show and mail

incoming: steph d

Incoming, Mail, Mail Art

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The majority of my pen pals are letter writing pals but Steph fits in a different category: mail art pal. I think she’s the only one (hmph! I need more). I received this amazing package awhile ago but it’s too good not to share. Steph has serious style. Like I-wish-I-could-be-her-style. Ok, maybe not that creepy. Specifically, her use of neon paints and bright colors is fantastic! She pulls everything together flawlessly. I don’t know how she does it! If you’re looking for eye-candy or inspiration, I definitely suggest giving her instagram a peek.

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I can only imagine what her collection of images, ephemera, bits and bobs, scraps, and art supplies looks like. The various peeks she shares on instagram look overwhelming in the best way possible. Steph always sends a really great selection of papers and images. It’s always a treat getting mail from her!

Outgoing

Mail, Outgoing

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This is a letter I sent to another person I met at the Portland Correspondence Co-op, Leslie. I didn’t get a chance to talk to her for too long but she gave me one of her artistamps. In return, she received some mail art from me!

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I wasn’t too sure of her mail art style so I included some staples of mine in the envelope. I feel like she was more into the rubber stamping mail art style, and not so big on collage so I didn’t want to send too many images!

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Outgoing

Mail, Mail Art, Outgoing

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I have been having so much fun putting together mail lately. I’ve made a point to take more time to dedicate to the whole process, and not just taking the time to write a letter or make a collage. I think it’s been super helpful using paints to create my envelopes and stationery because I can get a lot done at once and it leaves me more time to find bits and pieces I think the recipient might enjoy!

Another really lovely thing about including all sorts of ephemera in the envelope is getting rid of my stash. I tried organizing my paper bits last weekend and it was such a disaster. I just have too much stuff and most of it has been in my stash for over 3 years. It’s absurd! How long can you hold on to something until you realize you need to give it away?

In other news, I’m slowly falling behind in replies! (and I keep getting more pen pals because I can’t stop) 🙂

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Mail Artist Spotlight: Cara G

Mail, Mail Artist Spotlight

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I receive a lot of amazing things in my mailbox almost daily. I thought it would be nice to feature some beautiful mail art here and there.

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Cara is a cool lady from New Jersey. I think we met through the blogsphere. If I recall correctly, she sent me the first letter (because I’m really bad at randomly sending letters to people these days). However we met, I’m happy that I get letter from her in my mailbox!

She has a funky style that I love! Cara’s address labels never fail to cheer me up – look at the hipster kitty cat face. There are always fun doodles on the outside of the envelope, and even better ones in the letter.

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Cara has a fun blog and an Etsy shop! You should check them out.

Mail Artist Spotlight: Becky L

Mail, Mail Artist Spotlight

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I receive a lot of amazing things in my mailbox almost daily. I thought it would be nice to feature some beautiful mail art here and there.

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Becky sent me this colorful envelope. She is one of my oldest pen pals; we have been exchanging mail for 3 years. It’s been awhile since we exchanged mail! With all good mail pals, there are some breaks here and there when life gets crazy or inspiration is low.

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Mail art doesn’t have to be anything more than a pretty envelope. Becky has sent me her fair share of ephemera (like a handful of security envelopes with a purple pattern that I still use in collages!). She sent me this letter in an awesome envelope just to let me know that she was thinking of me.

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I love that this envelope matches the vibe of the Janis Joplin stamp. A psychedelic, colorful theme! I don’t know about Becky but I always try to match my postage stamps to a finished collage.

Becky also has a blog about mail art and other things. She posts a lot of great how-tos!

Mail Artist Spotlight: Adrienne M

Mail, Mail Artist Spotlight

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I receive a lot of amazing things in my mailbox almost daily. I thought it would be nice to feature some beautiful mail art here and there.

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This lovely envelope was sent to me my Adrienne in Canada. She found me through my blog and decided to send me a postcard. I upped the ante and sent a letter in return.

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My favorite thing about this envelope is the overlay of text on the image of Frankenstein bride. I wish I knew how she did it! It’s awesome. She also  matched the spooky theme of the envelope with some Halloween stamps.

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Adrienne also has a blog dedicated to her collage adventures, Tough City Writer. You should definitely check it out! She does some pretty amazing collages, as you can see by the paper she collaged to write the letter. She kept the spooky theme throughout the letter with the skeleton stamp and washi tape.

Mail Artist Spotlight: Stephanie D

Mail, Mail Artist Spotlight

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I receive a lot of amazing things in my mailbox almost daily. I thought it would be nice to feature some beautiful mail art here and there.

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Stephanie sent me this amazing envelope, complete with a bunch of ephemera! My favorite part on the envelope is the color scheme. It has a great dino feel with greens, browns and purples.

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The letter was equally amazing. Stephanie collaged a card with paper bits she picked up in Hawaii! She also included a variety of paper bits. I’m super excited to use them in my future collages.

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Stephanie also has a tumblr dedicated to her art. I suggest you give it a peek!