They say it is the thought that counts. When it comes to expressing feelings and love, nothing quite beats a handmade letter. It is personal, intentional, and meant to be kept, tucked between pages or inside drawers for years. But in an age of instant messages and disappearing stories, is letter writing still a thing?

Surprisingly, yes. The Pinterest 2026 forecast even points to a coming letter-writing renaissance, predicting a return to artistic, thoughtfully designed handwritten notes arriving in mailboxes. But what is the real benefit of writing handwritten love letters? An article from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill notes that handwritten letters can make someone feel valued, loved, and respected. After all, putting pen to paper takes time and effort, and that alone signals how much the recipient means to the sender. When this kind of effort is nurtured, it can deepen bonds and lead to more intimate relationships.

Locally, the practice is quietly thriving through growing communities of journalers and creatives. One of them is the Weekend Watercolor Community, a space where emotions meet paper, color, and ink.

Founded by artist and educator Vergel Gregorio, the Weekend Watercolor Community introduces watercolor love letters as a gentle entry point for beginners who may feel intimidated by both writing and painting. According to Vergel, the idea started not with technique, but with feeling.

“The Weekend Watercolor Community began making watercolor love cards as a gentle way to help people paint without fear, starting with motivations and emotions before technique,” he tells Manila Bulletin. “By pairing simple writing with loose watercolor washes, beginners could express something personal while naturally learning the basics.”

This approach removes the pressure often associated with art. Instead of worrying about perfect strokes or elegant lettering, participants are encouraged to focus on what they want to say. “It works as an entry point because it removes pressure, builds confidence quickly, and turns mistakes into part of the meaning,” he adds.

For young people curious about trying watercolor love letters for the first time, the barrier to entry is refreshingly low. You do not need a fully stocked art studio to begin. “They only need a few simple and beginner-friendly materials,” Vergel explains. He suggests starting with an Anko Watercolour Paint Set paired with an Anko Watercolour Artist Pad in A3 or A4. For those who want a ready-made option, the Anko Watercolour Greetings Card Art Kit offers cards, envelopes, paints, brushes, and guides in one box.

Perhaps the most reassuring part of the process is that no formal background is required. “No, beginners don’t need any background in art or calligraphy,” he says. “The focus is on expression rather than technique, so simple handwriting and loose brushstrokes are more than enough.”

Imperfections, he notes, are not flaws but features. Uneven letters, bleeding colors, and awkward spacing often add sincerity to the message. “Because the words lead and the watercolor supports them, anyone can start right away without prior training, pressure, or fear of doing it wrong.”

For those who still feel intimidated, Gregorio recommends easing into the practice through play. “A good first step is to play with water and color only, make simple washes, let colors bleed, and watch what happens without trying to create an image,” he says. Another exercise is to write a single word or short line and add color around it, using paint as atmosphere rather than decoration.

When it comes to translating feelings into words and visuals, intuition is key. “Write first in your natural handwriting, then let color respond to the words instead of trying to design around them,” he says. Letting go of rigid composition helps beginners trust their instincts and stay present in the moment.

Mistakes, of course, are part of the process. Common ones include using too much water, chasing perfection, or stressing over messy handwriting. “Even loose, uneven letters or washes can be beautiful,” Vergel says. “Turning mistakes into part of the charm makes the process more forgiving and enjoyable.”

To turn watercolor love letters into a lasting habit, he emphasizes consistency over perfection. “Start small, just a few minutes a day or one short letter a week,” he suggests. Keeping materials within reach and treating the practice as a personal ritual helps it grow into something meaningful.

In a fast-paced digital world, watercolor love letters offer a quiet pause. They remind us that sometimes, the most powerful expressions of love are written slowly, by hand, with room for color to wander.

The Weekend Watercolor Community holds weekend classes and is a growing group both online and offline. To join their sessions, check their official Instagram account.