The Patterns of Friendship: Mixed Media Mail Art
Patterns of Friendship
The different patterns on this envelope remind me of friendship. No two people are alike. We each have our own patterns and certain people/patterns compliment each other more than others.
This weekend, I made this piece of mail art as I was writing a note to my cousin. We recently started becoming pen pals even though we see each other every 2 weeks. I have been a part of her family, through marriage, for almost 12 years now but I never really got to know her. An hour or two at family gatherings once a year didn’t leave much time for in depth conversation. Besides, most of that time was spent reigning in our children, talking about mommy exhaustion and our ever expanding post-postpartum waist lines. Finding a friendship that was right under my nose all these years was so refreshing. And since we are family, she can’t get rid of me anytime soon (evil laugh). Sometimes, these are the friendships that last a lifetime. In my case, I hope so.
Do you have any friendships that were discovered long after you met that person?
Creating The Mail Art
I started with a plain white business envelope and spread some Fresco Finish Green Patina paint. I added a few pieces of washi tape. Using the StencilGirl Decorative 6-Petal Flower Screen I stenciled with Black Soot Distress Ink all over the background. I spritzed a few areas with water to run the ink and then dried it. Using the Black Soot Distress ink again and the StencilGirl Art Deco Borders, I stenciled right in the middle of the envelope and then applied yellow embossing powder while the ink was still wet. Don’t you just love the bold yellow?!
To spruce it up a bit I added some other paint colors, sprays and white dots. And of course Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. I just love these two guys!
Happy Tea Day! I am playing along with Elizabeth today.
Kate
Challenges Entered:
A Bit More Time to Craft: Anything Goes
A Inky Mess: Anything Mixed Media
Frilly and Funkie: Trick or Treat (Treat- a letter hidden inside)
Altered Eclectics: Mixed Media
I simply can’t believe how much work you put into that envelope. It shows the love you have for your art and the love you have for your cousin. Finding you have so much in common must be a wonderful thing, because many times mixed media artist feel no one gets them. And the symbolism of Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee suggests your closeness, too.
Even though it appears to be raining where you are, the view out your window is breathtaking. I see that autumn has truly visited you and your area. What a fabulous spot to sit and enjoy a spot of tea and contemplate the beauty of your home and surroundings.
Thanks for sharing this elaborate envelope and your tea with us for T this Tuesday.
What amazing mail art! Wonderful to have such a lovely friendship!
Happy T-Day dear Kate – a beautiful view out of your window!
oxo Susi
Your mail art is wonderful, and I am sure the recipient will treasure it. True friendship is a very valuable thing. Happy T Day, hugs, Valerie
So wonderful to have a friend like that and in the family too! She will love your mail art, just as I do!
I’m going to link you, Kate.
I love the design of your mail art, and yes! that yellow! 🙂 I embiggened your view, and that autumnal scene would inspire to spend a lot of time in that spot. Happy T Tuesday
Good morning, I really like your mail art so fun friendships are hard to find I think we all need to make a better effort-I know I am really bad at that-I applaud the both of you hugs Happy T Day Kathy
the colors and texture on the envelope are gorgeous. And The Tweedles made me smile. You have a pretty view outside your window, too. Happy T Day!
Your art was beautiful by itself but made a little more special with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Happy T day. Hugs-Erika
Wow, what amazing happy mail you created! The colours are glorious and I’m sure your cousin will love it 😁. Wishing you a very Happy T Day! J 😊
Finding a friendship that was right under your nose – what a lovely way to put it. The envelope is gorgeous, Kate. Bold yellow? I thought it was gold, but yes, it really pops the design. The juxtaposition of Tweedledum and Tweedldee on such an elegant background made me smile. That was another bold touch.
Happy T-day! Hugs, Eileen
Beautiful mail art, so many layers of images and detail, this will be treasured.
It is wonderful to have a family member who is a close friend as well.
Happy T day wishes.
Yvonne
a lovely story about your friendship. Your mail art is fabulous-and I love the Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum boys!! Happy T day!
Kate just think of how many people you made smile along the way as your mail makes its way to your cousin… Just beautiful! Happy T day! Hugs! deb
your bright colored mail art is really cheering up!
happy t-day!
What fabulous mail art for your cousin! I know exactly what you mean as my ex sister in law and I are now the very best of friends! When I was married to her brother we hardly saw or spoke to each other but by the time I married again we got on so well that she and her hubby came to our wedding! We see them occasionally when they come over from France for a family gathering (her children are all parents now and all three live in Devon) Best of all though is when we go to stay with them – we always say it’s not long enough and they are always asking us to come every year – we usually try to make it every two years with an occasional meet up somewhere for a few days when we can! Your Autumn view looks great! Belated Happy T day! Chrisx
Fantastic beautiful colors! I love how it looks like a batik print and the fun and funky little twins! Beautiful mail art and I bet she looks forward to your mail! Thanks for playing along with us at Frilly and Funkie Trick or Treat Challenge!
Fun post and a fun envelope. The envelope is great, colorful batik with humor. Certainly fun mail! Penpal exchanges are a fantastic way to share art and connect. Wishing you a happy T(hurs)day.
WOW! I adore your mail art envy!!!!
Thank you for the beautiful T-day comments. If your interested in trying Bible art journaling check out You Tube and Pinetrest…..so much inspiration to get you going.
Belated T-day wishes
Such an awesome pattern and great color combination. Love these two and your fun design. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Frilly & Funkie. Hugs, Autumn
Your mail art is stunning Kate! Thanks for sharing how you did it.
Happy T-Day!
Alison
What a delicious piece of mailart – it must be a joy to receive something like this in the post (and nice for the post-person too!).
Alison x
Wow, that is really Stunning mail art! Love the results…
Thank you for sharing your beautiful mailart with us at Altered Eclectics, I love it.
xxx Hazel.