Colette-tions: Stationery

With an “e” for envelope. Not to be confused with stationary.

I have loved stationery for as long as I can remember. I hated writing thank you notes as a child, as most do, but I loved when my mother would pull out my set of stationery, lined with flowers and hearts, my first name printed at the top. It was special and it was all mine. 

My mom started me young with thank you cards. My first set was unlined to allow me to draw pictures before I could write and then she would include a note alongside my drawing, thanking whomever for whatever present they had given me. Next, the same design included lines to help me practice my writing.

Images by Kirsten Valentini

Then my mom, a buyer for a gift store, had been given a set of light blue and light pink folded note cards with her name printed on the front. The “i” in her first name, Kim, was dotted with a little flower rhinestone. I lusted after these cards. I thought they were so grown up and I begged my mom to upgrade my stationery. She did so, though I believe there was a promise to write more thank you notes somewhere in that agreement. I then became the proud owner of a set of light blue folded note cards, my name printed on the front and the “i” in my last name dotted with a flower rhinestone. Sadly, I have none of these left. I acquired my next set as a result of a gift I received and promptly returned. Using the credit from that gift, I purchased the stationery I still use today (though I’m on my fourth reprint). 

Beyond personalized stationery, I’m also an avid collector of cards in general, whether it be snarky birthday cards, witty get well cards or sets with beautiful designs. I do become attached to each card I buy but I have learned to send them to my friends to share the enjoyment.