Do you receive letters anymore? And I don’t mean bills and junk mail. I am referring to the handwritten letter from family and friends, lovingly composed, slipped into an envelope and popped into a post box. No, I don’t suppose you do, and I expect you rarely put pen to paper yourself. It’s too easy to communicate via email and text. The hand written letter is an endangered species. So I’m writing letters, but, more than just words these will be illustrated with a Ziggy Elf. Would you like to join in this challenge and help me get letters flying around the world? If so, email me your postal address to ziggy dot shortcrust at gmail dot com and I’ll send you an illustrated letter. If you want to reply to the letter that would be fantastic. You can see some of the letters that have already been sent and received here.
What a wonderful project!I love sending and receiving hand written letters, cards and postcards. It’s a shame that nowadays people don’t send them as often. There is really something magical about a hand written letter.
Best of luck with your project! I might send you an e-mail with my address soon! 🙂
It was such a spur of the moment thing to do based on a comment I made on another blog. But it is not an onerous task. I look forward to writing and illustrating the letters when I get home from work. To get through 365 I do need help so I would be delighted to send one to you 🙂
Just wanted to check if you got my e-mail with my postal address… I’d love to get one of your beautiful letters!
Ooh no I don’t have an email from you. And I would love to send you a lettter; ziggy dot shortcrust at gmail dot com 🙂
E-mail sent! Hope you get it this time! 😉
Have a good one!
Got it! x
Hell yes I want a letter from Ziggy. Sent it to: Hansi, America, USA
I bet it would get there too 😉
I would love to participate!^^
You will get an email from me. 😉
Brilliant! 🙂
😀
Oh please can I be part of your project?
I love letters
I would be delighted to send you an illustrated letter. Just email me your postal address and an elf will be on it’s way in a few days.
Oh, I’d love to participate and will gladly pen you a memorable letter back! Being an author, I try to keep the lost art of letter writing alive, too:)
Oh fantastic Laura, I look forward to hearing from you.
I would love to be part of this….miss receiving ‘real’ post so much….sad I may have missed the chance to get a skinny dog though!! Hope you are still looking for people and will email soon.
aalid
Hello Aalid, I would love to send you an illustrated letter. And I’ll make sure there is a skinny dog or two 🙂
Thank You!!!
You know what? I’ve been obsessing lately over the fact that I used to write illustrated letters to certain beloveds all the time. I was a Rapidograph addict, you know. Now I have sophisticated fountain pens. I can’t find my colored inks, though: oh well. Want to send me a letter? I’ll send you my address, and maybe that will get me started writing ’em too, ’cause if I get one from you, then of course…..you know.
fantastic! I’ll look forward to sending you a letter.
Yay! Looking forward to receiving it!
Oh, I do, I do! I love writing and I don’t get many chances to do it
Oooh please join in 🙂
Email sent! 🙂
Received. An illustrated letter will be in the post in a few days 🙂
Thank you! I’ll write back but I can’t promise it’ll be as beautiful as yours 🙂
Wow, that’s a great idea! I’d love to receive a letter aside from those bills and ads I’ve been getting on my mail box. lol XD
I’ve got your email…a letter will be in the post in a few days 🙂
Aww…I can’t wait to receive it! Thanks. I’m quite excited to write back an illustrated letter to you too. It’s gonna be my first letter going overseas. 😀
I’d love a letter in my mailbox. I really only have one penpal but I write many letters to people who don’t write back. I’d love to receive a letter from you. 🙂 I promise I’ll write back, only I’m in no way artistically talented (at least not graphically) so my letter won’t be quite as pretty:)
I’ve received your email Jennie. Thank you so much for helping me with the challenge.
Hey, I love to write letters. It’ll be fun:)
Hey Ziggy, did you receive the e-mail I sent you?
Hello Saskia, I’m afraid I haven’t. But please try again, I’d love to send you a letter; ziggy dot shortcrust at gmail dot com
Hey ziggy!
I have just sent you an e-mail asking to take part in your project, did you receive that?
Yes I have. Looking forward to sending you a letter.
Yeah, and I am looking forward to receive your letter and reply! Will be great fun!
