Mail Trivia XIV

Did you know that...

the first mail carried by rail was in United Kingdom in 1830?

Meet Melanie and her cute crafts!

Dear Penpalling & Letters readers,

Welcome to a new post belonging to "The person behind the letter-writer"! Once more, a penpaller has the chance to show us her creations and crafts! Penpalling & Letter's guest this time is Melanie from Germany! Melanie is going to talk about her letter-writing experience, her cute crafts and will be presenting a challenge in her blog: Meli's Letters, Crafts and more!

- Hello Melanie! Welcome to Penpalling & Letters! It is a pleasure you are visiting today and we are very much looking forward to know more about you, your crafts and your letter-world! Would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! I am Melanie, a 29 year-old girl from Germany. I graduated from University last year and I love writing letters and being creative. Writing letters is one of my biggest hobbies for many years now. I think that I wrote my first letter when I was about nine years old. I got my first penpal from a horse magazine called Wendy and the girl was from Germany. But I cannot remember her and I also cannot remember how many letters we wrote. Since that day I am into letter-writing, sometimes more, sometimes less. However, I never really stopped and at the moment I am really into it again. I love letters and I am happy that I met so many nice people through penpalling!
I also like postcards but I only collect USA state map postcards. I am not into Postcrossing anymore but I did it a few years ago and it was always fun. I also like to swap a lot of different stuff although I prefer stationery, crafts stuff and souvenirs. I also like collecting different items: stationery, crafts stuff, state map postcards from the USA, kawaii stuff, key chains from popular places/cities... I am also addicted to stationery and I could say that I have a little store at home!
At the moment I am not really looking for new pen pals but if I meet someone really nice I wouldn't say no! ;)

- Melanie, could you tell us what do you like to create?

At the moment I do a lot of polymer clay stuff like kawaii earrings and similar items which I am trying to sell but I didn't really have much luck yet. I also love scrapbooking and making cards. And I also make purses, too. I'm always open to new crafts!

- How did you get started into handicrafts/papercraft?

I am into crafts since I was a little girl. I often check websites online for new ideas and, at the same time, I am trying a lot of new stuff to do. Guess I was always creative!

- How and where do you get the necessary inspiration to make every item?

Most of the time I get new ideas to create new items online, in craft stores or in craft magazines.

- Which kind of materials do you usually use?

It depends on the different creations. To do my kawaii earrings I just need the polymer clay; to do purses fabrics, buttons, patches; for my cards, scrapbooking materials, rubber stamps, stickers, decorations... And ideas, of course!

- How much time do you invest in every handmade item until it is finished?

I don't really check the time when I work on my crafts. Sometimes I don't finish a specific item that same day so it is hard to say.

- Do you present your creations in an online website where it is possible to check them?

My handcrafts can be visited in my blog: Meli's Letters, Crafts and more or in my Facebook Group: "Cute crafts for you"

- When did you think about starting your own site online?

I had several websites already but I started my blog because my friend has a blog with her creations, too and I really loved how it looked like!

- What can we find when visiting your blog?

I usually write about penpalling and crafts. Also about other different topics sometimes, but most of the time, letters and crafts.

- Do you have favourite items to create yourself?

I really love my kawaii polymer clay creations at the moment!

- Could you explain us how purchasing, payment and shipping work to get any of your items?

First, the client has to pay and then I try to ship the item as cheap as it is possible. I only charge the real shipping costs, not more. Anyone who is interested just contact me.

Melanie is hosting a craft challenge in her blog at the moment, so for further information just check: Craft Challenge 2011 and you will find out everything you have to do to participate there!

Thanks a lot for participating in The person behind the letter-writer! You know you are always welcome to Penpalling & Letters whenever you wish to visit us again!

If you would like to read more posts from "The person behind the letter-writer" section check the links you can find at: The person behind the letter-writer.

If you are interested in being featured in "The person behind the letter-writer" because you have a cute shop, you are crafty and would like to present your creations, you have an ability and would like to tell us about it... contact me at: penpallingandletters[at]gmail[dot]com and we will work it out!

Sandbook Penpalling Magazine Issue 11

A new magazine, the eleventh issue, corresponding to the month of September is online at Sandbook.Net Penpal and Swappers Site! As all the previous issues, it is on digital format and you can download it as a PDF file at the Sandbook.net website: Sandbook Magazine - Issue 11. Have you never heard before about this penpalling magazine? Did you miss any of the previous issues? You still can download them at: Sandbook Magazine Archive.

If you are interested in taking part in future issues of the magazine or the booklet as a guest writer check how to do it in this link: "What to do to participate in Sandbook Magazine".

As in previous occasions, issue number 12 corresponding to the month of October will be online on the 11th October 2011 at: Sandbook.Net Penpal and Swappers Site. Don't miss it! You will be able to read many interesting articles and news on penpalling and other different topics!

Is there something better than receiving a letter?

Sandbook Penpalling Magazine Issue 10

It is August and many people in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying their summer holidays, but the Sandbook Team from Sandbook.Net Penpal and Swappers Site was working hard to release the tenth issue of their penpalling magazine corresponding to the month of August. As all the previous issues, it is on digital format and you can download it as a PDF file at the Sandbook.net website: Sandbook Magazine - Issue 10. Have you never heard before about this penpalling magazine? Did you miss any of the previous issues? You still can download them at: Sandbook Magazine Archive.

If you are interested in taking part in future issues of the magazine or the booklet as a guest writer check how to do it in this link: "What to do to participate in Sandbook Magazine".

As in previous occasions, issue number 11 corresponding to the month of September will be online on the 11th SEptember 2011 at: Sandbook.Net Penpal and Swappers Site. Don't miss it! You will be able to read many interesting articles and news on penpalling and other different topics!

Checking the postal address!

Once you have got in touch with a potential penpal, you exchange postal addresses and already are able to exchange handwritten letters through the postal service! You send yours but it does not arrive... a lost letter? Yes, it is possible, but... have you ever thought about a mistake in the postal address?
Sometimes, either your penpal or yourself might write some data in the postal address which is wrong: the name of the street, the number of the house/flat, the postal code... Those mistakes are enough to prevent a letter to arrive to its destination.

If you are in touch with your penpal through e-mail/social networks, ask her/him to send the postal address again if you cannot understand the handwritten address on the envelope after his/her letter arrived. If you have exchanged addresses through e-mail and still you have problems to understand the postal address because of whatever reason (abbreviations, unknown symbols...) kindly ask your new penpal to tell you what does each word mean. This way you make sure not to mistake when posting a letter to him/her.

Some countries don't use the Latin alphabet, but a different one, so we have the Cyrillic alphabet, Greek alphabet, Thai script, Vietnamese writing system, Hangul/Chosongul - native alphabets of the Korean language, used in South Korea and North Korea, respectively, Japanese writing system, Chinese characters... Even if in most countries the Latin alphabet can be read, it would be useful if you can add the postal address written in the alphabet used in that country. I have noticed it is of help in China, for example, where mail reaches the addressee faster if you use their characters.

Don't forget about postal codes. If you don't have received it with your letter, ask about it again. Maybe there are some countries which don't use postal codes, yet, but usually, a postal code is a must for a letter to arrive together with the name of the country! The postal code is crutial for letters which are going to be sent, and this information together with the name of the country are very important when letters are being processed to be delivered in each national postal service.

So, before posting a letter to your penpal make sure the address is correctly written and there are no mistakes! Of course, you cannot know sometimes. Recently I had a lost postcard because the recipient mistoke a number in the postal code... So, yes, mistakes happen but you can avoid them at the second try if you are careful enough to check the postal address once more!

If you are looking for advice on penpalling check: "Tips on letter writing".

