interested in connecting with someone in this thread, feel free to email them individually.
cheers, felicia
September 16th, 2007 at 4:58 am
Hey everyone,
I’m an International Business student at university and would really like to find someone who I can practice my beginners Italian with! I’ve been learning it since February this year
Some facts about me:
- I live in Sydney, Australia
- I love to play tennis
- I love to try different types of food, especially sweet ones!
My email:
September 21st, 2007 at 1:41 am
Hello,
I actually ran into this site looking for people interested in fashion & pen pals & I would love to be pen pals with #20 or Feather.
For anyone else interested I’m a 22 year old independent entrepreneur. I mostly works as a promoter, model, dancer, promotions manager & anything related to the arts & entertainment industry. I’m an aspiring fashion designer & hope to get into school within the next couple years. I am trying to learn how to sew better! I like bead work, cooking (organic obsessed), changing my hair & fashion fashion fashion!
I only know how to speak English however but I would love to have a pen pal in a major city any where in the world. Especially a city goer that works directly with the fashion world in one way or another.
PARI’
November 11th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Hi!
I am so glad you posted this blog about pen pals.
I love handwriting long letters. I feel as the information age went into full speed, so did everything else. I have also started noticing people want to revert back to personal touch.
If anybody is interested in writing to a 29 year old college student and single mother in Phoenix, Arizona, please email me!
and we can exchange addresses and send cards, gifts, letters, etc!
November 25th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Hello!
My name is Alyson. I’m 15 years old and I live in Norfolk, Virginia. I actually tried the whole pen pal thing a few years ago, I guess I must have been 12 or so. But my pal was really creepy, so I just kind of stopped writing to him. That’s not to say I’ll just stop writing to any of you! What I mean is I was young and unprepared for something like this, and now I’m slightly less young and much more prepared. And I swear to god, he really was a very creepy person. He kept asking about my mother and her hygienic habits and stuff.
I love to do things for other people. It’s been said if I’m not being friendly or helpful I turn moody and manipulative. So that’s why I try to focus on making things for people and other crafty endeavors. Because I much prefer being overly kind to being manipulative any day.
Please don’t be put off by my age or this neurotic post. When it comes down to it I’m really just looking for people to exchange letters and ideas with. I hope to make some good friends in the process. So please, email me if you’re interested!
April 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
[…] good mail day i got my first letter from the penpal swap i signed up for here. also in the mail was the last of the rowan 4 ply soft i ordered - to make more socks with. […]
June 12th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Hi folks! My name is Chris, but I’m writing this on behalf of my mother Julia. She’s a bit of a technophobe, and has always prefered taking pen to paper as opposed to communicating electronically. After doing a quick search for pen pals I came across this site and it seems the perfect place to start looking for someone for her to talk with!
Recently my third shift job has taken a bit of a toll on the way her and I communicate… we’re pretty much two ships passing in the night, and not having someone to talk to during the day has caused her to become depressed.
My mom’s interests include crafting, mainly beading and jewlery making these days, but she also quilts and sews occasionally. She’s also looking for someone to talk with about the world in general, religion, cooking, and the latest episodes of CSI.
Of course there’s always a chance I can get her to overcome her fear of computers and engage in some chat and IM, but she’s always loved writing long letters. So I think she’s got a good chance of being a persistent pen pal!
June 17th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Hi! So glad to FINALLY find a site like this! I have been wishing for a pen pal for years, but they seemed to be a thing of the past.
I am a 40ish mother of 3 (son and 2 daughters), g’ma of 3 (boy and 2 girls) and wife of 28 years to the most amazing man!
I love to read, and enjoy writing short stories for children…in fact am currently finishing the third in a series of adventure stories for my g’daughter.
I enjoy music…all kinds, but mostly classic rock/ blues. Examples would be Stevie Ray, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Lynrd Skynrd, CCR…well, you get the picture. I also enjoy Southern Gospel…I know, that’s a wide variation, but hey, it’s what I grew up with! lol!
My family is my life, which probably explains my need for a pen pal, to get out and experience life thru the eyes of someone else. I am open to pals from all over the world as long as they read/write passable English. I want to learn Spanish, as it is almost as frequently spoken in the part of Texas where we live as English is, so Spanish/Mexican pals would be welcome. I am fascinated with British customs, and have established 4:00 tea as a routine with my g’daughters when they visit.
I’d love to hear from someone if they’re interested in corresponding with me, either on paper or thru e-mail!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
me again…forgot to leave my email…duh you may reach me @
June 19th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Hi All!
I am Sashankh from India. I am a 26 year old guy. I like to read fiction (some of my favourite authors include Agatha Christie, Frederick Forsyth, Chaim Potok, & Maugham among others), watch tennis (i’m in avid fan of the game) and watch a good deal of movies.
My email id is Write to me and i would surely reply.
Felicia: This is a very good idea. much appreciated.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Greetings All,
Please note that I am no longer coordinating pen pals or sending out email addresses for anyone on this list. Please write to anyone on this list directly, thanks.
Felicia
July 29th, 2008 at 3:35 am
I recently became obsessed with writing letters! I’m 19 and a recently newlywed with three dogs. I would love a pen pal!!!! Email me!
November 25th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I had pen-pals when I was 13 and now at 51 I’ve meant 3 of them and 2 are like sisters to me. I live with my life partner, Kristen. We have a dog, Grace, and 2 kittens (Marjorie & Shia). We kayak, hike, camp, go to festivals, travel (mostly 3 day weekend type stuff), do a lot of arts/crafts and just generally like to enjoy the outdoors.
If I (we) have anything in common and you’d like to make some new friends, we are here in (mostly) sunny NC.