I’m sure everyone is saying you have a wonderful idea, Ziggy, because you do! – Even Christmas cards and birthday cards have been replaced by an email. Isn’t it telling that we will usually take the easy way out even with close friends and and use email to tell them how much we love them instead of a hand written card. Of course, I can always make the excuse to myself that neither they nor the postman will be able to read my writing. What lame excuses I can come up with.
It’s probably a ridiculous idea Paul, but I’m glad you like it. I’m thoroughly enjoying the process, but I’m worried I’m going to run out of ideas for elves to illustrate the letters with.
I still have numerous letters that my brother sent me when I was little…they are wonderful and I miss the physical act of opening letters and reading (and re-reading) them! It’s hard to pull an old e-mail out of the files! Have fun with this project!
Yes, it is the physical, tactile quality of letters that set them apart from their digital cousins.Thank you for offering to take part in the challenge. I’ll send you a letter in a few days.
This is such a wonderful idea! If you are looking for people then I would love to receive one. I have quite the stationary collection and I always keep every letter that comes in the mail!
I would be delighted to send you a letter. And I hope you can put your stationary to good use.
This is such a brilliant idea, and your illustrations are so beautiful! I would love to receive a letter if you still need people to send to, and I would love to write one back.
I definitely need people to write to and would love to send a letter elf your way. Email me your postal address and I’ll pop one in the post.
Hi Ziggy, I don’t have a blog but would love to be part of your challenge. I think the idea of reviving the written letter is wonderful. I am a collector of letters – I have some shoeboxes with letters from my best friend and other childhood friends kept from years ago, and once every few years I enjoy perusing them and having a bit of a chuckle or a nostalgic moment. I have some writing paper that has been sitting in a drawer for too long, and would love to dust it off and reply to your letter when (hopefully) it arrives! I will email you my contact details. I am also a collector of Brian Froud books and love elvish and fairy art. I have two boys 2 and almost 5 who I’m sure would be very excited to see an original picture of yours arrive in the letter box rather than the same old bills. I wish you well on your wonderful endeavour!
Lona
Oh Lona, that is so lovely to hear that you are a collector of letters. I will look forward to sending one your way.
I would love to receive a letter from you! This is such a great idea and I will certainly follow it up with a letter back. I found you through a link from http://winterowls.com/
I would be delighted to send a letter to you. Email me your postal address.
i came here from winter owl’s place, and her post about your letter made me covet one of my own.
i shall send you my address and hope for the best! 🙂
Got your email. And I love your blog 🙂
thank you, and right back at you. 🙂
What a cute project! I’m off to look at the posts about each one!
Do you still have an open spot for one of these wonderful letters?
Absolutely! Email me your postal address. Details in the Illustrated Letters page of the blog.
I received my beautifully elf-illustrated letter, and it was truly thrilling to hold it in my hands, wondering if I remembered how to open a letter that one intends to keep forever and ever. Once safely open, I took a good long time to savor its contents. This is a project that may kick off a worldwide rennaissance of hand-written correspondence, Ziggy!
It is so lovely to get letters isn’t it. Why did we ever stop. I am delighted that the first few letters in reply have been trickleing back to me. It makes waiting for the post a special occasion.
Glad you liked your letter elf Laura. It’s in good hands 😉
Dear Ziggy, are you keeping a photo copy of each letter you send? I think one day you might be glad you did? I love what you are doing. I always felt a bit self conscious of my poor handwriting and guess what? Yesterday I got a book from the library on calligraphy and I plan to improve my handwriting and start writing letters to my elderly relatives while I am still lucky enough to have them to write to. You are inspiring!
That is a lovely idea, and I’m glad to hear you’re using the library. I have a colleague at work who trained as a signwriter and her hand writing is gorgeous. I even keep envelopes from Christmas cards because she makes my name look so beautiful.
I have been keeping record of the letters…..when I remember. So there are a few elves that have escaped.
