National Handwriting Day - A revist AND contest!

A revisit and contest.  Are you up to it?

National Handwriting Day was first established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) as a way to promote the importance of handwriting and the benefits it has for individuals and society as a whole. The day was chosen to coincide with the birthday of John Hancock, the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence. His signature is considered to be one of the most famous and recognizable handwriting examples in history.

The idea behind National Handwriting Day is to encourage people to take the time to improve their handwriting skills, to appreciate the beauty and artistry of handwriting, and to recognize the importance of handwriting in our daily lives. Handwriting is an important skill for communication, education, and personal expression. It's also an essential part of our cultural heritage.

Over the years, National Handwriting Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated by schools, libraries, and other organizations all over the country. Many events and contests are organized on this day to showcase the talents of individuals with exceptional handwriting, and to encourage others to improve their own handwriting skills.

In recent years, with the rise of digital technologies, handwriting has become less common, and the National Handwriting Day is more important than ever to keep this traditional skill alive. The day is a reminder of the importance of handwriting, not only as a means of communication but also as a form of self-expression and personal development.

In summary, National Handwriting Day is a celebration of the art and importance of handwriting, which was first established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) on the birthday of John Hancock, the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence, who's signature is one of the most famous and recognizable handwriting examples in history. It is an annual event to encourage people to take the time to improve their handwriting skills, to appreciate the beauty and artistry of handwriting and to recognize the importance of handwriting in our daily lives.

How to participate in National Handwriting Day

One way to participate in National Handwriting Day is to take part in handwriting contests or events that are organized on this day. These events are a great way to showcase your handwriting skills and to learn from others who have exceptional handwriting. You can also participate in handwriting challenges or workshops that are organized by schools, libraries, or other organizations on this day.

Another way to be a part of National Handwriting Day is to take the time to improve your own handwriting. Using a fountain pen can be a great way to improve your handwriting as it allows for a more controlled and precise writing experience. When using a fountain pen, it is important to hold the pen at the correct angle and to use the right amount of pressure to create smooth, consistent lines.

It is also important to practice regularly to improve your handwriting. You can start by writing simple words and sentences and then gradually increase the complexity of your writing as your skills improve. You can also try different writing exercises such as writing with your non-dominant hand or writing with your eyes closed to help improve your dexterity and control.

In addition to practicing and using a fountain pen, it's also important to pay attention to your posture and ergonomics when writing. Sitting up straight and holding your pen at the correct angle can help to reduce strain and fatigue while writing, which in turn will improve your handwriting.

In conclusion, National Handwriting Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of handwriting and to improve your own handwriting skills. By participating in events and contests, practicing regularly, using a fountain pen, paying attention to posture and ergonomics, and being mindful of the way you write, you can make a significant improvement in your handwriting.

CONTEST FOR NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY

National Handwriting Day is a great opportunity to showcase your handwriting skills and to win a prize for your efforts. In honor of this special day, PEN BOUTIQUE is hosting a handwriting contest where participants are asked to write a letter to PEN BOUTIQUE and submit it for a chance to win a prize.

To enter the contest, participants are asked to write a letter to PEN BOUTIQUE, 5560 Sterrett place, #101 Columbia MD 21044,  expressing why they believe their handwriting is worthy of recognition or how you are working on improving your handwriting. The letter should be written on a standard 8.5x11 inch sheet of paper and must be written using a fountain pen. 

The letter can be about anything the writer wants, but it should be original and should showcase their handwriting skills. Handwriting need not be really be fancy but this is just a fun experiment and get you going! The best handwriting will be selected by a panel of judges and the winner will receive a Sheaffer fountain pen set and a Rhodia A5 notebook, perfect for writing and keeping track of all your thoughts and ideas.

Here is an example of a letter that could be submitted for the contest:

"Dear PEN BOUTIQUE,

I am writing to express my love for handwriting and my belief that my handwriting is worthy of recognition. I have always been fascinated by the art of handwriting and have spent countless hours practicing and perfecting my skills.

I have found that using a fountain pen allows me to create smooth, consistent lines and a more controlled writing experience. I am particularly fond of the Sheaffer fountain pen and use it whenever I have the opportunity.

I believe that handwriting is an important skill for communication and personal expression, and I am proud of the time and effort I have put into honing my skills. I would be honored to be recognized for my handwriting and would be thrilled to win the Sheaffer fountain pen set and Rhodia A5 notebook from PEN BOUTIQUE.

Thank you for considering my entry.

Sincerely, [Your Name]"

The contest deadline is January 31st, National Handwriting Day, so be sure to submit your letter before that date to be considered for the prize. So grab your fountain pen, a piece of paper, and start writing your letter to PEN BOUTIQUE. Show off your handwriting skills and who knows, you might be the winner of the Sheaffer fountain pen set and Rhodia A5 notebook. Winner will be notified by Feb 10th.  

thank you

-Leena. 

  Something to remember:

Handwriting doesn't have to be fancy to be beautiful or legible. I mean even I am working on my handwriting. The main goal is to be able to communicate and express yourself through writing. A handwriting contest like the one I described earlier is just a fun way to showcase your skills and to maybe win a prize, but it's not a measure of how good your handwriting is. It is just a process for us to get started. 

It's also important to remember that handwriting is a personal thing, and everyone's handwriting is unique. The key to improving your handwriting is to practice regularly and to find a writing instrument and style that works for you.

Using a fountain pen can be a great way to improve your handwriting, as it allows for a more controlled and precise writing experience. But it's not the only way. You can also improve your handwriting by practicing with different pens, pencils, or even a stylus on a tablet.

It's also worth noting that there are many people who have a hard time with handwriting, whether due to a physical condition or a learning disability, and that's okay.

In conclusion, a handwriting contest is just a fun experiment and a way to get you motivated to improve your handwriting, but don't put too much pressure on yourself to have the most fancy handwriting. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and to find a way to express yourself through writing.

WINNERS:

Congratulations to the grand prize winner of our Handwriting Day Contest, Suzanne M. from Columbia, SC!!! We received so many great letters, it was extremely hard to choose a winner, but Suzanne’s topped them all! Our runner-ups are Bill B. from Kenner, LA and Pamela M. from Charlotte, NC.
Laura also chose seven honorable mentions:
Most Beautiful Letter: Diana T., Huntington, MD
Fanciest Handwriting: Kathleen F., Rockville MD
Friendliest Letter: Stacy S., Seattle WA
Best Drawing: Terry J., Baltimore, MD
Most Beautiful Handwriting: Dan M., Sioux Falls, SD
Most Interesting Letter: Luis E., Marietta, GA
Most Delightful ink/stationery/writing combo: Marissa B., Los Angeles, CA
If you are a winner, please e-mail (Laura) at laura.p @ penboutique.com or call at 401-992-3272. All winners will receive a 10% coupon code for their next purchase, and the grand prize winner will receive a Sheaffer fountain pen set and Rhodia A5 notebook!