How Does Your Creative Process Work?

My Journey  Exploring the Creative Process

I have decided that I want to work on my (lack of )  watercolor skills!  I thought simple projects would fit the bill....and so the humble postcard it is.   I mainly get my ideas for watercolors from what's around me...or good ol' Pinterest!  Until I learn the techniques...I will need to study other works and then go from there.

These are my favorite from the last bunch that I did.  I did spray them with a water color sealer. Warning:  It takes a few weeks before the odor evaporates,  These were painted on Cotton Arches and credit goes to Pinterest.

I'm trying not to waste my watercolor paper and so I "practice up" first.  My first attempt at the study  is in my  mixed-media sketchbook.  After sketching the picture,  I work on painting it.

I do another run of the same painting in my Traveler's notebook.  

Haha...I make mistakes everywhere!   Seems I don't know how to spell "December"!

But, three attempts is not always a charm!  My post cards of my winter catus...turned out to be quite disappointing.  I totally forgot what perspective I was working on...haha!   I even  tried covering up my mistake with a label!  It's all good...I send them to my twin sister and ya know what?  She doesn't care!!! ;-)

I thought I would share with you some of the books that I find helpful for learning to sketch and watercolor techniques.  This book is definitely a keeper!  You won't waste a cent on this book.  It's also a great primer on plein air painting as well.  I am not in the practice of carrying around a sketchbook, or doing a "sketch-a-day" but I would love to start getting into that habit. What about you?  Do you add watercolor or other medium to your snailmail?  

A Sketch A Day

Will Keep

Mistakes

Away!

Pam 

Well...hello, it's been awhile...

 

It's been almost a year ago that my "life event" occurred.  My dear husband of 34 years passed away from an illness, and my life took a sudden turn.  My charmed life of a wife, mother to 10 beautiful children and grandmother, now looked different. I was physically alone and making all the decisions.  Facing challenges, duties, and mundane items that I never had to bother with prior to this event. Notice, I said "physically".  I thank God that I serve a Lord that has promised to never leave me or forsake me.(Hebrews 13:5) But still...it has been a year of adjustments...change...and just struggle.  But, slowly one learns what one must do and as Elisabeth Elliot used to say  just "Do the next thing..."!  This simple advice has carried me through the long year and for that I am grateful.  

So many of you have sent cards and letters of love and precious thoughts.....I have so appreciated this.  I tried countless times to answer them...I did manage a few attempts, but I still have several letters that I wrote...never sent.  Finally I submitted to my relegated season of life  and focused my attention on the immediate, the necessary...life.  

I still face new challenges (who doesn't?).  I now use  youtube , not just for pleasure, but how to fix items around the house, and if that fails...I call a professional! But the sun still comes up, and I find myself falling peacefully into bed each night.  Thank you Lord!

All this to say...I hope to get started with letter writing again.  So, first things first...my desk!  This is where it all happens, so I want my supplies at my finger tips...and whatever inspiration I can find.  (More on that later-- it's still a work in progress) .  So here is a picture  (sorry it was taken at night) of my desk as it stands right now.  Leave a comment below if you have any questions about my set up.  Also, if you love your desk and find it to be a happy place for you, tell me why in a comment!

Check back later this week to see my outgoing snail mail!

Happy Snail Mailing.

Pam

Pen Pal Kit

Summer Sale!

Hurry on over to my store to catch the Summer Sale!  Check out new listings and all the Letter Writing Kits available.  This is a great time to stock up for Birthday gifts or other events!

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

The Tiniest Message In A Bottle!

Hold on to your socks!  

If this inspirational incoming snail mail from  Amber  doesn't "knock the socks off you"...something is seriously wrong!

It arrived with the "Queen's" postage....I always get excited with any mail...but mail with the "Queen's" postage gets my blood pumping!  ;-)  The  outside of the folio letter had a bit of whimsy to clue me in...

Isn't this all so charming?  I love the papers... all perfectly delightful!

The crowning jewel is the letter of course, with a lovely wax seal.

Here in the middle of the folio was a decorated match box... can you believe what was inside?   the tiniest message in a bottle that I have ever seen!

The scrolled up message also had a wax seal and glittery goodness.