Hi, I too came here from Winter Owl. I think this is a marvelous idea! I still write letters but these are getting fewer as social media takes a hold on everyone. If you have time for one more I would love one please. Thank you so much for reviving the art of letter writing, beats a bill and junk mail every time.! Cathy X
Thank you for your kind words Cathy. I would be delighted to send you a letter. Email your postal details to ziggy dot shortcrust at gmail dot com
Fish, Pigs and Coffee brought me here… I was hungry! I am in Spain, not the UK (it’s the weather), but I would love one of your letters Ziggy, if there’s room for an airmail sticker on the envelope. I think it’s a great project: with Skype and email and texts and all the rest of the electronic hoo-hah whizzing around the ether, the sad fact is that I have actually NEVER hand-written a letter to anyone. Technology doesn’t always improve the world, does it?
Never sent a letter! Well now’s your chance. I’d be delighted to send an illustrated letter your way. This will be the first letter elf to Spain which is really exciting. Oh, and the weather…I’m jealous. Email me your postal address to ziggy dot shortcrust at gmail dot com 🙂
I think your idea is awesome!! If you have room for one more, I would love to squeeze in 😉
I certainly do have room. just email me your postal address
Thank you so much for the letter, Ziggyshortcrust! I received it today. I shared it with my students. I loved the little yellow dinosaur on the envelope! And the elf in the snow jacket on the letter – very fitting to Wisconsin, as it has been very cold here, too. Seven degrees walking the dog this morning! I really want spring. Watch your mail…thanks again for the gift of art!
I’m so glad it arrived safely.
Hi Ziggy, I was just hoping you have received my letter and goodies in the mail. I sent to you on 30th January. Hope you have received!!!
I did Joyce, and I did reply. Oh, you must think me terribly rude. The bracelet and painting are so beautiful. I’ll be doing a post about all the amazing art I’ve received shortly. Thank you again Joyce x
no worries at all! i know you’ve been busy, i am glad it arrived!
I got your letter Ziggy and I looove my letter Elf. I was inspired to write back to you and also some rels of mine.
Sharon. 🙂
Fabulous 🙂
Once again thank you for the beautiful illustrated letter Ziggy: http://jniggelart.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/happy-blog-anniversary-jniggelart/
You are most welcome.
This is a thoughtful project! I miss getting real mail so much, and I know people don’t have time anymore – but still – it really only takes a few minutes and its so rewarding. My mother used to send me handwritten letters which I have saved and it means so much having them now. I’ll send you one if you can find the time to send my one!
Olivia
Olivia, I’d be delighted to send you a letter. Just email me your postal address and you’ll be on the elf list 🙂
I’d love to get one of your letters. I still try to ‘write’ thank you letters, it seems too easy to text or email and who heard of ‘love emails’ or is that the way these days? Anyway I will email you my postal address and see what happens. Love your illustrations by the way. Wish I could draw like that. Heard of you from nanacathydotcom.
I love this idea – you certainly have set yourself a challenge- and if you have any time and any elves left to send- I would love to receive one-I’m a Cumbrian girl really- but living out in Borneo! I heard about you from nanacathydotcom, but will email my address, with fingers crossed.
Amanda 😉
I’ve got your email request Amanda. A letter elf will be on its way eventually 🙂
Hi Ziggy, did you get my letter yet with the koala on it. ?
Sharon. : )
Yes, it has just recently arrived. Thank you so much. I’m going to do a post featuring all the lovely letters that have plopped onto my welcome mat 🙂
: )
Ziggy!!
I just got your letter… And it is lovely!! Thank you thank you thank you. My letter elf is graceful, colorful and even daring in her fashion choices. We will be great friends 🙂
I will be grabbing pen and paper to write you back 🙂
I’m so glad she arrived safely Rene. I was hoping you would appreciate her fashion sense although, as I recall, she was wearing very little 😉
YES! She arrived today, all beautiful and self-assured and with lots of lovely earrings! I’m so happy with her! Thank you so much Ziggy! I wrote on my blog about it today, here’s the link: http://denthe.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/lyricsgirl-oneliner-and-surprise-from.html. I’ll be writing back! ♥ denthe
So glad she arrived safely.
A brilliant idea. Count me in. I’ll be e-mailing to you soon.
Thank you.I look forward to hearing from you 🙂
I hope I’m not too late to sign up! What a cool idea and I can’t wait to see what I get in the mail! You are so sweet! Thank you!
You are not too late and I would love to send you a letter. Just email me your postal address.
What a wonderful idea!!! I do remember how exciting it was to actually receive a letter in the mail.
