Trees to Cathy

This one is similar to Lynne's but again, using the heart stamp made it rather neutral. 

(another Vaness env. -- Midori)

However, I still did a Cmas theme ("...in July!") for the insert.

B-nib and India ink

Not the best quote, but was looking for something light-hearted.

3d trees cut out. Folded pen for lettering.

Triangle "Trees" to Lynne

When I first saw this env., (from the set I got at Vaness:  https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/search?q=vanness ) I was going to use it for Cmas, and make a 3d insert to match the trees. But when I decided to use my heart stamp, i figured it could just be a regular env.

Love this quote, but not my trees. The colors match great, but I should have used a stencil or measured better.

Used my B-nib for her name and middle of quote. I like this style I came up with (more on the way to share later!)

Back side -- added some gold dots at the top.

Wish I could buy more of these, but I only got one with the set. I guess I could make my own! (and stamp the trees)

Cmas in July (to Lynne)

I got a lovely note in the mail from Lynne that made my day. SO, I decided to send her a 2nd env. this month.

Made her a handmade Cmas envie with my lovely handmade paper.

Backside.

Close ups

I kinda like how the stitching hit the edge (not intentional), and actually, I tried to fix it, as I'm worried it will get torn in the machines. Let's hope not.

Insert. (Zig fudebiyori brush marker, metallic green)

 

Cmas in July! (to Jean R)

 I don't know why, but I'm running out of ideas for Jean R, in lettering her name (maybe it's because I've done Jean Wilson's so much!)

Anyway, I came up with this for Cmas in July.

I lettered her last name in script with a Posca pen, and used that as a decorative element.

Can you see the "Rothfusz"?

Since the envelope was so small, I made her a tree booklet for the insert. It's various creations I've done over the years.

3d watercolor piece.

Joy with a Sakura gold callig marker

Pilot Parallel pen

Ruling Writer with bleach on Strathmore paper

new. Italic "O Christmas Tree" with C-5 nib

From after Cmas last year: Crayola gel markers.

Sun theme to Janet

I love this idea of mine! The tricky part is having yellow ink, as I'm always afraid of using gouache, etc. But since it's only going across town, I figure it'd be ok (plus, I use her address for the return).

The yellow "ball" of the sun was done with chalk pastels.

It was also a bit hard finding a stamp to match, so I went with a contrasting color.

Here it is with the matching insert!

Close ups.

Was happy with how my italic turned out.

And here is another piece, just to show how my mind works:

I saw the magazine ad below and got the idea to try and duplicate. (It's a beach ball for the sun, and sunscreen for the white rays.)

I first did the white rays with puff paint, then when dry, added the blue sky w/c background.

Then, added the sun lettering ("You are my sunshine"). Now I want to redo and have words for the rays instead.

Kind of reminds me of when I did this other sun piece for a IG lettering challenge:

various inks and lettering styles, 2019

 

Alpha Garden to Irene

I've done so many of these, I keep thinking I've sent one to each person I've ever exchanged with. But when I look in my files, I still have a few!

Wish the top of the i was more tapered. Love the last E!

Her last name is Blumenthal, and I so badly wanted to do "Blume (nthal), Where You are Planted", but thought that too cheesy.

Close up of flowers

Got a little clever with the back.  ;)

 

Dr. Suess to Lina

I've been doing inserts & env.'s similar to this, as it's fun to letter this way (b-nib), and such a great quote.

Env. from Vanness. (Was going to do her name to match the "L" shapes on the env. but thought that would be too much.)

 

Pink to Carolyn

A bit of a mess...

I liked the idea of this, but 1) not enough room for the stamp (would have covered up her name) and 2) not that great positioning of the address.

I love these pink envelopes though. Used a Sharpie marker for her name.

from 2020

 

Fun with Numbers (& Caps)

This one is just for fun.

Did the Caps (the A for his name) and the numbers the same. 

Simple, easy idea (See my Simple Samples page!)

 

Clear env. to Sharon

I thought this watermelon magazine page so fitting for the summer games stamp. Not only colors but the theme as well.

I'm not digging how I lettered the name though.

Zig Fudebiyori metallic brush marker (green) and red Posca.

from summer 2022

Bike theme to Nele

I can't believe I forgot to take a final pic of this env. (grrrr.)

I'm sure I used the pink mum stamp, as that probably matched best.

Sent to Nele for Bike Month. It's a take off of a painting I saw years ago online, in which I tried to emulate. (Reminiscent of Tour de France)

Created this insert to match. (Can you see the 3d "wheels"?)

RW & puff paint.

Was so proud of my italic lettering, but wish I had spaced the author name better.