Monday, June 29, 2009

What is so hard about writing a thank you note?

Nothing! And no, you cannot email or facebook or twitter the thank you.

There is no reason not to get that thank you note in the mail - just follow these basic points and you will make a good impression every time. It is not rocket science.

1. Write it in a timely manner.

Why? First, someone went out of their way (some more than others but so what) and sent/gave you a gift or did something nice for you. Even if you don’t like it!

Second, the giver might wonder if you ever got the gift if you never acknowledge it.

2. Address the “Giver” -" Dear So and So."

I recently got a thank you note from someone who addressed the actual note to only part of the family but not all members who sent the gift. I am speaking here of the actual note, not the envelope. Were there too many names to mention in the Dear So and So line? Don’t write Dear Jane and Rick, etc. or "Dear Fam". Abbreviations like this seem impersonal and lazy - not good. How much longer could it possibly take to add the rest of the names?

3. Mention the gift or the event.

This is a very nice and personal touch – if it is money - well, you can refer to the generous gift or what you plan to use it for. Aunt Cori might like to know that the money she sent you is going to be used to take your girlfriend out for dinner or for that iphone you want.

One of the most curious notes I ever received was a beautifully written thank you from a young boy on his personalized stationery. He did not mention my specific gift. This would have actually been impossible for him as I did not yet GIVE it to him (it was specially ordered for him and had yet to arrive). Thus, his thank you, while one of the timeliest notes I have yet to receive, could not possibly have been personal.

4. Length. Short and Sweet.

The note does not have to be long, just thoughtful and prompt. Nothing wrong with short and sweet.

5. Sign off.

Thanks again,

Don’t forget to sign your name! (Even if it is on your stationery.)

6. Stationery/Cards

Of course, personalized stationery is a nice touch, impressive, and convenient – you will have the stash ready and you won't need to go out and buy a generic card. How nice.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Our New Website

Well, it is finally here! After many months of designing, testing and editing (and life in between), our website is up and running. It just went "live" today and I want to thank Rich Zimmer, and Kevin too, of ZDI Design Group for getting this all together. ZDI is located in Deer Park, New York (on LONG ISLAND).

Julia B. and Jim S. were great as my focus group. I thank them as well. Check it out and know that we will be updating our gallery often. You can visit our favorite lines and see how we work...


Thursday, June 25, 2009

Don't You Love Camp?


So, this week buses start leaving with our children for sleep away camp. Off to the beautiful lakes, the mountains, the outdoors, the sports, the bunks, the "job wheel" and, of course, COLOR WAR.
I love it! I miss it! Get me back on that bus!!

Best time of day?
Mail call.

Make sure your stationery is cool.
When is your phone call?


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"Stationery in the City"

What kind of thank you notes should we do for SJP and hubby Matthew Broderick's new baby girls? Tabitha Hodge Broderick and sister Marion Loretta Elwell Broderick. Any thoughts?

Monday, June 22, 2009

Deep Thoughts: Did You Know Mousavi is an Artist?

I did a lot of reading over this rainy weekend. One interesting item I came across was about Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi - said to be a new "political rock star" -- he is actually an accomplished architect and artist. Follow the link below to see the article.


Another cool thing - an umbrella that changes colors when it gets wet!



Sunday, June 14, 2009

Which came first, the paper or the manicure?


Hmm... what color should I paint my nails?

Top paper/design, Luscious Verde. Bottom pieces, Arzberger.
Nails, Mine.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Alphabet Art

A friend told me about an art exhibit she thought I would love – she was right!  It is called Tangled Alphabets and it is at The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

One of my favorites is an untitled piece from Mira Schendel’s Toquinhos  series (Little things). Also, a great  idea for all those loose papers laying around – check out the hanging paper sculpture titled Trenzinho (Little train).

http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2009/tangledalphabets/home.html

This exhibit closes at MoMA  on June 15th so don’t know if  I can get there to see it up close but I am going to try… thanks Jamie!

(And, Liz, you better stay home – you will be way too tempted!)

Always looking for fresh thoughts - 


Jackie

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Welcome to Fresh Thoughts by Orrganics


The Launch

Finally! After much to do,  we are off and running with the wide world of bloggers. 
This is a new thing for me so please be patient as it gets going. The idea here is to talk about paper, stationery, art, inspiration and design because I love what I do. I also expect to make mention from time to time of the good stuff that helps our communities and the environment, to offer tips on writing etiquette and more. But let's keep this light, fresh and have some fun. 

A little about me - I am the owner and founder of Orrganics. Originally from New York, I now work, live and play in New Hope, Pennsylvania with my husband, our 5 children and 2 dogs.  I started this business after spending years thinking about and designing my own personal stationery and getting much positive feedback.  So here I am, and lucky me as I am having so much fun with all the customers I meet and the designers I get to work with. 

Always looking for fresh thoughts -

-- Jackie