Yes I know. It’s been so lovely getting real mail, as opposed to junk, once more.
I sent you an email I hope it’s not to late to get in on this :0)
Never too late 😉
Wow. This is such a nice idea!!! Hope you are having fun.
It is a lot of fun 🙂
Great idea, just read about it on Denthe post. I took part in a postcard swap and that was awesomet getting art from all round the world, so I will definitely be emailing you..
Fabulous 🙂
Best idea I’ve seen in a very long time!! Can’t wait to send one back to you! 🙂
Glad you like it. Have I got your postal address?
OMG, what a brilliant idea, I just love your drawings, I think for me just an envelope with a drawing on would make my day, let alone get a letter as well 🙂 so if you get the time I’d love one 🙂 I’ll email over my address and I promise in return to send one back, however, there will be no pictures, as I can’t draw for love or money. I just love your blog 🙂 thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
Oh my goodness, thank you for your kind words. I would love to send you a letter and I promise I’ll draw on the envelope.
Yep, just email me your postal address.
Hey Ziggy!
Thanks to Jessica Niggle, over at http://jniggelart.wordpress.com, I reached your beautiful work.
What a wonderful thought and initiative. I really wish the era of hand written letters come back. Nothing can beat the personal hug that it gives!
Do you still have time to write me one?
Warm Regards
Sameer
Hello Sameer, I would love to send you your very own letter elf. There’s always time. Email me your postal address 🙂
Grazie! I have sent you an email with my address.
Sorry for the delay in responding, as busy rubbing them in glee at your generosity 😉
Cheers 🙂
Sameer, I’m liking your style. it will be a pleasure sending a letter your way 🙂
Thank you Ziggy! Eagerly waiting for it!
This is really great! I found a link to your blog on Sara’s blog (http://thecreativesoulsara.wordpress.com/).
Wow, what a great challenge!
If you’re not drowning in requests, I’d love to send you my address. And be sure do receive something in return.
(I am constantly working on some mail art, so there’s always something from my desk that wants to see the world ;))
Cheers, Jana
Hello Jana, I would be delighted to send you a letter elf. Just email me your postal address.
How awesome! 🙂
Will email my address… and prepare something for you too.
Lovely, look forward to it 🙂
email sent – it’s getting exciting now 😉
(Is there anything you would NOT like on a card that finds it’s way to your mailbox?!)
Hello Ziggy, I’m Amanda, and I’ve emailed you… if you have too many requests, any chance of you carrying on with this into 2014? 😉
Hello Amanda, yes I’ve received your email and will be delighted to send you a letter.
utterly fantastic! if I ever feel a bit less pushed for time I will email you my address… sadly, not just now!
I am very familiar with “Being pushed for time.” But I would be delighted to send you a letter…when you’re ready 😉
Ziggy, I would dearly LOVE to receive one of your beautifully illustrated, handwritten letters. I have always loved letter-writing. I will email you my address shortly. Thank you for doing this wonderful challenge.
Oh, thank you so much. I would be delighted to send you a letter Serena.
What a wonderful thing to do, hand written letters are always lovely to receive.
They really are. Such a shame we no longer indulge in hand writing letters.
Hi Ziggy, are you still sending letters? I have a couple of people who I would like to give out your site too but I thought I had better check first. Can you believe it? I am having big fun writing and sending things to people. Don’t you wish there was more time? Of course you do. 🙂 I must drop you another letter soon too.
Spread the word by all means. A little piggy has already found me via your good self. So glad to hear that you are still indulging in joys of the handwritten letter.
Awww! That would be Bacon. The nicest little piggie on or off the internet! I am still writing letters and have had a thankyou letter from a lady who just turned 100 and another letter and small gifts from a friend. it is fun and I wouldn’t have thought of it before I saw your post. 🙂
http://gentlestitches.com/2013/07/21/happy-100th-birthday-dorothy/
My sisterand I. still send the. occasional. letter, she writes thirteen to twenty one page long letters, the last one could
not slip under the door and was neatly opened here in mexico, alas she does not send money for the passer by, my email is angieatangelinekyba.com
Good to hear you’re sending letters. But my goodness, over twenty pages long? That’s amazing 🙂