2019 #3 Topic Introduction: Mail Art

 2019 Topic 3 : Mail Art

Keren here, introducing our next topic: Mail Art. When did you last receive an awesomely decorated envelope? Have you ever? With life becoming increasingly digital and online, letter writing has declined and mail art probably even more so. I was not expecting to be blown away and inspired by this topic, but the artistry on these little pieces of mail, are incredible. No matter what your style, there's hopefully something to get you purchasing stamps (of the postage kind!) and sending a little tangible joy via the postman (or woman!).

Anna-Karin

Anna-Karin kicks us off with a terrific trio of mixed media style envelopes, showing how to combine paint, gesso, stamps and dies. Whilst the extra fragments wouldn't be allowed in the post in the UK, I sure would love to receive one of these!

What's really fascinating about the different styles of envelope art is where their focus is. For many it's the background, and the address is the add-on.

Mark Powell

Or just a beautifully illustrated colourful example such as this. I can see some PaperArtsy stamps being used just like this.

Hermine Koster

Some artists start to play around with the other elements necessary for mail sent through the postal system

The Postman's Knock

You can also see some clever designs incorporating the postage stamps too.

Hiroko-Yoshimoto

I adore the hand painted images on this beautiful example

The Postman's Knock

Clever composition makes this design so delightful; just thinking about how to incorporate the address lifts this mail art to something spectacular

Naomi Loves

There are so many choices to make; particularly about the type of paper or substrate. How about something simply clear...

Lost Art Revived

Or how about these mini marvels using story book pages?

Wonderful DIY

If we're changing up from paper- how about fabric? You might have to remove buttons and sew it closed to send it? But what a unique way to envelop your greeting!

Radiant Home Studio

... or even sewing onto the envelope as part of the design?

Viv

If a recipient is worth the love..how about sending them a postal trilogy!

Ahmet Demir

Whether being artistic is your thing,

Deborah Russell

Or you just need a good excuse to practice your calligraphy!

Oliveleafcalli

There's hopefully something here that's got you ready to rush and decorate your envelopes. The other thing to mention, before I wrap up, is not to neglect the reverse!!

Botanical Art

I really hope that you've loved this look at the mini and marvellous and you want to create alongside the other designers on the PaperArtsy blog. There are some further ideas on this Pinterest page.

You're going to love the projects we have coming up. We are not doing the linked challenge  for 2019, so if you want to create along with us and this topic, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to. The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook too, make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!