Merry Christmas...and look at these cards!

Merry Christmas 2018!!

I recently attended a wonderful card making workshop.  This was open to all ages at my church and we had some that were as young as 3 and 4.  I was stationed at this particular styled card.  The more "advanced" card making was at a different table.  We had so much fun, and the children did an amazing job!  The cards were destined to be delivered to a local nursing home.

We signed each card...

I just adore the work that Rachel (6) did on her Christmas trees...and her older sister Lydia decided she wanted to do a different tree altogether.  So creative!

One thing I wanted to share with you is the dual tip brush pen I found at the Dollar Tree which  I saw  on my last trip.  They had a good supply with various colors but  I only purchased one so I could "test it" and not waste money.  I was hugely surprised!  These are  made from a Japanese company

"Marvy"...and let me tell you...they are MARVELOUS!  They have a nice firm tip and are "juicy" so they allow for different levels of color. The marker tip is very fine and works well too.  When I was at the check out, the cashier was gushing about the pen.  He said he did calligraphy and they were great. I should have run back and swiped all of them, but I didn't.  

Here is a closer look...

Needless to say, I went back and bought several more in various colors of what was left.  Evidently the word got out about this product...I hope they get more in!  Moral of the story...trust your Dollar Tree cashier...they know what they are talking about!

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas

and a Happy New

Year!

Pam

Pen Pal Kit

Incoming Autumn mail (late post)

My Happy Mail Box!

I am sorry to be so behind on posting incoming mail.  But here are two of my most recent.

This cute little Halloween Letter made it to me rather late because it was sent to my old address.

But, because we live in the most efficient  postal  country in the world...it was delivered to me after a little visit at my former home in the country.   Laura is a Pinterest folllower, and if my stats tell me ANYTHING....there are a lot of you out there! ;-)   Laura is a calligrapher...and her work is beautiful! Thank you so much, Laura, I will be writing you soon!

The beautiful autumn themed envelope was from my dear friend , Elaine!  She is one of my super talented card making whizzes!  I absolutely love to be on the receiving end of one of her beautiful cards.  She has recently started selling her cards locally at a local book shop.  She should do very well!

My Incoming Mail Pile

Is in sorry need of

me to start

writing

back.

!

Pam


Pen Pal Kit

Snail Mail Outgoing...Collage, Flip Books, and More!

A Peek Into My Outgoing Mail...

An envelope using a bit of collage technique, vintage style.

Flip book, bi fold going out....hmmm....what label looks good here?  I wish craft manufacture would produce more VINTAGE items like these.  Does anyone have a favorite craft store for vintage items, online , perhaps?

These are simple to make and just a fun way to use all those pretty papers and die cuts that you want to put to good use, right?  I have folded the letter and put it into a cello bag.  Why?  I'm not sure.  Just another little something to open up I suppose.  Don't we like little packages?  The possibilities are endless.  I try to imagine the recipient  and what joy it can bring to them, so I just try to make whatever I send  out cheerful and fun.  A gift.

A recent letter I sent out.  The envelope is made and lined with scrapbooking paper.  I love the chintz print.

Here's another little flip book , bi fold that I recently sent out... Spread a little sunshine today!  Send out some pretty mail,  write a letter!  I know you can do it!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Incoming Snail Mail, and Louvre Art

Mail Art in Progress...

I've had some lovely incoming mail lately!  It was time to get working on some return mail!

Here is some Mona Lisa mail that I sent out to Patti.  I used some collage techniques on this envelope.

Kim is getting this letter from me.  It is another piece I cut out of my Louvre book of art.  I don't remember who the artist is...but I do like this painting.   I tried to pick up on the pale pink of the bow in the stamps.  

Still a lot more outgoing to get working on!  What are you working on?  Let me know!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Incoming Happy Mail from Patti!

Incoming:Vintage, Postal Themed Mail!

The envelope was only the start to a wonderful what was to come!

Just look at this gorgeous hand made, zippered pouch from the Tim Holtz postal fabric made by my new instagram friend, Patti! Super for keeping a stash of postal goodies , especially good for on the run letter writing! You can find her on instagram as:  pmarti5.  You'll want to check her out, she makes fabulous mail art!

