Where to find penpals and get into mail exchanges

With my blog segment, Good Mail Days, posting somewhat regularly I receive quite a few emails asking how I get such great penpals, or how can one get into snail mailing? So I'm here to answer some of those questions and point those interested in the direction that may be helpful.

Getting Started-
How I started with this whole snail mail hobby was through Instagram. I followed a few people and friends that were coincidentally into mail exchanges and letter writing. Seeing all their posts and interactions appealed to me and seemed like so much fun. It was something that I wanted to get into, so I took the leap and asked if they would be interested in doing a mail exchange with me as well. In the beginning I was such a total "rookie" and didn't really know what to expect or what to send or how to start off my letters, but I just winged it. And luckily, the people I followed and asked agreed and everything just blossomed from there. In time, you'll learn what your penpal likes and discover common interests, so it gets easier and more fun with each exchange.

Helpful Tip-
A little forewarning- Do not take on more penpals than what your schedule can handle. At the time, I had more free time so I was able to keep up with crafting mail packages for 5-7 friends. But as work got busier and more requests started coming in, I noticed that I got a little slower and behind on my responses which wasn't so cool. But in the end it worked out, because the ones that were really wanting to make that genuine connection with me kindly accepted my delay and continue to connect with me 'til this day. Kudos to them, and lucky for me for them being so understanding!

If you have an Instagram account but don't know where to start, try sifting through hashtags such as: #snailmail  #mail  #showandmail  #snailmailrevolution  #stationery  #mailart  #penpal #penpalswanted  #postcard  #postcrossing. I thought I'd also link some inspiring Instagram accounts that may help jump start the search and spark your interest. Here are just a few of the wonderful and creative people you should check out listed in no particular order:

INSTAGRAM:

@bellajstyle                                                 

@dinnisje                                                     

@dispatchedfromindia                                            

@maeday_my                                                                                               

@paperedthoughts                                      

@namastechick                                           

@tea_wanderer

@cloudydaysandletters

@rehanu

@tinasosna
@craftmakesmile
@edelweiss_post

@devoteddiarist
@nycletterwriterssociety
@snailmaillove
@sjwsun
@tiffybutter
@bohemecircus
@merissa_cherie
@thurston_post
@pagesmaker
@papertraildiary
@ritacyc
@yulia_pc

Now, I know this approach may not work for all and for those that don't use Instagram, so there are other resources and ways you can find penpals below:

SITES
Penpal of the Week
Postcrossing
Swap-bot
Mail More Love
Snail Mail Love
Global Penfriends

I hope this information has been somewhat helpful. If you have any questions or curious about anything, feel free to leave a comment below or find me on Instagram @seaweedkisses.

I also feature some of my wonderful snail mail friends and share swaps here. Check these segments out for some crafting ideas!

It's been a year and half now since I started this fun snail mail hobby, and I just love it. There is someone out there for everyone, and when you find people that you can really bond with and share such similar interests, that feeling can be so rewarding. If this is something you think you'd be interested in, meeting new people and exchanging crafty mail, I encourage you to go out and start connecting!

Happy Snail Mailing!