Sending a good old-fashioned note in the mail is so unusual in this time of e-mailing, instant messaging, texting and online social networking. But I still like to send notes and am particularly fond of the postcard (bonus: no wasteful envelope).

I discovered products from Night Owl Paper Goods at an event with eco-friendly merchants and fell instantly for the postcards made of sustainably harvested yellow birch with sweet and simple designs of birds, flowers and butterflies (pictured). I bought a couple but they sat on my desk, where I admired the designs for a while—then I finally went ahead and framed them. Now I plan to go with my original intention of sending them by buying a few more.