The note card is so amazing!  Made of thick , cotton-y like paper...lovely!  And write back...I did!  You'll see my letter to Patti in a future post.

Coming soon!  A photo tour of my recent trip to the National Postal Museum  (Washington DC) with new friends that I have made on Instagram.    Stay tuned!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Simple Snail Mail Happy Mail Project!

Get down and Get Messy!

Here I am on the floor, making my usual mess.  When I find the desk can not contain my messes, I move to the floor.

These are little folder mailers,  I'm not really sure of a proper term.  But it is a relative of the flip book, just a bit simpler.  I usually have 1-2 pockets to hold some items for the recipient.

If the letter is not too long then I fold it up with some tea, then enclose it in a small lip and tuck cello bag.  This is a 3X4  (inch) cello bag.  

I love these cute , vintage sticker labels.  Aren't they adorable?  I find that I am using them quite a bit lately.  Ha.  You might see them on your letter from me!

Here is the completed project with a cute pink elephant charm and some pink and blue stamps.  All sealed up in a cello bag.   Happy travels!

Hoping this can be of some encouragement to those of you doing the April "Write_on!" challenge!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Some Clearly Good Snail Mail...

Here is just a sampling of some recent outgoing...and yes there is some Jane Austen mail in this batch!

I am hoping that this letter made it to it's recipient !  You know, sometimes we just have to push the limits ;-)  I did put extra postage on this one after the photo to pay for hand canceling, however, that doesn't save it from going through the sorting machines.  This was a cello bag with confetti and a few other items of interest, sort of a "shaker" letter!  If it didn't make it, I will  write again!

Have you sent out any "fun mail" lately?  

Send some great mail today,

Pam

Customize It ...Please!

My mission...on a rubber stamp!

Hello everyone.  This post is  not related too much to snail mail, but in some ways it is.  So hang in there while I explain! I live in Virginia where nearly every car has a customized license plate, usually telling the world something about themselves.  I can relate to this, especially in the snail mail realm.  I wanted to have a customized rubber stamp that would state my mission and so I purchased this some time ago, to use on most of my Etsy packaging , but I also use it on some of my mail.  I love the special touch it adds to mail going out.

Here is mine--it's  self -inking!  Whoo Hoo!  I believe I got this particular rubber stamp off of Groupon  a year or so ago.  There are so many companies that offer customized rubber stamps...a quick look at ETSY will bring up a good number.  But all that to say, I use this little tool nearly everyday.  

Do you have a mission?  A passion?  Why not put it into words and share it with others?

Write  a letter today,

Pam

Outgoing Snail Mail!

It feels good to get some letter writing done!  I didn't get a picture before I used them, but have you noticed how beautiful the National Parks stamps are?  I used them on my "Amelia" mail and the craft envelope with one stamp on it.  Nice colors, and pictures.

Sometimes I feel like a bit of doodling is needed...

The above left letter was from a Golden Book:  the Fuzzy Duckling, I believe.  It no longer had a cover, so I took several pages and made sheets large enough to make an envelope.  The music themed mail is a flip book,  It is mailed in a cello bag.

Letting these pretties go...into the deep, deep ocean of the USPS.  Happy travels!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Mail Art with the Masters...

Masterful Mail Art

I haven't done much the  collage technique, but I have plans for some fun mail soon.  I have done a bit of cutting, and pasting here.  I did some rubber stamping before   I applied the "masterpiece".  

I have taught art history a few times and actually had guilt pangs of tearing this lovely  book up.  I thought of using the photos for my class collection, but decided I had plenty of these books.  So tear it up , I did--and had quite bit of fun doing so.

This gentleman is quite a Dandy and seems to enjoy being on my envelope instead of that stuffy book.    I'll post more as I get around to using more of this wonderful book--hey, its a great way to show the world great works of art!

Happy Snail Mailing,

Pam

Making Envelopes!!

You Can Make Your Own Beautiful Envelopes--It's Easy!

