Owing to its delicate nature, the act of joining pen to parchment cannot be rushed. Slowing down to compose a letter becomes a moment to truly unwind. “Letter-writing is a meditative act,” Nancy says. “It is a private conversation, a special moment between two people.” One of the best-known appreciators of onionskin was Ernest Hemingway. Since he traveled often, it was easy for him to carry, allowing him to write when inspiration struck.
An exchange between sender and receiver is made more intimate when it is handwritten—the ultimate personal touch. “Everyone’s handwriting is so unique, and seeing it on a note is like seeing your friend face-to-face,” Nancy says.
Learn more about stationery in The Complete Engraver (Princeton Architectural Press) by Nancy Sharon Collins. Nancy creates custom monograms for her clients and teaches a class in the etiquette of sending correspondence that focuses on content and composition.
Text Nicole Caston
Photography courtesy of Nancy Sharon Collins
As someone who LOVES to write handwritten letters on custom stationary, this is a real delight to read about onionskin paper! I have only ever used this type of paper for overseas airmail letters from many years ago when the lighter the weight of the letter/envelope- the cheaper the cost of postage.
Today the postage issues are very different but the old-world charm of writing letters could use a real resurgence in our society !
Receiving an email or text these days does not really inspire closeness or intimacy, but the sight of a handwritten envelope awaiting us in the mailbox brings about a feeling of joy and sweet anticipation!
Brandon Hartford
Te Deum Cottage
When I was a young girl my older sister was in college and she would home bring to me the most delicate pastel stationary with tiny roses and it was lightly scented.I was a very romantic child and I truly cherished that stationary.It came in pale pink ,sometimes pastel yellow.I have searched for that stationary but I suppose it is no longer available.I am sure it was onion paper,so lovely,made by Eaton.
Oops,I meant to say “bring home to me”