My current inspiration: The Pattern Box

Usually when my reminder goes off every Monday to write a thank you note, I think back over the past week and identify a person who did something amazing, or something small that made a difference. If it's been a low-key week, I'll skim through my contact list to find a friend or colleague who I haven't reached out to in awhile.

But recently, my inspiration has come from the notecards themselves.

I stumbled on Barnes & Noble's get-everything-out-before-Christmas-inventory-arrives sale, which meant they had so many of their note cards at ridiculously low prices. I picked up this box of 100 postcards featuring different pattern artists thinking it would provide me an extensive stock of cards to choose from.

Once I got it home and out of the wrapping I noticed how wonderfully different each card was. From mellow tones of abstract patterns to vibrant and sharp geometric shapes, I immediately started thinking of different people who would enjoy the card as much as (or maybe more than) the note I wrote on it. The bright red shades for my former boss and mentor. The lines of random colors for my artist friend. The pink and brown spots reminiscent of a giraffe for my friend who has an affinity for the long-necked animal.

Instead of buying a box of note cards with the same design, I'm really enjoying the process of tying the pattern to the personality of the recipient. It's providing me new ideas of people to write notes to and hopefully something that makes the person opening the envelope smile a little more.

I also purchased this box set for my editor friends who appreciate a good typewriter, also produced by Princeton Architectural Press. And while B&N wasn't carrying this box of cards that double as animal masks, they may have to be my next purchase.

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