Hello everyone!  It has been quite some time since I have posted about making your own envelopes.  Here is a link to a previous post on home made envelopes:  HERE  I made a batch recently and thought that I would share how I make mine.  I do have a Make a Memory envelope maker but I am still not getting quite the results I would like, so  i'll need to study the youtube videos again.  Until then, I have found that using my trusty Kreate-a-Lope  envelope templates is just so easy!  I can't find any like mine on line, but you can do a search for envelope templates and several show up.

I received my set second hand from my niece, several years ago.  It is constructed of a rather sturdy plastic, not flimsy at all.  It offers several sizes and shapes of envelopes.

Here is a close up shot of the company that makes them.  You can find what they have on Amazon.

The templates come with two pieces.  The large one, is the actual envelope.  the small piece, is the guide to help you fold accurately and to get nice crisp folds.

I used  a roll ofKraft paper which I purchased at Walmart.  I like to line my envelopes .  I used a pad of scrapbooking paper that was 8X8, but the 6X6 would work as well.

Here is the envelope that is cut and folded.  I selected my liner piece, used some glue, and ....

positioned it as you see.  It doesn't not have to cover the whole inside of the envelope.  It will not be seen.

Do you have a favorite purchased envelope?  I find those that I enjoy , then take them apart, trace them on a piece of cardboard, then....voila!!  I have an envelope!

This is a great book that has such fabulous ideas for creative envelope making. It can still be purchased on Amazon.   It is published in a large format, and comes with plastic 3 envelope templates.  I purchased mine used, and it only had 2 of the templates.  The author encourages the use of recycled materials to be your paper source for your envelopes.  

I think these food themed envelopes look absolutely "delicious"!

I had to run out today and purchase some supplies for a paper crafting workshop that I will be doing this week.  When I stopped by A C Moore, I noticed (after I had already checked out) that their super nice (thick like wall paper!) 16 month calendars were on sale for $1--normally $15.99.  They make GREAT envelopes!  So, of course, I got back in line and made my purchase!  What a great frugal find.

I hope that this has been helpful to you.  Go ahead, carefully tear apart your favorite envelope and make your own template--then get busy!  And most of all...have fun.

Happy Snail Mailing,

Pam

Letters That Make IT THROUGH The USPS!!!

Our Wonderful Postal System!!

I have been MIA for the last several weeks....I spent two weeks in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a camp counselor,  and before that, company, travel,and more company!  But it is back to "business" now, that is the business of letter writing.  Here what was awaiting my arrival home! 

Yes...fuzzy slippers can make it through the USPS!

This lovely parcel from Herefordshire, England also was delivered.  You can discover all about it and its amazing contents here:  Jane Austen Letter Writing Society .

Look at these cute pink themed embellishments that made it through the postal journey... completely intact!

Virginia put a "non-machineable surcharge" stamp on her letter.  This is used for mail that requires sorting by hand, and is also good to use for letters weighing up to 2 oz.    Additionally, the USPS web site states that it can be used for:  

Greeting card envelopes printed with the silhouette of a butterfly in the upper right corner need additional postage--or the use of this butterfly stamp. Any non-machineable envelope like oddly-shaped or vertical envelopes, as well as lumpy envelopes, rigid envelopes, or mail with clasps, ribbons, or buttons, may use this stamp.

Another butterfly stamp!  This one from Belgium...Brussels, I believe.    The tiny country of Belgium is very active in letter writing!  They rank 18th (in countries) in sending postcards through Postcrossing, alone. 

This adorable letter came from my young friend, Amelia.  She is so clever with her envelopes.  She did not use the above stamp, but put additional postage on her letter.  

It arrived in perfect condition, and waits to be answered. I plan to do that today, as it is raining outside.

If you are awaiting a response to a letter, please accept my apologies for tardiness.  I plan to begin TODAY with my responses .  I also have a letter to write in French.  Hmmm....has anyone tried  on line translations?  That is what a writer did for me, she had it translated into English, and it worked rather well.  How do you write someone who is of another language than yours?  

Time for me to get busy,

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam