Envelopes Make for Happy Mail: Mixed Media Mail Art Album
Envelopes
Getting mail has always been a favorite of mine. Even when I was little I competed with my brother to be the first one to the mail box. I had pen pals from all over the world so I received many envelopes with my name on it. One year, while our family was visiting Williamsburg, Virginia, I met a foreign exchange student from Japan that became my pen pal for many years. On my birthday, he sent me flowers and throughout the year he randomly sent me interesting gifts from Japan. It was one of my favorite correspondence. From my other pen pals, I received many postcards that I still have to this day.
But most of my correspondence went to my “cousin” from Virginia. I say cousin with quotation marks because she wasn’t related by blood. But our families were close growing up so we were like family. Her letters were my favorite and as she was several years older than me, I aspired to be like her. Everything about her intrigued me. The first time I visited her apartment I was in awe. She had beaded curtains in her doorway, hand-blown glass flowers in a vase, unusual nick-knacks and bookshelves full of books and their character dolls. Sadly, we no longer correspond due to family commitments but she is still one of the most unique individuals I have ever met. And I treasure the letters that I still have from her.
Creating the Journal Cover
I created this journal for the Mixed Media and Art challenge. I started off by cutting lightweight chipboard to cover my mailing envelopes. I then covered the chipboard with a brown grocery bag. I stenciled the Chinese Garden Plum Blossoms in the background before embossing in gold. I used various shades of brown paint in the background.
I also stenciled the Boho Mandala Circle, sprayed it with Lindy’s and clear embossed it.
The stamps are by PaperArtsy. I used vintage lace and thread to embellish. I used Peach Chinese characters washi tape for the spine.
And for the finishing touches, I used a TH paper doll.
Tea Day
For tea day, I am sharing my newest tea from my favorite cousin. When I was sick a few days ago she sent me this yummy tea in the mail. I love drinking this in the morning on my way to the bus stop as tea bags are quick. I am playing along with the ladies at tea day over at Elizabeth and Bleubeard‘s.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate
Your decorated envelope is gorgeous. I LOVE that washi tape. Never seen any like it before. I always LOVE your layers. Your images simply pop off the page.
OMGosh.. I had NO idea you could drink turmeric.I’m glad you shared this with us and it is also a green tea, too. Thanks for sharing your incredible art and your tea with us for T this Tuesday, dear Kate.
Your art-journal cover is fabulous! Enjoy your tea, happy T Day, Valerie
OMG what a stunning piece of Mail art Kate! Simply wonderful! Your style is precious!
Oh this tea sounds really healthy and delicious! Nice of your cousin!
Happy T-Day! Susi
This is a fabulous journal project., the details looks amazing , I love the vintage colours and textures.
It is good to get letters, sadly these days it is quicker to phone or to use emails which also lessens the risk of letters going missing in the post.
Your choice o spicy f tea today sounds lovely.
Happy T day wishes Kate.
Yvonne xx
Wow. You sure had a super penpal from Japan. I still love mail also. ANd that is a cool cover for your new journal. Happy T day. Hugs-Erika
Wow, such beautiful makes! Your tea looks delicious too and as soon as I saw it I thought it would be great to get rid of a cold …lol 😉. Glad you are feeling better and wishing you a Happy T Day! J 😊 x
Good morning, I love mail too-always have. that was awesome to have pen pals growing up. i should look into the post card exchange that is happening now-always enjoy seeing your newest art-love the textures you get on them hugs Happy T Kathy
Love the old-fashioned look of the cover. So much depth. Bet your tea smells heavenly. Happy T Day
Like you I love mail art and pen pals and just recently have started some wonderful exchanges with new pen pals. I absolutely LOVE your envelope, that Japanese paper on the spine looks wonderful!! What I don’t totally understand is what you are going to do with the album? Just store envelopes from pen pals you have received?
Your tea is lovely, I know, because I have some too :o)
Hi Astrid. I am still deciding what to do with the album. I have since punched holes to add signatures so perhaps an art journal? We will see. 😀
Turmeric tea? I never knew! Happy T Tuesday 🙂
Love these gorgeous textured neutrals – there’s so much depth to this mail art – beautiful.
Alison x
It is so nice to receive a handwritten letter in the mail. I used to correspond with penpals from around the world when I was younger, too, and I still have one in England I still write to. We exchange letters and Christmas cards and calendars at Christmas time. My mother used to correspond with her mother, so there is a long connection, although we have never met.
Your journal cover is lovely! I love the gold touches, and the vintage lace and thread embellishments.
Gorgeous, Kate! I used to write a lot of letters when we were first married and moved far away from my family and friends. I was sooo homesick.
In 2009 I started swapping mail art and continue to this day. I have two volume of beautiful mail art postcards and ATCs. This is happy mail unlike my first mail splurge 😉
Happy T-day! Hugs, Eileen
Love the TH paper dolls on your envelope journal. That is a great story you shared about your cousin. Happy TSFT!
Your journal cover looks fabulous! I love writing letters (and receiving them of course) although I don’t write as many as I used to! My hubby likes Turmeric lattes! Happy T Day! Chrisx
Ooohh!! I love your journal cover Kate!! Love the rich, earthy colours and the textures are to die for!! A beautiful place for your precious correspondence!! Gosh! Would never have dreamed you could get Turmeric tea! Amazing!! hugs xx
This is a fantastique Art journal cover !! What lovely details!! wonderful colours too.
I also love mails, more than e.mails 🙂
I wish you a very nice weekend, big hugs, Caty
Wow This is gorgeous Kate! beautiful design for this mail art!
I think you should reconnect with your old penpal and send her one of your stunning mailart pieces!
Jackie xo