What a sweet message!  YES Amanda, it arrived in  beautiful condition!  I am a bit behind on correspondence but I am working on your letter now, I can't wait to send it to you.  Thank you for all of the time and expense in sending this lovely parcel to me.  I look forward to an  enjoyable time sending letters "across the pond" to you!

Are you inspired?  I certainly am.  It is so wonderful to "meet folks" from all over the world in reviving the lost art of letter writing.

Why not write a letter today?

Pam

Vellum Envelope Letter for Snail Mail

Clearly, it's the best choice...

It's time for some vellum mail!   I think that this cartoon  art was found in an old literature book that I tore up for mail art.   I love using the Super Hero stamps to carry the cartoon theme through.

Here is a view of the back.  Lots of confetti and glitter confetti, and of course plenty of odds and ends to make for some interest.

I enjoy writing my letters on graph paper.  I like the causal feel and of course the lines are always a help!  On this letter, I found myself doodling in the margins and where ever I had a spot.  It's a great way to show your pen pal some new stamping ink, or new washi tape, or just a random sticker.

These A7  envelopes are  called:  "Parchlucent"...they are technically not vellum but very similar.  I really can't remember where I purchased them online but Newegg carries the exact package that I have. 

Have a great day and go create great mail!

Pam

Clear Snail Mail!

I Can See Clearly Now...

What is it about clear envelopes?  I just love them. In this letter that I sent to my friend Amelia, I also added a bit of shimmer confetti.  I went easy here, as I didn't want it to hamper the USPS from being able to read the address.  Here is a great way to send a wax seal, twine, and other embellishments through the postal system in a "kinder and gentler " way that won't have the postal employees fretful and charging you lots of money for the external cuties you put on your envelopes.   I have a secret I want to share with you about how you can get clear envelopes for FREE! ( Well...sort of!)

I use quite a few of these sticker packs as I decorate my mailers for my Etsy store for outgoing orders.  What I noticed is, this clear packaging for the stickers are the same dimensions as a legal envelope!  All you need to do is to slip out the card stock backing of the stickers, and you now have a nice clear envelope for your snail mail!  So don't throw away your sticker packaging, up cycle them in your next cool snail mail project.

Here is some "sweet" bag mail that went out to Beth!

This has embellishments that would NEVER make it through the postal system....so again, if it is something you want to share with the world...then go ahead and put it into a clear cello self seal bag. , then attach your postage and away it goes.

I love ETSY!  This is the dimensions for the self seal cello bags that I purchased through this Etsy shop. The above "sweet" bag mail was sent in this size cello bag. This shop has super fast service and these bags can be used for a  multitude of projects. 

Go forth and send pretty snail mail!

Pam

Fruity Incoming Snail Mail...

The Fruitier, The Better!

I am spoiled.  Look at this cute mail that just found its way into my mail box...googly eyes and all.  Just a side note:  USPS gets a thumbs up by me for all of those cute googly eyes making it through the mail intact but one.   I think little blondie is just winking at me! The envelope gives a "clue" to the contents of this packet of mail, some "Fruit of the Spirit" mail!

The contents built on the envelope's theme  of Galatians 5: 22-23 by delivering all sorts of Fruitful goodness!  And by the way, isn't it cheerful?  

 What a great reminder to be "filled with the Spirit"!  Thank you Cathy!!

Make someone's day today,
Happy Snailmailing!

Pam

Another Peek Inside My Snail Mail!

January Incoming Continued

This lovely snail mail came  all the way from Spain in a darling velum envelope.  I have a "thing" for velum envelopes.  I haven't sent any out lately, but...I'm inspired to dig out my velum envelope about you?

 Inside the velum envelope was this cheerful Snail Mail Folder.

I love the color scheme going on here. It's like orange zinger or something!  I just love it!  Great for those long, interminable, cold, grey,  sunless days.  It brought sunshine into my life, and certainly brought a smile to my face.

All of the little pockets held something sweet.  Tea, stickers, mail tag, washi tape samples, and my favorite, a Banana Cake Recipe.    Isn't that a homey thing to include in your snail mail?   Thank you Lucia for your cheerful, inspirational, sunny mail!  I will be busy at work on a reply today.