Tasting waffles...

Are you preparing your summer holidays these days if located on the Northern Hemisphere? Perhaps you can do a little stop at Travelling around the World sharing Cultural Heritage, Folklore and Background to be able to land in Western Europe. Three official languages are spoken in this land: Dutch, French and German and it shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. This country takes its name from the ancient Roman province called "Gallia Belgica", in the northernmost part of Gaul that, before Roman invasion, was inhabited by the Belgae. So, this is the name of the country we are visiting today, "Belgica" in Latin or Belgium in English, as we all know!

Hello Kristel and welcome to Penpalling & Letters! It is great you are visiting us today! Maybe you'd like to tell us a bit about yourself and your penpalling experiences?

Hello! I am Kristel, a 37 years old female living in Belgium as you already know! I started penpalling many years ago, about the age of twelve, I guess. In fact, it had been "suggested" by my language teacher to improve our learning of French. Further on, I started to learn English and German and I tried to get in touch with people who spoke those as native languages, too. As this was in pre-Internet times, it wasn't always so easy. Some teenager magazines had a little ad section and it was most successful to put one ad myself, usually. After trying ads, I got to know Friendship Books through my American penpal; I put my name in it and I sent it back to her again, as none of my other pals used it, hehe! Years later I am still into FBs exchange, and I think it is still fun! Through
Internet I have found different penpals who aren't into swapping, but I don't mind. I like those friends, too! I like to decorate my letters. I think it is nicer reading a cute paper than a blank one. My letters are handwritten and typed and I don't mind typed letters from my penpals. In fact, I prefer typed when people have a difficult-to-read handwriting, if you know what I mean. I collect all sorts of cards (viewcards, greeting cards...) and special stamps worldwide. Once I made an account at Postcrossing, but I only used it a few times. Maybe in the future I will be back to it... Sometimes I participate in Swap-Bot: you can find me there as kristel1974. So, you can say, I am first of all into the penpalling thing and I mostly swap things with people, depending on our interests. However, I don't have e-mail penpals, as I do love the spirit of real letters!

And right now I would like to share two recipes with all of you. It is of my favourite sweet snack, which represents my country, too: Belgian Waffles!

The best way to make a basic Belgium waffle recipe is to use yeast. Yeast will make Belgian waffles fluffy, soft and yummy. You could also use baking powder or cake flour but you will get the best result with yeast. If you use yeast, then eat them when they are done - they are not that good the next day.

Tools you'll need to make waffles:

- Iron waffle maker
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Small sauce pan
- Large mixing bowl and spoon
- Heat safe spatula

Ingredients:

- Three 1/4 cups (1 lb. - 500g) all purpose flour
- One sachet (7g) instant dried yeast
- Four medium eggs
- Whole milk (you can also add some sparkling mineral water and make them even fluffier)
- Two sticks (1/2 lb. - 250g) butter
- Vanilla sugar
- Some salt

And now, the directions to do the basic Belgium waffle recipe are:

1. Take a cup of milk and heat it until it is warm. Then mix it in your yeast. You can now leave the yeast standing for a while.

2. In the mean time melt the butter, but stop as soon as it melts. Don't over heat it or even burn it as you will lose the taste.

3. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and beat the egg whites until you get snow.

4. Now take a big giant huge bowl and throw in all the flour, vanilla sugar (one sachet) and some salt. Make a whole in the middle of the flour and fill it with melted butter, dissolved yeast and egg yolk.

5. Mix while you are adding milk (and some mineral water if you want). You should mix it really well so there are no lumps. The question you might ask yourself here it is how dense should the dough be and how much milk to use? It should be thick as you should think they are like pancakes.

6. Gently mix the beaten egg whites into the dough.

7. Leave the dough resting and rise at room temperature for a while. How long? Until the volume of the dough doubles or even triples! That is why a really big bowl is needed. If you are in a hurry then wait for thirty minutes to one hour, but if you can, make the waffle dough in the evening and leave it overnight.

8. Use the oil to grease the waffle iron (which should be very hot) so your waffles don't stick to it and pour the dough in it. Bake until they turn golden brown.

And the basic Belgium waffle is done! Now it is time to put the topping as they are strawberries, chocolate, sugar, honey, syrups, ice cream... whatever you can imagine which fits the waffle. Also decorate it as wished!

The typical Brussels Waffles recipe:

Ingredients:

- One 1/2 oz. of yeast (40 gram)
- One pint of tepid sparkling mineral water (4 dl)
- One lb of flour (500 gram)
- A pinch of salt
- One pint of tepid milk
- Eight eggs
- 1/2 lb of melted butter

The directions to do the Brussels waffles are:

1. Dissolve the yeast in tepid water.

2. Shift the flour into a bowl and make a whole in the middle.

3. Mix the dissolved yeast slowly with the flour, add the salt and the milk.

4. Add the egg yolks.

5. Whisk the egg whites and scoop them carefully with a slice through the tough.

6. Cover the dough and leave it to rise until its volume has doubled (about 15 to 20 minutes).

7. Use the oil to grease the waffle iron (which should be very hot) so your waffles don't stick to it and pour the dough in it.

8. Bake them until they turn golden brown.

They are served with butter and vanillated sugar or powdered sugar. You need a bigger waffle iron for this variant. The light structure is due to the use of sparkling water. As topping you can use any of the elements told above. Also, use your imagination to decorate it!

After so much hard work baking, it is time to enjoy some Belgian Waffles now!

Thanks for participating in Penpalling & Letters, Kristel! Let's try your recipes in our homes to taste the typical Belgian waffles! Whenever you feel like participating again you are welcome to visit us again!

If you are interested in reading more articles featuring characteristics of our homelands don't forget to check: Travelling around the World sharing Cultural Heritage, Folklore and Background.

I am always looking for people who would like to take part in this section of the Blog: Travelling around the World. If you would like to write about any aspects of your homeland don't hesitate to contact me at: penpallingandletters[at]gmail[dot]com and we will work on it!

Mail Trivia XIII

Did you know that...

the first air-mail letter was carried by balloon from England to France in 1785?

Sandbook Penpalling Magazine Issue 9

The ninth issue of the penpalling magazine edited and produced by Sandbook.Net Penpal and Swappers Site corresponding to the month of July is online. It is on digital format and you can download it as a PDF file at the Sandbook.net website: Sandbook Magazine - Issue 9. Have you never heard before about this penpalling magazine? Did you miss any of the previous issues? You still can download them at: Sandbook Magazine Archive.

If you are interested in taking part in future issues of the magazine or the booklet check how to do it in this link: "What to do to participate in Sandbook Magazine".

As in previous occasions, issue number 10 corresponding to the month of August will be online on the 11th August 2011 at: Sandbook.Net Penpal and Swappers Site. Don't miss it! You will be able to read many interesting articles and news on penpalling and other different topics!

Meeting Clava and her handmade work

Welcome everybody to a new interview belonging to "The person behind the letter-writer". Penpalling & Letters today's guest is Clava! Clava will tell us about her experiences in the world of letters and will introduce us to her handmade creations through this interview!

- Hello Clava! Welcome to Penpalling & Letters! It is a pleasure you are visiting us today! We are looking forward to know more about your experiences in the world of letters and your personal abilities! Would you like to present yourself?

Hello everybody! My name is Claudia but most of my friends call me Clava, which is the Russian short of my name. I am 32 years old and I am living in Germany's capital, Berlin. I am married to a Russian for a year now.
I have been writing letters since I was about nine years old. I started writing to a German girl back then. Surprisingly, we are still in touch, only on Facebook, though, but in touch. I also used to be a member of IYS-International Youth Service and have been penpalling with people from all over the world ever since.
Being into letters means that I always try to write my letters on beautiful paper and like to decorate it with stickers and other cute stuff. Even if I am not into Postcrossing myself, I like to receive postcards from where my pals live, just to get an idea about their hometown or country. I also swap FBs although not heavily. With some of my pals I swap stickers or stationery every once in a while. I like collecting single sheets of unused letter paper as well but only beautiful ones, of course!

