What We Heart

Doodlespark Note Cards

by Char Vandermeer

$20 for a set of eight note cards and envelopes, at Linu Boutique (1034 Pine St., 215-238-0747, linuboutique.com) and Arcadia Boutique (819 N. Second St., 215-667-8099), welcometoloop.com

Intricate doodles line the edges of my grad school notes. In fact, I take great pride in my artistic endeavors and liked to think I was a pretty top-notch scrawler. Then I stumbled upon Doodlespark note cards. Dammit, I can't even scribble my way through that theory class anymore.

Doodlespark is the brainchild of mother-and-daughter duo Christine Brown and Elissa Brown Barbieri. Their unique version of the weekly college phone call encouraged the two artists to get creative while keeping in touch. Mailed back and forth over a period of many years, the dreamlike lines, colors and swirls speak of seasons, love and life. Enjoy the simple thrill of writing a letter. Show someone you're thinking of them. Heck, start your own creative correspondence. They're printed on recycled paper with soy ink, so no excuses for you.