Let's get busy, especially if you are on the east coast...this might be our last day to be completely snowed-in.  Lets get some letters in the mail!

Happy Snail Mailing!

Pam

Snail Mail Folder Makes GREAT Happy Mail

This is a Snail Mail Folder that I made, using some Kraft card stock paper, washi tape, stickers, and a couple brads with twine.  I made sure that I cut it to size to fit into a clear cello bag for mailing.  

When it is opened, there are two pockets on the left to put paper ephemera, stickers,  journal cards, tags, etc.  On the right is just one large pocket  holding the letter.    (You can see this folder letter finally being mailed off in this post:  Blog Post )

Keep all of your scrapbooking paper scraps...this project uses quite a few.

Happy Snailmailing,

Pam

Have Mail, Will Travel!

Mail Art On The GO!

I received this most delightful package from my twin sister for my birthday some time back.  Of course it was immediately LOVED.

Have you ever used an aqua brush?  I had not.  But I quickly discovered it's amazing feature of its "portability".  It TRAVELS well!  You see, the shaft screws on and off and hold the water.  This eliminates the need for a bowl of water to clean your brush so all you really need it a bit of paper towel.   I took this set of brushes with me to camp in the mountains this summer, it also went with me on a trip to  the Potomac River.  I now include them in my portable writing box along with a baggie of paint tubes.  

Here was the Thank You postcard I mailed to her.  What did I send her for her birthday?  Agggrrrrrhhhhhh!  I still haven't sent her anything.  UGH!!!  She totally stumps me.  I just don't know WHAT to get her, any ideas?

The Craftier the better!
Happy Snailmailing,

Pam

Happy Mail...Pretty in Pink!

Happy Mail on the pink theme...

Do you know of someone who needs a "Pink"lift?  why not put together  Some Pink Happy Mail!!  

1.  Grab a few things that have pink as their predominant color.

2.  Head on over to your paper stash.  Do you have some pretty pink scrapbooking paper?  Perfect!  Ok, find that hot pink gel pen of yours and sit down at your desk.  Think about your friend, and write down some thoughts that will lift her spirits...quickly before they vanish from your head!

3.  Find a  medium sized padded envelope (new or recycled)...Pop your items and letter in and mail it off!

Happy Mail...EVERYDAY...Happy Mail....EVERYDAY...Happy Mail...EVERYDAY...Happy Mail

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Watermelon Mail!

Snail mail Themes

Did you know that August 3rd was National Watermelon Day?  We eat LOTS of watermelon around here...so yummy!  Its the quintessential summer food, right?   I found out about this national day of celebration a bit late, but decided to get some Watermelon mail sent out anyway!   So out came my watercolors and envelopes!  I ended up making 2 envelopes and one postcard.  Fun...yummy delicious mail!

I like to use graph paper to write my letters .  Have you ever tried thought of that?  It gives your letter a nice , loose, casual fee.    Decorate with washi tape and doodles with your jelly markers.  Haha...how do I possibly NOT have any watermelon washi tape?  Impossible, but true! This letter is going to a new pen pal in the state of Oregon.  So Beth...be on the look out!  ;-)

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Let's Send Some Music Mail!

Music Mail

Do you love music?  I do.  I also like to "make" music ... on the piano and fiddle.  But I found that I also enjoy "making" music mail.   I found this adorable wrapping paper with musical scores and made quite a few envelopes from it.  I can't remember where I got the washi tape, but I special ordered it online some where because I have not seen anything like it any where else.  I wish I could remember where I found it.  Does anyone recognize it?

I stamped a tag with my music stamps...and wrapped up a bit of wahi tape as a sample.  I know who I am sending this to.  She loves music!

How about you?  Do you know of anyone that would like to receive some "Music Mail"?

Write Letters,
Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Snail Mail HELPS

How about logging your letter writing?

A good friend of mine sent me her customized page for keeping track of her incoming and outgoing letters and other snail mail projects.  It is very streamlined and appealing to the eyes...not too cluttered.  I like that.  She also has a swapbot business sized card which I think is so clever.  It has a place to include the name of the swap and a little reminder to rate her !

Here it is up close.  Great Job!

Let's keep it organized, right?

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela