When Elle was six years old I made a promise to her, “For your 10th birthday, I will take you to New York for the National Stationery Show.”

This is the year and this is our time.

Today, bright and early we embarked on our adventure with our first stop in Boston, then #Brimfield and finally NYC!

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We set out, just the three of us.

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flew across the country.

If you ask Elle she will tell you it “took one million hours”

if you ask our pilot he will tell you “seven.”

No matter the time, we arrived all smiles.

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There are so many aspects of this trip that I am looking forward to. I can’t wait to share one-on-one mother daughter time and to introduce Elle to the work I do when I travel to the East Coast.

I hope you’ll join along on our adventure…

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as together we explore the North East, Gracious Girl style!

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I’m having a party and I hope you will join me.

At first I thought about paper invites–because I love them so–but feared I might forget someone. So I decided to let this little birdy share the news…

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You might be wondering, “what’s a twitter party?”

A fair question

Here’s the scoop.

A twitter party is fun conversation typically focused on a topic and is a great way to engage with people/brands. Think of it like a party. A party where you can wear your pjs and no one will know.

In this case the topic is around celebrating the handwritten word. Who doesn’t love a handwritten note?

Ready to get down to the nuts and bolts of the chat?

I suggest using a hashtag tracking system like TweetGrid.

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Pick the 1×2 and login. It will look like this…

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only instead of TheGraciousGirl you will add your twitter handle.  The beauty of this grid is that it allows us to track tweets, easily comment and engage.

Wondering what to say? Don’t worry, I will be there — along with our panel of industry experts– with questions and topics to spark conversation.

All you have to do is jump in! Or should I say, tweet in.

Oh but wait, there’s more! You can also enter to win one of our amazing giveaways:

A Sheaffer ‘Friends of Winter’ three piece pen set or a fabulous Ice London Key Chain and Sheaffer Pen duo set.

Um, hello?!

How to enter? It’s easy, upload a picture to twitter with the hashtag #handwriting or upload them to The Gracious Girl’s facebook page.  The picture just has to be something #handwriting related: stationery, your desk, favorite letter received or letter someone sent long ago that has been passed down.  Anything that reminds you of the handwritten word. Winners will be drawn at random and announced during the party.

So there you have it, it’s easy and simple. However, if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here and listening.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

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DIY your desk II

by Mindy Lockard on April 23, 2013

We’re back with the step-by-step details for our DIY your Desk from last week’s New Day NW Segment.

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If you love DIY, I hope you’ll join me and Sheaffer Pen Today (Tuesday April 23rd) for a #LunchChat (12 PM ET) on twitter for a #SpringCleaning conversation focused on #DIY.

Okay, back to the DIY at hand.


File Holder

Michael’s Craft Store Shopping List:

  • Decorative paper or fabric
  • Spray glue
  • Ribbon

Other supplies

  • Bonus Size Cereal Boxes
  • File Folders
  • Tabs

Steps:

1. Measure and cut two cereal boxes

2. Measure and cut paper or fabric to cover boxes

3. Spray glue on boxes

4. Wrap with paper and glue

5. Fasten together with a ribbon

IRL Pinspiration Board

Michaels Craft Store Shopping List

  • Roll of cork
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • Hot glue gun

Other Supplies

  • Second-hand framed art

Steps

1. Remove art from second-hand frame

2. Measure cork and hot glue

3. Measure ribbon and glue strips to the side and base of board.

4. Tack down the horizontal strips to both sides of the board.

5. Weave the vertical ribbon strips in

Glass Desk Accessories

Michael’s Craft Store Shopping List:

  • Glass
  • Paint

Steps:

1. Wipe down glass

2. Depending on the size of glass add 1 to 1.5 oz of paint.

3. Roll glass around until all of the sides are covered.

4. Let dry upside down on a piece of paper to allow the excess paint to drip down.

Collage Pile of Treasures

Michael’s Craft Store Shopping List:

  • Frames

Other Supplies

  • 1 large desk pile of artwork, letters, mementos

Steps:

1. Organize treasures / artwork / letters into piles.

2. Collage into frames

3. Hang on wall

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Living Graciously Green!

by Mindy Lockard on April 22, 2013

Well it’s Earth Day Gracious Girls and here’s a little food for thought…

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. -Native American Proverb

How will you be more gracious with the earth you are borrowing?

Source: blogs.babble.com via The Gracious Girl on Pinterest

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DIY Your Desk!

by Mindy Lockard on April 18, 2013

Looky what I have.

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A bag o’ {Michaels} goodies!  Goodies that will turn into fabulous Home Office accessories through the power of #DIY.

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Join me on KING 5 New Day NW today (April 18th) where I will share step-by-step how to make these fabulous office accessories!

There’s something about the word accessories that makes my mouth water. Is that normal? I digress.

Back to the segment at hand, I hope our Seattle freiwnds will tune in and if you’re not in Seattle check back tomorrow for the tips here, on The Gracious Girl blog.

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