For me, a handwritten note will never go out of style. Texts are convenient, emails efficient, and DMs direct, but a handwritten note is a powerful totem that represents a simpler time when sharing a note with another was the essence of honor, grace, trust, and thoughtful connection. A handwritten note should be a gift, both in its aesthetic beauty and fluid prose. Here are my four essentials for crafting beautiful handwritten notes:

#1 Stunning Stationary

My favorite stationary is Crane. They’ve been in the letter business for more than two hundred years and their timeless, artful pieces remain perfect for any occasion.

#2 Smart Pens

I use Monami for a soft, elegant look and Staedtler for a bolder, stronger effect.

#3 Vintage Stamps

A vintage stamp has style and endurance. A vintage stamp is a beautiful, surprising piece of art in a recipient’s mailbox. My favorite vintage stamp sources are Postage Stamp Studio, Treasure Fox, and Vintage Postage Shop. They can be found on Etsy.

#4 Heartfelt Words

A beautiful handwritten note is not complete without heartfelt words. They need not be superfluous, only truthful.

For more on crafting meaningful handwritten notes, follow my French grandmother’s secrets. You can find them here: The Art of the Handwritten Note.