Your InCoWriMo Supply Checklist for A Month of Letter Writing
InCoWriMo, or International Correspondence Writing Month, is a month long challenge to hand write and deliver one piece of correspondence every day in the month of February. If you're already familiar with the InCoWriMo concept and thinking you'd like to take part this year, you might be wondering what kind of stationery supplies you'll need to get started.
The good news is... all you really need is a something to write with, something to write on and a delivery method! It could be as simple and inexpensive as any old pen or pencil, a post it note and leaving your note on a table in a coffee shop for somebody to stumble upon!
But for most of us who choose to take part in InCoWriMo it's because we have a love of letter writing, stationery, postage stamps and the joy of sending and receiving snail mail.
Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need for InCoWriMo if you want to take part!
Something to Write With
You can't write without a writing utensil - especially because the point of InCoWriMo is to handwrite all of your correspondence! Choose something that feels comfortable in your hand and that feels good on your choice of paper. Here are a few suggestions:
MUST HAVE:
- a pen for the bulk of your writing. My favorites are Pentel's EngerGel 0.7mm Rollerball or the Zebra Fountain Pen, both in royal blue
OPTIONAL (for decorating or adding a little pizzaz):
- coloured brush tip pens for hand lettering (like calligraphy). Tombow Dual Brush Pens are fun for this.
- pencil crayons (or coloured pencils if you're not Canadian!) for adding fun doodles without worrying about bleed through
- any kind of marker that can add fun detailing - Sharpies, Staedtler fine tips or any dollar store brand. Be sure to check them for bleed through first if you plan to write on the back and front of your paper
- highlighers to add a little colour
These are all optional supplies for jazzing up your letters but if you don't have them, don't worry. The focus is on the writing and you can still doodle with a ball point pen!
Something to Write On
A piece of paper is all you need but remember, writing on a post it note and leaving it in a coffee shop still counts for InCoWriMo. Here are some ideas if you want to get creative:
- pretty stationery
- lined loose leaf paper
- post cards
- post-it notes
- tear a page off a notepad or out of a notebook
- notecards or greeting cards
For something a little different, paint some sketchbook pages or blank printer paper with watercolour washes (an inexpensive kids set will do), let them dry and then write your letters on those! You can even fold them to turn them into cards.
Something to Send it In
Technically you don't need anything to send your letter or note in. Postcards can be mailed as is, a post-it or notecard can be left on a cafe table or in a library book. But if you're going to be writing letters and putting them in the mail, you'll need some envelopes!
You can buy inexpensive packs of white or kraft envelopes at Staples, Michaels, Amazon or pretty much any office supply or drug store. You can also buy coloured envelopes or decorate your plain ones with stickers, doodles, or washi tape.
Other Miscellaneous InCoWriMo Supplies
- postage stamps - if you're mailing your letters. I buy vintage postage on ebay to make it a little more fun - just be sure your postage adds up to the correct amount for your destination (check your local postal services rates)
- sticker sheets - use them to add visual interest to letters and envelopes. Single die cut stickers also make great pen pal gifts
- goodies to included in your letters (totally optional) like individual tea bags, stickers, washi tape samples (wrap them around a popsicle stick), pretty used postage stamps or other ephemera, pressed flowers, photos or anything you think would be fun. Watch the weight of your letter - it may require extra postage if you get carried away
Remember, the point of InCoWriMo is to handwrite one piece of correspondence per day in the month of February and have it delivered . You can make it as simple or as fancy as you like but what's important are the words, the act of writing and sharing the moment with another person. If you don't have the budget
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