- Clava, could you tell us what do you like to create? Which abilities in the world of arts & crafts you have?

Lately I am into quilting and patchwork sewing. I like to do creative things in general, though, like playing piano, writing novels...

- How did everything start?

A friend asked me to be the Godmother of her son. I looked around in the babystores and thought there is almost only dull stuff for boys, and so much nice stuff for girls. I really couldn't find anything I liked, so I decided to make a present on my own and sew a baby blanket for him. So, this was the first blanket I sewed and I realized it is a lot of fun. Since then I have sewed nearly every day!

- Which kind of materials do you use?

I usually use cotton fabrics as they are the best for sewing. Other materials like silk or similar ones would be too expensive and also difficult to work with.

- How and where do you inspire yourself to create these wonderful blankets?

I usually see the fabrics and then get an idea of what to do with it. For pillows or patchwork samplers, I create patterns on my own. Since I have started patchwork sewing, I see patchwork-patterns everywhere... Lately we have been to a museum and I was really fascinated by the beautiful wooden floor they had there... I thought I could use the same pattern for a patchwork blanket, which would give an optical illusion.

- Do you build a pattern in your head before getting started or do you work on the item "improvising", just as inspiration comes?

I need to build the pattern in my head before, as otherwise it wouldn't suit when sewing. It is important to calculate everything in detail before in order to cut everything in the exactly same size. Otherwise, the pattern wouldn't work out well. I usually draw the pattern on paper before and write down the exact calculations. One millimeter too much or too less could already spoil it, so it is important to plan it exactly.

- For how long have you been into handmade stuff?

Oh, I have been making stuff on my own very often. It is not the first time I make presents on my own. I have also made other stuff before, like cards, calendars or bookmarks for example. And when I was younger, I sewed teddy bears and doll clothes for my younger sisters.

- How much time do you invest in every item until you finish it?

It is hard to say. It depends on the size and the pattern. When the blanket is small and the pattern not so complicated, I can do it in a few hours. When the pattern is complicated or the blanket is bigger, it might take longer.

- Do you present your creations in an online website where it is possible to check them, Clava?

Unluckily, I don't really have an own homepage, yet but I am working on that. So far I have just published my photos on Facebook.

- Do you have a favourite item/design yourself?

Well, I guess the first blanket for my Godchild will remain as a special one, eventhough I think I could do it more perfect now.

- Would you create a design upon request and wishes of a customer?

Of course! If someone has special imaginations about patterns, colours and so on, I can do everything as the customer wants. I could also add the name of the baby, for example, if wished! No problem about it!

- Could you explain us what do we have to do in order to purchase one of your blankets?

Well, I am not really a professional with it, yet. But if someone is interested in buying a blanket, I would send it with a registered letter, so it cannot be lost. It should be Euro-countries for now, though, as my bank does not cooperate with countries which use another currency. The prizes depend on the pattern, fabric and size of a blanket but, in average, would be something between 30 and 50 Euros.

Thanks a lot for participating in The person behind the letter-writer, Clava! It was a pleasure to work together with you and present to the readers this fantastic handmade work of yours! You know you are always welcome to Penpalling & Letters whenever you wish to visit us again!

If you would like to read more posts from "The person behind the letter-writer" section check the links you can find at: The person behind the letter-writer.

If you are interested in being featured in "The person behind the letter-writer" because you have a cute shop, you are crafty and would like to present your creations, you have an ability and would like to tell us about it... contact me at: penpallingandletters[at]gmail[dot]com and we will work it out!