Wrapping Paper to Janet

 I'm "wrapping" things up for the year! (haha)

This is wrapping paper I converted to an env. Originally, I planned on putting in a clear env., but decided it was ok to send like this. 

I love, love, LOVE, how the design was naturally a J! SO, I knew I had to send to Janet.

I embellished with puff paint (see close-ups below), but hate the stamp placement. However, I didn't have a better choice, as I didn't want it to cover the berries in the top right.

I made a card to match.

Inside of card. Lettering done with an xtra fine-point Posca.

Close up detail of puff paint.

Cmas to Susan (PTEx)

I took inspiration for this one from something I saw on IG. I decided to make the white circles into part of "ho ho ho", but then, some started to look like ornaments, so I attempted that route as well.

I then added little "ho's" and other embellishments. Not real happy with how her name turned out -- wish I had done in pp uncial.

Flip side.

I love how the green posca marker shows up a bit flourescent.

Re-used to Jean (cable bill)

 We switched cable companies last year, and I just love the env.'s that arrive with our bill! (But could do without the bill itself!)  ;D

For some reason, the env.'s open very easily. So easy, in fact, that I can reuse them. I like the brown craft paper, and the window for fun 3d creations to show through.

So, I used a recent one for Jean:

See video at the end for before pics.

I love the clear window. So many ideas and options.

I made a card (below) with 3d trees and lined them up perfectly.

name in white India ink with pointed pen.

close up of dots and splatters.

the card

Attempted one of those fun "magic" videos you see on IG, but mine was a slight fail (I'm still trying to figure out InShot). Oh well... A for effort!  ;D

2022 Family Holiday Cards

 This year, I did an Elf on the Shelf themed card. So, I lucked out with the fun "Holiday Elves" stamps.

At first, I was going to do monoline lettering, but it wasn't turning out (ink didn't match and also bled), so I decided to to uncial with a callig marker. Color matched well and the green accents matched perfectly!

This one is a sampling of my faves.

Handmade paper to George

Another env. from the handmade sewn paper i have (see older post:  https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/2020/12/sewn-paper-envs.html )

not sure I like the placement of Wilson, but too late to change now.

Close up of thread.

Insert. Abstract tree with 3d puff paint.

Cmas to Nele (handmade paper)

 I cannot believe I haven't sent an envelope like this yet to Nele. It's one of my faves: handmade sewn paper. So, decided to decorate and send to her for Cmas.

Close up.

"O Cmas Tree" lettered in metallic ink.

-------------------------------------------------------

*Side Note Story:

So, Nele rarely emails me, but I got one from her late Nov., asking if I received her recent env. (sent to me in Oct.). She was a bit concerned, as I'm so quick to respond.

Well, I must've purposely waited later to send this to her (b/c of Cmas) and let her know that it's on the way! 

She sent a pic of what she sent me (which I did receive), and also, this picture -- a hanging she made to display some of the artwork I've sent her over these past few years (we've been exchanging for 4 years now!) She said she made it to hang above her desk so she could look at and enjoy it. That absolutely made my day!!! I was so touched... Cannot believe someone enjoys my artwork that much.  😊😌😊

The only thing is that there are some pieces that make me cringe when I look at them now. 😖

But there are also more that I'm proud of AND I know that I'm improving!

Bday to Me, 3

Used the Happy Birthday stamp for this one.

So easy to match. Used my white Sakura callig marker, but had to go over, as it wasn't showing up well.

Close up.

Happy Birthday to Me, 2

Another Cmas themed one!

Used a Crayola gel marker. Didn't turn out the best, so I had to add effects.

Not happy with the stamp placement. Wish I had thought to use the Celebration one and made it more colorful.

Backside

Close up of borders

 

Happy Bday to ME! (1)

It's my Birthday Week (yes, that's right, Week!) so in honor of my self-love healing journey, I'm sending bday envies to me, me, me, ME. 😊😁💗

 First one:

I have another env. I decorated similar to this a few years ago so this year (pic at bottom), I decided to duplicate for my birthday! 

It's for my "Mail to Myself" series. Call it vain if you want, I don't care! 😄😉

(Actually, I sometimes run out of recipients, and I'll make env.'s that are hard to part with, so might as well make use of them this way, right??)

Before stamp. Used an extra fine-point Posca marker for my name

Here is the backside. Had fun with it!

insert to match

1st plain one (still have yet to send).

Original sketch.

More on the way...

Cmas to Cathy (PTEx)

Just did a simple script for this one (similar to some from earlier this year:   https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/2022/04/script-lettering-posca-pen.html ) 

At first, it was plain, but thought it too plain, so I added dots on each end. 

However, I then got ink smeared on it, so I had to add more embellishments to the left side. (splatters to the rescue!)

Script writing with a Posca extra fine tip marker

Flip side.

Close ups.

Insert.