Simple, Easy Samples (Don't Stress!) :)

This page came about from me wanting to help exchangers who may get intimated to create snail mail, but still want to partake. (I've had comments like this from others over the years.) Because this is such a huge passion of mine (I could send mail every day!), I want to share ideas so that others can enjoy as well. Let's keep this hobby going so we can all enjoy Happy Mail! 🐌📧💗

I believe most anyone can make a decorative envelope (with either drawings, painting, designs, etc.), however, if you want to focus more on lettering / calligraphy , you don't need to take classes (esp. if that expense isn't in your budget). You can always get books from the library, but this page (and my others) is going to focus on how to create fun, lovely lettering no matter what your skill level or talent.

There is such a plethora of ideas online, and one doesn't necessarily have to have any lettering classes or experience to make fun names. You'll see how below.

First off, let me just say that it's OK to get intimidated -- I still do at times (even after nearly 30 years)! Plus, please keep in mind the 'ole adage of  "We are all beginners in the beginning" (or however it goes). I still have many moments where I mess up, or view one of my envelopes from the recent past, and think, "ick!" It's all ok. The only way to improve is to keep creating! (and this is why I share my old, cringy ones.) 😏

But to start out, I'm showing a few simple samples of hand-lettered pieces (from decades ago -- my old address). I love all of these, as there is something about the simplistic nature to them. ("There is beauty in simplicity!") -- these are also posted on my Background page.

Although all are (somewhat) calligraphic, there are different elements to each that make them all lovely: either how well the name is lettered, or how the name stands out; the colors used, etc.

Next, are more simple /easy samples where only black (or brown) ink is used. But, as with those above, there is true beauty in their simplicity:

Left: I don't know why there is no stamp on this, but regardless, the name is fun. (altered Neuland?) Could have even been done with a calligraphy marker.

Right: This was done with walnut ink. *Walnut ink is so great, however, it is not waterproof (as you can see from the smudges). More about non-waterproof inks and markers on my Supplies page:

https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/p/supplies.html

This env. was done in a "true" calligraphic manner, using a Carolingian-type of script, even with the address. Simple, yet lovely, with nice calligraphic lettering.

Bottom: And here we have another very simple env., with what looks like use of the Ruling Writer (see my Folded Pen blog for info on this tool: https://foldedpenfan.blogspot.com/ )

*Notice also how the address is clearly legible on all these, as well as being surrounded by plenty of white space. (More about this on the Design page.)

Now, for those of you who do not have any lettering experience, never fear! You can use various fonts or alphabets for your inspiration. Below is the Enviro font. I chose this font, as it's not only easy to letter, but also, a bit different than regular caps, as well as versatile.

You can find tons of fonts online and trace them or hand-copy. And this one can be easily altered by putting your own spin on it.

For this alphabet, you'll want to use a bullet-tip marker, preferably medium point or thicker.

(For a list of supplies, go to the "Supplies" page.) OR if you have experience in dip pens, B nibs are great for this as well.

This first sample uses the Enviro font with my B nib and ink. It was probably created in the early 90's, when I was just learning how to use this style of writing. However, as i wrote above, you can get the same effect with markers. Just create each letter evenly and same thickness to get that monoline effect. (If you're not that confident at first, start out by practicing on lined and/or grid paper. You'll quickly see how easy this alphabet is.)

*Don't worry about perfection, as you can clearly see mine is far from! (btw, I have no idea who Karen Quinn is, and am thinking I actually made up that name to fit the alphabet layout.)

Although it's best to first pick colors to match the stamp, I was able to find /use a "Have a Ball" postage stamp that matches pretty good! (#whatluck #happyaccident)

This next envelope uses the same font, with the whole name, stacked, and the address in-between, also in Enviro but smaller (and in a different color). *Notice the not-so-perfect lettering!

Instead of a dip pen, I used a Crayola marker. The teal and purple colors were pulled from the stamp in order to match. Simple, easy and cohesive. At first I was going to use the different color dot just for the "i" (a "trademark" of mine) but then decided to keep going, just for fun. (If I could fix, I'd place some of them differently.)

