National Handwriting Day is Today!

National Handwriting Day was invented by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) and is celebrated every year on January 23rd.  This date was chosen since it is the birthday of John Hancock, the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. His bold, confident script is arguably among the most recognized, earning "John Hancock" a place in the dictionary as a euphemism for one's signature.

According to WIMA, “Handwriting allows us to be artists and individuals during a time when we often use computers, faxes and email to communicate. Fonts are the same no matter what computer you use or how you use it and they lack a personal touch. But handwriting can add intimacy to a letter and reveal details about the writer’s personality.

Since the art of Handwriting is now almost obsolete in today's technological world (which is full of spell checks and easy-to-change fonts and font sizes), National Handwriting Day lets us all take a step back and realize what a pencil, hand, and paper can do.

What can we do to improve our handwriting?  One way is to write a letter or send a card!  Letters are much more personal than a simple email. Don't make them all say the same thing; say different things to different people, and even try to reminisce about fun things you did in the past.

Paper crafters know the importance of handwriting!  Many of us practice calligraphy and have developed our own unique style.  Others of us, (me included) enjoy making and sending cards! So today I want to share a handmade card I made to send to my Mom...and inside I will write a handwritten note.  It's so much more personal than an email, and who doesn't love receiving mail? 

I used the Bo Bunny "Flowers" stamp today.  I stamped my card using my Tim Holtz Stamp Platform  It makes stamping so easy and if you don't get a perfect coverage, you simply stamp again!  I stamped my flower image using the Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink Pad.  Then I covered it with Gold embossing powder by Vicki Boutin.

I matted the image on gold paper and stamped a sentiment using a stamp from my personal stash.  I tied a bow with gold ribbon and adhered gold sequins with liquid glue.

I decorated the envelope with the Bo Bunny Fillagree foil transfers. The foil transfers are so pretty, and add a special touch to your project.

WIMA has a few suggestions to celebrate Handwriting Day:

1. Write a letter. Whether it's to someone near or far, show someone you care by taking the time to write them a handwritten letter.
2. Read a book. It may not be writing, but it shows appreciation of writing. Some of today's most noted authors prefer pen and paper to create their novels including J.K. Rowling, who drafted her famous Harry Potter series on napkins.
3. Practice your "John Hancock."  A personalized signature represents your identity.
4. Start a diary or journal.  University of Texas at Austin psychologist James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells and reduces stress.

So why not celebrate Handwriting Day with FotoBella.com?  We have a large variety of paper, pens and writing instruments to make it easy and lots of fun!

Happy Creating!

ReNae