T he month of May is chalk-full of birthdays of people I love – coupled with Mother’s Day and thank you notes/hello-I-think-you’re-great notes, this means that I got to say “yo” to the friendly postal workers more than once. (Here is Part I of mail art for last month in case you missed it.)

My best friend from college, Rochelle, has a birthday in May – she used to be a competitive synchronized swimmer, so the second I spotted this card from Rifle Paper Co., I had visions of framing it for her.

I added a watercolor mat in order to fill in the frame, then wrapped it in kraft paper – my favorite.

Since we were in the process of moving, it was time to take down my Anthropologie-inspired installation of gold foil stickers on string – but instead of throwing them away, I decided to give them a second life wrapped around the present. I like how it turned out! (The wrapping paper was recycled from when I dyed clothespins.)

Then I popped it in a USPS box. Little guys wearing sunglasses are always a welcome addition to any package…

My soul twin, Lauren, who taught down in New Orleans with me, also had a May birthday. She’s been living in the Bay Area this year but will be moving soon. In order to properly commemorate her time there, I found this adorable little DIY embroidery kit of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Then I wrapped it up and – of course – it got some gold foil dot treatment as well.

Into a package it went!

Complete with a birthday warning on the side instructing her to wait to open it…

Those stickers are from Japan. I’m obsessed.

My dad’s birthday was in May – and Father’s Day is today (HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, DAD! Wow am I ever grateful for you and the inspiring, centered, generous way you live your life.). My dad is a masterful gardener and has an eye for cooking gorgeous meals. From the moment I laid eyes on this recipe book called The Forest Feast, I knew he would love it. You should definitely run to your nearest book store and look through all the beautiful pages in person…but in the meantime, here’s how I wrapped it up:

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Black wrapping paper with chalk pens is one of my new favorite tricks.

I sent out a letter to my pen pal and college friend, Michelle. We’ve been exchanging letters for 6 years and she’s faithful about it even when I drop the ball. Michelle, I’m your biggest fan!

A letter to my in-laws whom I adore:

And to my family back home (whom I obviously adore as well!):

It’s a privilege to be able to send love through the mail. One of the best things in life!