For an even more creative take on this, I borrowed my friend, Janet's, original idea:  using a kraft paper envelope and adding big black splotches (to match Scooby!) You can see more of this design on my Scooby stamps post -- https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/2022/05/scooby-stamps.html

It's the same layout, colors, and lettering, as above, with more of a design element to it. Fun! (and clever) -- thanks Janet! ;)

Notice the little details: 

for the address, I used purple dots over the "i's", and a dot the same color as the name in between the street and city. I also did a ligature on the last name with the N & E. 

*Be careful when using ligatures though, as sometimes they can be hard to read or just weird looking.

And here, we have another easy, yet fun idea: I made a matching card and envelope set (done years ago), again, still using the Enviro font. I cannot remember though if I did the blocks first (in color pencil), then added the lettering over, or vice versa (but I'm thinking the color first). Then, once again, I lettered the address using the same font, but smaller, adding lines for extra detail.

This next sample is one I need to redo (done over 15 years ago), as I originally created to send to myself (I have a series of these env.s, just for fun:

https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/search/label/mail%20to%20myself ).

First off, I would make the letters more upright, uniform, and centered. Then, I would use the same font for the address (in black), again, making it centered.

It's another fun idea, using color. (And still using the Enviro font!) Not sure what type of marker I used back then, but now, Posca pens do the trick. (or paint Sharpies. Any kind of opaque marker.) And astrobrights paper is always a fun choice. (But don't forget the stamp colors!)

A note about B-nib/monoline lettering: If you do a search online for "monoline fonts", you should find a few to get you started (in addition to Enviro). Here is a great link (from one of the Speedball books): https://indd.adobe.com/view/85f0e8ac-6446-45e2-9b07-704f543bb4e2?epik=dj0yJnU9UWRBbHdoV3h5X3RRbElzOFBfcjRma3hwRnZfaWIzejImcD0wJm49eWQ3OGNGaGJHUFJPY0V1Y3BDaFJyUSZ0PUFBQUFBR1NiQzBZ

Some others that are easy to copy: Soraya, Camelia, Glastonbury, Reader, Buffalofish...Once you plug these into Pinterest, others will pop up.

Now, back to Enviro:

As you can see, there are many ways to use this font, not only as is, but by altering it as well.

This envelope also uses the Enviro font, just altered. All I did was take one side of each letter and make it thicker (a Crayola marker is perfect to use for this, as it has both thick and thin sides). Not the best example, but remember, I'm going for SIMPLE and easy. 

I used regular script handwriting for the last name underneath. This is a perfect time to point out that if you are blessed to have beautiful handwriting, take advantage of that when addressing! Just because one may be a beginner when it comes to calligraphy and other hand-lettering, doesn't mean your own handwriting shouldn't be used. I know a lot of people with lovely handwriting, and I get so jealous, as mine is awful. (more on this below)

 

In addition to lettering nicely and simply, don't underestimate the power of making the name big! You still want enough room for the address to be seen clearly, but a name lettered nice and big just makes the envelope pop, (and also may make the recipient feel a bit special.  :)

Left:  For the pink, you can see my name is written out big enough to cover most of the envelope, but in a loose script. And the address, although over it, is still clear and legible. Right:  This bright pink lettering is so lovely and awesome, and matches the stamp colors. The address is written fairly clear underneath too. Love 'em both! (Left: from Nele, Belgium; Right: From Janet)

Here are more ideas for lettering big:

 

Left:  B&W photocopy, B nib (from my Background Page). You can see how I used the Enviro font for the address. (I even remembered to note the colors used:  magenta env., tourquoise gouache and silver dots.)

Middle:  watercolor block letters on watercolor paper 

(*Watercolors should be "treated" somehow to prevent smudges & smears.)

Right:  Hand drawn blackletter, filled in with color pencil

Left:  Not much room for the address, so remove the swirl under the name. Zig brush marker. 

Middle:  Hand drawn Versals. You can have loads of fun with these! (see more samples below)

 Right:  Hand drawn script.

Left:  B nib names: you can see with the arrows at the bottom of the blue one where the address is too close to the edge -- probably got covered by the bar code. (considered a "no-no"!) Red accents added to match the red heart stamp. 

