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. 😖😞

Harry Love (to Meg)

Meg and I were exchanging messages on IG re: our Love of Mr. Styles, so I decided to send her an env., (as part of another Paper Source challenge) earlier this year.

It didn't turn out quite like i planned, but I decided to send to her anyway. (Would have been better had my printer worked.)

Anyway... I lettered some of my fave songs of his in a rainbow, then added pastels and a pic of him from his 2021 Grammy performance. (story below)

I also included this insert.

I cannot remember if I've ever shared this story, so I will do so again (maybe it's on my fp blog?) -- 

I had heard of Harry Styles, but wasn’t quite sure who he was, other than some goofy teen in a silly boy band. Oh boy… was I wrong!

My family and I went to the movie, Dunkirk. In Harry’s first scene, I turned to my hubby, surprised, and said, “Hey! I think that guy is from that one boy band!” I wasn’t sure of his name, but I recognized him.

I’d heard of One Direction, but had no idea just how popular they were. I had no idea their names either. And I even had a few songs of theirs in my itunes workout playlist! (But didn't know it. I just liked the songs; didn't know who sang them.)  I couldn’t tell you anything about them.

Fast forward to March 2021 and the Grammys. I didn’t watch the Grammys that year (because I never watch the Grammys), but the next day, on my Instagram search feed, I was seeing all these memes and posts about Harry’s Grammy performance. “Huh,” I thought. “Why is this guy performing at the Grammys, and what’s the big deal?” Intrigued, I look him up on YouTube.

OH….MY….  W-O-W. What a performance. That Monday night, sitting in our living room on my tablet, I viewed that video, that awesome performance of Watermelon Sugar, at least 50 times. Maybe 100. I don’t know. I couldn’t get enough.

Not only was that song fun (and just a tad risqué!), but that version of it was right up my alley! To me, it was cool, smooth, funky, jazzy. And the performance itself….So simple. Nothing too flashy, No trying too hard with extra props, etc. Just matching leather outfits and a green boa. (And some bright lights at times.) LOVE.

The way he sang it. The way he danced. Who WAS this guy???

I looked up the song and the album. Wait…what??? This is his SECOND album??? HOW did I not know this? I listened to top 40. I knew about Billie Eilish, why did I not know about Harry? After listening to the first album, I realized I recognized a few songs. I must’ve just not been paying attention. (or was probably listening to my alt music instead.)

Although a lot of the songs on his first album were good, his Fine Line album had me hooked. Man, this guy is talented! One song after another would have me mesmerized. And for a good week straight, I watched and re-watched that amazing, electrifying Grammy performance…every…single…night. 50+ times. I was addicted.

I went down the Harry rabbit hole...

After getting a good listen to his first album (I wanted to soak up each and every song), I then moved on to his first. How, HOW did I not about this???

I cry at Sweet Creature. I'm surprised with Kiwi, but love it. Again, I'm obsessed, getting my fill of each track.

After fully immersing myself  with both albums, I then went down the One Direction rabbit hole. (thus, realizing I knew -- AND liked! --some of their songs too!) I was consumed with the band; consumed with Harry.

(Then, in 2022, when Harry's House came out, once again, i was hooked from the very first song. 💖💖💖)

To this day, no matter where I'm at -- be it the grocery store or a football game, even at home -- when Harry comes on, I stop in my tracks to listen. (Cue the golden aura, star-struck expression...)

#lovemesomeharry

"Believe" to Nele

I did something similar to this for my Art Healing Journal, so I thought I'd re-create for Nele.

I did her last name big on the side, in a decorative manner, then colored in with color pencil. (pp for her name)

With matching insert.

Teas to Jessica (SMC Swap)

Earlier this year, i participated in a tea swap, and here is what I sent to my swap partner.

Metallic fudebiyori brush marker on shiny gold paper.

 

TY to my oldest! (Mother's Day Mondrian)

I sent this to my son at work as a thank you for the fun Mother's Day gift he got me (see below).

Did the cap letters a la Mondrian (to match the votive holder!)

My card didn't turn out the greatest, but not bad.

My precious Mother's Day gifts from my boys. (I love Mondrian!)

Flowers to Nanski

Decided to send Nanski some funky abstract flowers with matching insert.

Lettering is a little off, but oh well.

 

Back flap

Volunteer envies.

I'm still addressing monthly env.'s for my oldest's workplace, and this month, decided to mix things up.

Before, I was using an xtra fine Posca to letter the names, and this time, got out my brush pens.

Collage of my faves.

I also added sparkle to them with my WoS brush.

Close-ups below:

The env.'s aren't the best quality, so it's impossible to use any tools aside from markers (or they'll bleed and feather.) so unfortunately, no pp work or fun inks.  :/

Oh well! This creates a fun challenge for me!