Seahorses to Fran (Ocean theme, 4)

Went a little different for Fran with a yellow env. & Seahorses

Stamp matches, but a little "off" with placement

Backside (ocean waves with pp)

Matching insert.

Ocean theme 3, Whale Tail

Decided to go "simple" for this one, and do the ocean waves in pp with a whale tail.

Used this stamp b/4 ordering the compass ones, however, I feel it can signify how peaceful the ocean can seem at times.

I outlined the tail in 3d puff paint.

And put the front of the whale on the back! (like the 2nd env. I did for this theme)

Made a matching insert, and love the quote.

Ocean mail, 2 (Failed whale?)

I was trying to emulate a piece I created last year in Julie W's Make Your Mark class, as I thought the mark resembled an ocean wave:

https://foldedpenfan.blogspot.com/search?q=make+your+mark

But sadly, mine was a bit of a fail. So I tried desperately to salvage, only to flip it over, and realize I made the mark upside down. :/  😔😕

However, I just flipped it over and made it look like water from the spout of a whale! (see below)

I was also lucky to find these new int'l compass stamps! How perfect for the ocean theme! (and they go with the colors) --  (the older stamps are floral)

Me happy! 😄

Diff. angle w/splatters. 

I thought about adding words, but was afraid it would ruin the look.

her name

Back flap with the whale. (Good save on my part!)

Ocean theme (Eire Mail), 1

 Tara, with Eire Mail (The Elevated Env.), organizes a snail mail exchange based on themes: 

https://eiremail.com/about-eire-mail/

I missed the Rainbow one last year, but got signed up for this year's Ocean theme. At first, I was a bit stumped with this subject, however, my creativity started kicking in, and now I'm on a roll!

Each group got 5 recipients (plus Tara herself, if you wish to send to her), and my only challenge was lack of ocean stamps. But that never stops me! (mail is to be postmarked by 3/3)

Here is my first creation:

I just watercolored the ocean as best as I could, then added little fishies in diff. colors.

I then added a subtle quote within the waters: "Life is like the ocean; It goes up and down."

You have to angle to see it. (and it almost didn't fit!)

Back Flap:

and the insert:

Happy Accidents! (V- Day style)

When I'm on autopilot (or get in a hurry) and space off, mistakes emerge. However, I LOVE it when I can easily fix them!

On this back flap, I started lettering Park Lake as one word (with a small "l"), but was using India ink, so after gently scraping, it was too obvious. Granted it's just the back flap, however, it's the address. SO, I got a little clever by adding some non-distracting hearts to help conceal the mistake!

Then, on this insert for another env., when signing and dating, i put '24 instead of '25 (as, after all, it's still the new year!), and I tried to cover up with Sharpie marker ink. But that just made it MORE pronounced. So, I thought a few more unintentional hearts wouldn't hurt!

Finished piece. (Hope they don't notice or care!)

 

Vday to Karen K.

This is another that was last minute. I LOVE this color combo! Wasn't sure what to do for her, and just decided on some drawn letters. Feel as though it turned out somewhat perfect!

w/letter. Name in new WoS glitter brush pen.

Close ups of details:

I didn't have time to make an insert, as I want it to arrive by or b/4 the 14th.

Vday to Laura (Austria -- extra Penpalentine)

For this exchange, they send all addresses and groups in one big email, and add that you can send to any additional people, if you wish. I did this last year, as I looked through the group to 1) see if there were any other Iowans on the list, and 2) see if there are any fun int'l. countries to send to!

I came upon Laura's, and since my family and I visited Germany and Austria in 2013, thought I'd send to her, in hopes of getting a new penpal from Vienna!

I loved how hers turned out (except for the name... grrr.) 

I'll explain the other lettering below, but for the name, I used a white calligraphy marker. However, it wasn't very opaque, and not crisp either, so i had to outline with pp and India ink. I actually like this "technique", but hate the mess of the name. Hoping I disguised it well! (added her last name in pp at the end in pink metallic ink. And I like the "A")

for the other lettering, i lettered variations of "hello" in diff. languages, using metallic inks. It's a bit hard to see, but I was so happy with it. 

Better view of the silver.

Diff. view

I enclosed this handmade heart card I made last year. This would also be a fun idea for a mini book. 

Can't remember if I made the abstract design specifically for the card or if it was a failed wc piece.

I then lettered a little note to her (about the card) using a tiny pp nib I rarely utilize. As someone who had difficulty slowing down to pen a letter or note using a pp (and as someone with terrible handwriting), I was extremely pleased with how this turned out!)

"hello" with a Posca on the left side.

So much detail on this card -- I'm sure it was time consuming for me. Hope she likes!

(and hope to hear back from her!)