Book leaves to Jessica (Sept PTEx)

In wanting to do fall themes for this month, I decided to continue on with my book leaf art. This one was fairly "easy" as I wanted to match the insert a bit (see below)

name in Wink of Stella brush pen

with stamp

close ups

Used her J for the tail 

Back side (continuing on from the front)

close up (looks like a fish!)

 Insert:

This was a project from the 5 day "Simplest Things" challenge last month (in which I didn't post on here, as it wasn't as fun for me). The prompt was "Squiggles" so I did a squiggly line for a "floating, falling" leaf.

close up

"There is magic in the falling leaves of autumn."

(I love this quote!)

Miro to Nele

Nele speaks several languages, and sometimes sends me pieces lettered in other languages, so this time, I thought I'd do the same (or try!)

I used the Joan Miro quote, "A simple line painted with the brush can lead to freedom and happiness." I then translated (via Google) to Spanish, and lettered with a B-6 nib, incorporating some of the shapes from his work (as well as an alphabet, inspired by the artist -- which I used for Nele's name too).

matching set.

back side

I wanted to do a whole artist theme for Nele, sending her mini env.'s based on the Calder paintings from my DC trip last year ( https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/2024/09/more-dc-art.html ), but nothing was turning out, plus it would require more postage. So, I just sent this Rothko piece instead (which did not turn out. -- waaa.)

Hard to letter on watercolor. Sigh. 😖😞

Vday surprise (First Graders)

Saw a post on Jean's blog (from Mary S.) so thought I'd partake! It was from this teacher, asking for Valentines from all 50 states. Hoping mine arrives in time and that they're able to meet their goal!

I wanted to do more than just this card, but I'm glad I was able to do this.

Close up of card. I actually started this years ago, and the 2 bigger ones are actually bleach. I had it set aside in my Vday folder, so I thought I'd finish this year. I added a little decorative gold heart, and other embellishments as well as the hello.

Inside:

You can see the bleach that soaked through. I wish I had written the text in print vs. cursive. Wasn't thinking to do that so the kiddos could read it. Hope the teacher shares the sentiment!

Before pic of env.

Poinsettia to Mia

This is one where my idea was better than the final piece.

i wanted it to look more graphic/abstract/geometric, but I struggle with that sometimes.

Oh well. #goodenough

close up.

 

Varied Letters to Judy H.

Continuing with my varied lettered trees...

This one is so close, but I messed up the V. Then, the address wasn't lettered as nicely as I wanted (need to work on my uncial!) I also had to use 2 stamps, which I don't like to do, but it's b/c of all the enclosures. (Some mail artists are really clever with multiple stamps, but I'd rather focus on my lettering.)

Name in brush for the letter.

Minilope with embossed tree.

Back side of env.

another "env." insert

And the inside saying.

Varied letters to Meg (PTEx, Australia)

After creating one for Julie W, I had such fun with using my brown craft env.'s for these Cmas themed env.'s. So, I made one for Meg too.

Mad the greens don't match as well. #grrrr

Another insert to match! This one is so close to perfect! Where things started going wrong was the "Happy" (spacing) and then too much ink with the w in "new". Oh well.

I love how the M, e, and T match with her name!

All the inserts.

Varied letters to Julie W.

I knew I'd be sending an env. to Julie, but wanted to wait til after her Zoom party meeting. I always want to do something unique for her -- plus the pressure's on! -- so I came up with this idea (shortly after creating the one for the Wilson's).

i messed up the J (brush) and was so irked. However, didn't want to waste an env. so tried to make due with the other letters.

Here is the original sketch idea

with a filter, just fo' fun.

And matching insert.

I ended up sending her the sketch, as I liked it, so I just pasted on some scrap wrapping paper!

Rudolph to Mary

Was able to get more of these snowglobe stamps, so I did my Rudolph theme again! (Using the O in her name for the red nose.)

I had this outlined deer saved in my Pinterest, and thought it perfect for the insert! (adding the red nose and quote)

The funny thing was I accidentally smeared the red circle (gel pen), and was so mad, but then just kept smearing it, to make it look like it was glowing!

Good save? I think so!  😆😊

*This is from another env, but am sharing here b/c of the theme:

Gingerbread House!

I saw a drawn one online last year ( https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/2023/12/so-jealous-idea-for-next-year.html ) and made a note to do one of my own for this holiday season!

Although it's not perfect, I'm very proud of it!

Used 3d paint for the icing (roof, window, door) and drew the rest. 

Love the gum drops. Candy canes are a bit of a fail. But overall, I like!

And here's a mini one:

And a few more:

So mad it smeared on the right roof. BUT candy canes are better!

And this one got a bit funky with the roof. Plus, her name is hard to see with the metallic ink. Thought I'd mix it up by putting the door in the middle, so more room for the address.

Feel so clever using the Santa stamp with chimney on the roof!  😃

Maybe one day I'll create one that's absolute perfection! (then I'll have a hard time parting with it...haha.)

Design-wise: Maybe if I do the door on the right (original), then enough space under the window for the address? (If the address is small enough, it fits perfect in the door.

Will update!  😄😉

Jackson Pollock to Shannon

Sent this to Shannon in Oct. It's another art inspired env. based on an interesting Pollock.

I only did half of the painting. It reminded me of folded pen work, however, I used my brush pen and markers. I could always do the other half as a 2nd env.

Orig. painting. (I'd have to look up the title and year, as I can't tell from the pic.)

Name border to Irene

I know Irene likes my folded pen work, but I loved Lina's Sept. env. so much, that I thought I'd do Irene's the same (as the last time I sent her one with her name done in fp). 

(Lina's:  

I was so mad that i didn't think to color the pumpkin to match the stamp! (see below) So, I had to go over it the best I could to try and fix.  :/

I also had a mess-up with the ink, as you can see a blob in the middle at the top.

But still, Pretty PRETTY colors!

And the back flap. (looks like fall aurora borealis!)  :D