Right:  Hand drawn foundational (ish), filled in with pattern and colors to match stamp on the left.

*Notice a lot of these were hand drawn!

And now, speaking of Patterns....

For this one, I actually DID try to match the stamp -- I looked through my supplies for a grey marker and a pink-ish one and got lucky!

If you like to doodle,  then creating patterns within letters is for you. (This is reminiscent of "Zentangles", although not a new concept at all.) First, take any alphabet or font and draw in outline-form. *I always letter the name first in pencil, as I'm usually bound to make mistakes. Then, add any fun details (but remember, Keep it Simple!) I extended the descender on the K and added a dot to the A cross-bar.

*This is also a perfect time to point out that tracing is absolutely OK! If you find a font/alpha you like, but (like me) do not have that steady hand to draw on your own, then simple trace it! (Funny enough, this is actually recommended in some calligraphy books to help better your lettering.) So, don't be afraid to trace!

After drawing the letters/name, I traced over it with my grey marker. Once dry, you can then erase the pencil lines (*Note: if you try erasing too soon, you may smudge the marker, as the ink could still be wet.)

After erasing, I used my pink marker to fill in each letter with different designs. I used dots and squiggle lines, and on the A and E you can see that I did what's called "cross-hatching". In this way I matched the stamp a 2nd time! (see pattern of ball) I then colored in the dot on the A, and added more dots to the letters. Easy and fun.

If you search online, you may come across some VERY intricate detailed letters that are just WOW. And although these look super intimidating, if you break them down, you'll see it was just a time-consuming process. All HAND-DRAWN. You can do it too!

*For more patterns w/in letters:  

 Here is a bookmark I received from an exchanger ages ago, where she filled in each letter of my name in easy, simple patterns. This would also make a great envelope, as it's an easy design! -- Easy block letters. Just maybe time-consuming, but if you love to doodle and/or don't mind meticulous details (and have the time!), patterns can be fun and relaxing.

Again, if you search online for "patterns within letters" you'll get a ton of ideas. So many possibilities.

More samples:

Left:  Janet did a series of these at Cmas. So lovely.   Right: I've been tempted to this to my letters at times (checkered pattern on the sides of letters). Super Fun.

Left:  Awesome fun colors, easy lettering.       Right:  Fun doesn't even cut it. WOW. 💗

                                                                             (again, from Janet)

Other fonts:

This env. is another good example of  hand drawn letters, where you can copy an alphabet without having hand-lettering experience. It's the Scruff font and I just made a few changes to it. I outlined the letters in black and filled in with colors. I wasn't trying to match the stamp; I was just trying to make it colorful, but it was fun that it did match. You can also use any color scheme that goes together well (just pull colors from the stamp.)

I love that it's reminiscent of the Miro font, and would also look great using primary colors and her stars/ other details.

Here are a few other samples to show how easy it is to create nice looking mail without lettering experience:

 Left:  Although this one IS hand-lettered, it could still easily be duplicated by hand-drawing the Roman caps and writing the last name in a lovely script penmanship with a fun pen. 

Right: Super easy name lettered bigger -- a bit remniscent of the Camelia font (so fun!) -- and dots to match the stamp

Left:  This one is VERY fun, as the name was done using a "creepy" font for Halloween. I also love the color of the envelope with the iridescent color of the stamp.

Middle:  Easy-peasy letters (many ornate fonts out there!) Just make sure the name looks good in all caps (I like how they altered the "heights" of each, staggering them.) 

Right: This last one was done with my B nib and ink, where I did the address the same as the name. Just my own take of fun monoline letters. (and notice the dot accents)

Versals

To finish up, one last set of samples. These 4 are all variations of a type of hand called Versals. There are many styles of this, and they are meant to be hand-drawn vs. hand-lettered. They range from old-style "traditional" (found in most calligraphy books) to more modern. (I refer to them as Decorated Caps.)

I have always loved hand-drawn versals. So many possibilities with these, and again, the option for using patterns!

I hope all this info has helped. Snail Mail doesn't have to be truly calligraphic to be fun. There are so many ways to nicely letter envelopes -- remember:  just start out SIMPLE!

And now....check out my other pages for more tips.