Scribbling Glue’s Guide to USPS Postal Rates
January 26, 2013 § 14 Comments
One of the fun little takeaways that I made for December’s Letter Writing Social was a postal rate sheet. I figured that people who aren’t currently avid letter writers might like a handy reference to help sort out the mysteries of proper postage. Since we were making envelopes that weren’t standard sizes, it was especially helpful to have a quick guide to double-check how much postage a particular mailpiece was going to need.
To my delight, the Letter Writers Alliance later featured a photo of my rate sheet as one of their Letter Writing Days of December posts. I got some lovely feedback, which encouraged me to follow through and create a revised version to reflect the 2013 rate changes.
And now–ta-da!–just in time for the changes that go into effect tomorrow, here it is!
I enjoy writing things out by hand and I do a fair amount of computer-based design layout for posters and brochures at work, but the combination of creating by hand and designing a layout placed me outside of the realm where things come easily. I’m so accustomed to (and spoiled by) being able to tweak, align, re-size, and move elements on a whim. This project required making rough drafts and marshaling my spacial reasoning skills. In short, it was an excellent challenge for my brain. I am pleased with the end result since this is only the second time that I’ve attempted designing something along these lines, but my eraser definitely got a good workout along the way!
If you are so inclined–and I do hope you are–you are welcome to download a copy.
Sweet! Printed out. Ready to go. Must write letter(s).
If you’re feeling really motivated to write, A Month of Letters is starting on Friday. I’m going to give it a go. I’ve printed out the LetterMo calendar and am plotting out who I’ll write to each day.
Crap! I forgot to buy stamps before the rate hike. Oh well…
Well, you still have time to buy them before the next rate hike. ;) And there are a lot of neat new designs to be had this year! I really love the Emancipation Proclamation one that came out a few weeks ago and the new apple postcard stamps are just my style.
Oh, thanks! That’s nine kinds of helpful and wonderful. :)
Nine kinds of helpful and wonderful?! Wow. I’ve outdone myself. ;) So glad you like it!
I adore this! Keep up the awesomeness Annie!
Hooray! It’s encouraging to know I’ve achieved awesomeness. :)
Awesome!
Thanks!
Love your artwork! So much prettier than looking up this info on the usps website. Thank you!
Thank you, karenm! I’m so glad to know that other people are finding it useful (and flattered to have it deemed “pretty”).
This has been on my desk since you released it. It would be great if you would do an update! Thanks
How great to hear you’ve gotten so much use out of this. I created the original for a letter writing social, but I’ll revisit the idea at your request. Thanks for the inspiration!