1. Paper and Envelope preparation
I am a huge fan of the old-fashioned aesthetic (possibly another reason why letter writing appeals to me so much) so I soak all the paper I use, as well as the envelopes, in coffee. The best way to do this is to pour cold coffee onto a plate (just a little bit) and place the paper in until it is soaked. Then, set in the sun to dry. Sometimes I add extra coffee drips for an ever more weathered effect. Tea can also be used.![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2670-e1594029878806-300x300.jpeg)
![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2673-300x300.jpeg)
![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2674-e1594029899652-300x300.jpeg)
![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2707-e1594030294903-300x300.jpeg)
2. Drawing with Coffee
I also like to do little paintings with coffee! It’s an easy alternative to water colours if you don’t have any around. The letter I was making was for my friend’s birthday so I painted her cat (fittingly named Latte), as well as a drawing of her birthday presents because I couldn’t give them in person.![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2698-e1594029983907-300x300.jpeg)
3. Writing the Letter
I use a real pen and ink pot. The ink fits the aesthetic but unfortunately my cursive isn’t legible so I also include a typed out version of my letter just in case. Note: the ink smudged because I did not have the foresight to use thicker paper.![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2702-1024x777.jpeg)
4. Extra
I love to add a quote that is applicable to the person I’m writing to: "Rivers know this: there is no hurry" - A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh).![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2705-e1594030119837-300x300.jpeg)
5. Sealing
Easy way to seal a letter: drip coloured candle wax over the it, wait a few seconds, then press the top of a spoon into the wax. I added a dry-pressed fern to the outside envelope too. Because this letter was going overseas I ended up putting it inside a bigger envelope to preserve everything.![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2718-e1594030219684-300x300.jpeg)
![](http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/files/2020/07/IMG_2717-e1594030234894-300x300.jpeg)
this is so aesthetic!!!
Really lovely post Olive!