Mixed-Media Graceful Envelopes
The Art of Spinning One Creative Idea Into Another
Graceful envelopes are a popular topic in mail-art circles, but have you seen what mixed-media artists have done with them? A new avenue to explore . . .
Note: For those of you who do not know what a graceful envelope is, visit this blog post for more information.
Despite the fact that graceful envelopes couple fine art with calligraphy, that does not mean any artist cannot enjoy this creative endeavor. Mail artists have been mixing this idea into new areas of artistic exploration for years. The idea of using the stamp as the focal point or inspiration still reigns true; however it has taken an interesting turn.
For this mixed-media art project, you will need the following materials: (Note: artists will be choosing materials that match the stamp, so there is a lot of discretion here. Also, note that these envelopes are meant to serve as mini-canvases that will not be mailed out. If the artist chooses to mail this out, used postage should be replaced with regular postage.)
- Letter-sized envelope
- Used postage
- Writing instruments
- Watercolor or acrylic paint
- Watercolor pencils
- Paintbrushes
- Small containers of water
Follow these simple instructions to create this mixed media art project:
- Once the postage stamp has been selected, set it in a part of your work area where it can be viewed constantly during the creative process. Choose colors of paint and watercolor pencils that match the colors of the stamp.
- Take out the envelope and start painting it using the watercolor paint and the watercolor pencils as if it were a canvas. The option to write the recipient’s (real or imaginary) address using beautiful script first is optional. Either way, room for this address should be left. The postage stamp should inspire or be a replica of the art created on the envelope.
- Affix the stamp in a complimentary area of the envelope. The envelope must be completely dry first. Speed drying time through use of a heat gun or hair dryer.
- At this point, if the address has not been written out yet it may be added. Use bold colors to write it out, as well as beautiful handwriting. If writing beautifully is a challenge, run the envelope through a printer using creative fonts before starting this project.
Ideas for further embellishing:
- Add glitter glue to the edge of the postage stamp.
- Use mail themed or images inspired by the postage to rubber stamp areas of the envelope.
- Create a miniature collage inspired by the postage stamp.
- Distress the edges of the envelope using walnut distress ink.
- Affix a piece of decorative or themed paper to the front of the envelope prior to starting this project, rather than creating a paint wash.
There are a lot of variations this mixed media art project can take. If the preference to use an index card similar in size to an envelope is made, this project will still be successful. If the choice not to mail this piece of mixed-media art is made, consider adding it to an altered art or art journal project.
