joyoftheseas

Hi everyone!

I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States with my wife and our dog, Franklin. I work at a university, and outside of work I enjoy creative hobbies, exploring interesting things, and attending unusual events (most recently: Ratapalooza).

I'm drawn to the weird, wonderful, whimsical, and unexpected. I love anything that makes me say “oh, interesting!” or gives me something to think about long after I've encountered it. I enjoy learning about things I didn't know existed, discovering other people's passions, and finding little bits of wisdom and wonder in everyday life.

I think happy mail is a lovely way to share those discoveries with one another. It doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. I love the idea of receiving something that introduces me to a new artist, makes me laugh, teaches me something, or sends me down a fascinating rabbit hole.

✨ My Interests

• unusual events, strange places, oddities, curiosities, bizarre facts, and wonderfully niche interests.

• favorite quotes, interesting sayings, proverbs, idioms, thoughtful observations, and words that stick with you.

• printmaking, linocutting, rubber stamps, stationery, paper crafts, and handmade art.

• stories, writing, interesting ideas, and book recommendations.

• mythology, folklore, witchy things, symbolism, magic, and the mysterious.

• UK art and culture, literary and historical motifs, charmingly eccentric aesthetics, and things with a distinctly UK feel.

• art history, classical paintings, interesting artists, and beautiful or unusual illustrations.

• animals, wildlife, plants, landscapes, and the natural world. I love pet-themed things, too!

• whimsical illustrations, quirky designs, playful imagery, and things that are a little difficult to categorize.

• pickleball, paddle boarding, and spending time outdoors.

• learning about people and places: local history, regional traditions, folklore, cultural quirks, and the little details that make somewhere unique.

💌 Happy Mail I Love

I'm happy to receive all sorts of mail, so please treat these as inspiration rather than a checklist!

• Washi tape samples and stationery samples
• Interesting paper, notepaper, ephemera, and collage materials
• Handmade cards, linocut prints, little art pieces, and other handmade treasures
• Postcards featuring local artists, unusual places, regional curiosities, or things unique to where you live
• Magical, mystical, folkloric, fine-art-inspired, British-inspired, whimsical, or surreal designs
• Animal and pet-themed goodies
• Vintage-inspired paper goods and things with a bit of history or character
• Quotes, proverbs, interesting sayings, and little nuggets of wisdom
• Anything quirky, unusual, or delightfully unexpected!

I have plenty of stickers already, but I'm certainly not opposed to receiving more, especially if they're unusual, funny, beautiful, or particularly suited to my interests.

I'm open to lots of different aesthetics, too. You don't have to match my tastes perfectly! I'm always happy to discover a style, artist, or subject I might not have found on my own.

Happy swapping! 💌