Turn Any Mail into #HappyMail {#MailArtMonday}

As we wrapped up the #LoveYourLettering series we brainstormed ways to continue practicing our handwriting and creative lettering. What better way to continue on than to decorate our envelopes this holiday season?

Each Monday in November I’ll share a new envelope idea.

Since we just talked about using watercolor paints and a waterbrush, let’s use that for today’s envelope.

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I started with a blank A7 (5×7) envelope. Throughout the month I’ll demonstrate using various sized and colored envelopes. I used a piece of graph paper with some lines I had darkened as a guide sheet I could slip inside the envelope. The lines showed through enough to see faintly. I’ll tell you the truth though… unless I’m addressing formal envelopes for a wedding or such, I don’t often use a guide sheet or lines. I typically just eye-ball it (which drives my engineer husband a little crazy).

I drew in a light pencil line to anchor the family name. I did this at a slight curve, not straight. On this line I used the water brush and Yoobi watercolors (from Target).

I also used the watercolors and a larger brush to create a very simple Christmas tree.

I added a star, little swirls and dot, and an outline for the name with a gold gel pen. Not sending a holiday card? Add a whimsical daisy, or gift box. Have fun with it!

Erase any pencil lines you used. I added a greeting with the Tombow Fudenosuke brush pen.

Then use a fine line pen, like the Zig Millenium (I used and 05 for this envelope), for the rest of the address and your return address. You can add your return address to the back flap, I like to add it along the left edge of the envelope front.

Will you give this style a try?

If you’re looking to improve your hand writing and creative lettering, be sure to check out my 31-day series to learn to love your lettering.