Looking for tips... making envelopes

Hello everyone,

I've been busy with work and school, but I'm also (slowly) catching up on my mail pile!  As I was responding to one of my pen pals yesterday (shout out to Meg!) I was thinking about making envelopes.  As some of you may know, I don't usually make my own envelopes.  Occasionally I use bags from Starbucks, but I've only ever made one envelope.  It arrived at its destination safely, but I covered it in tape just to be sure. 

So, the question is... what are your tips for making envelopes?  Is it just about practicing? 

I was looking online, and Paper Source has templates that look useful.. I also remember seeing a wooden one somewhere online, but I'm not sure where. 

For the one and only envelope I made, I just unfolded an envelope I already had, and traced around that.  Of course, it was sort of sloppy and then I wasn't too successful at folding the sides over.  Perhaps lesson #1 is to use a ruler? 

Any tips and tricks are appreciated.  I'm hoping to make some fun envelopes for the holidays - time to start practicing!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and happy crafting!

~ Anne

Mail Me Some Art

I wanted to share with everyone a totally cool mail art project called mail me some art!!

I missed out on the monochromatic postcard swap, but I'm hoping to finish my kitchen postcard in time to send it out in tomorrow's mail. 

The hostess with the mostess (aka Karen) recently posted about what she calls "the method to my madness".  It's amazing how much work goes into this!

Even if you aren't going to participate, I think it's worth checking out the site just to see the awesome mail art that people are creating. 

~ Anne

Recent Projects

Since I'm not very good at posting my outgoing mail on a regular basis, I figured I would just periodically post pictures of some of my favorites.

Here are a few recent projects of mine:

I lovelovelove the marshmallow rice krispie treats that they sell at the Starbucks at work.  Each time I buy one I get it in one of these paper bags.  Now they are being reused as envelopes!  Hope my letters don't come out sticky :)

envelopes from Starbucks bags

postcard from starburst wrappers

Using one of the paint chips I got as an address label:

~Anne

Question: Mailing Preferences

Hello everyone,

I have another* mail-related question for my fellow postal enthusiasts. 

When you send a letter to a pen pal, do you usually write long or short letters?  Are you consistent?  Do you have a preference for which type you receive?

I started to wonder about this when I heard about someone feeling disappointed when a pen pal responded to their long and lovingly-written letter with a short note. 

For those of you who love mail art, do you hope to receive back mail art of equal quality?  (Is there such a thing as low-quality mail art??) I will admit to feeling intimidated by the creativity of some fellow mail artists, but for me it's more about the joy of creating something and sending out into the world, thinking about all of the systems at work that help it reach its destination. And I'm always thrilled when someone decides to write back.  Maybe I will get over that excitement, but I doubt it.

I'm curious to know what you think about this topic.  Please share! :)


*Previous mail-related questions can be found here.

~ Anne