In a world where emails, text messages, and digital communication dominate, there's something truly special about receiving something handwritten through your letterbox.
So how can you take your letter, note or card to the next level? Yep you guessed it, envelope art! Turning a plain envelope into a work of art not only elevates the experience of sending and receiving mail but also provides a canvas for your creativity to flourish.
Envelope art is a delightful fusion of creativity, personal expression, and functional design. It's a way to add a personal touch to your correspondence, whether you're sending a letter, birthday card, a thank-you note, or just a friendly hello. From simple sketches & shapes to intricate illustrations, the possibilities are endless.
So, how do you embark on your journey into the world of envelope art? Let's break it down into simple steps:
- Gather Your Supplies: Envelopes (new or recycled), pens, coloured pencils, watercolours, dip pen & ink, stamps, gold leaf, stickers, washi tape, or any other decorative elements you fancy. You can get some really stunning vintage postage stamps on Etsy, they can’t be used as postage payment however you can get a larger manilla envelope for it to go in or use for things that you might hand deliver.
- Choose Your Theme: Before you start decorating, consider the theme or mood you want to convey. Are you celebrating a special occasion? Sending seasonal greetings? Or perhaps you're simply in the mood for abstract designs. Does the recipient love a certain artist? If so try to add elements to your design inspired by that particular artist. Let your theme guide your creative process. If you need inspiration the best person to go to by far is Lindsey Bugbee aka. The Postman’s Knock as she has lots of envelope art templates that you can try out.
- Design Your Layout: Take a moment to plan your design. Will you cover the entire envelope or just add accents around the edges? Sketch out your ideas lightly in pencil before committing to ink or paint.
- Get Creative: Now comes the fun part – let your creativity flow! Experiment with different techniques and styles. You can incorporate hand-lettering, botanical illustrations, geometric patterns, collage elements, use stamps, mask out areas and paint around the edges. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; embrace imperfection as part of the creative process.
- Add Personal Touches: Make the whole thing truly special by adding lots of personal touches. Write a heartfelt message inside, include a drawing that reflects the recipient's interests, or incorporate inside jokes and memories that only the two of you share.
- Seal with Style: Once your envelope art masterpiece is complete, seal it with style. You can use stickers or opt for decorative wax seals for an extra touch of elegance. If you are sending your item abroad and have a wax seal on it, remember that they use sorting machines & so you may want to pop it in a hardback envelope for a bit of added protection (though I have sent a few abroad and all have arrived perfectly fine).
Envelope art is not just about decoration; it's about spreading a little joy, which I think we can all agree is definitely needed right now. It's a reminder that in our fast-paced world, there's still so much value in taking the time to create something by hand and sending it with care. So whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner looking to explore your creative side, envelope art is a wonderful way to add a little beauty to everyday life. So grab your supplies, unleash your imagination, and let your envelopes become the canvas for your artistic expression.