No, not like that… Well – wait – maybe. If you are artsy, crafty, or some type of paper / stationery / mail enthusiast, I think you may find this post more than a little intoxicating. I definitely did. Then again, there was spray paint…
Wait – let me explain:
On Monday I dropped 30 of these bad boys in the mail. Some Seattleites have probably already received theirs. What are they? Why, they are what I am calling “elevated envelopes.”
Last year I attended Letters of Joy (a local calligraphy conference), and signed up for their Decorated Envelope exchange. This is a little program where you exchange beautiful envelopes with fellow calligraphers just for the fun of it. Over the year, I got these beautiful creations at random:
Receiving one of these was such a nice change of pace. The truth is that I don’t write as many cards and letters as I should – and therefore, people don’t write much to me these days! My mailbox is usually full of credit card offers and grocery store circulars. Not exactly blog-worthy. So to get one of these was a total thrill! I loved seeing what people came up with. Sometimes they included an anonymous-sounding note, some people explained why they made what they made. It was just really a fun idea with no purpose at all but to literally send your creativity out into the world.
I realized, hey, I know a lot of creative people, and I’d love to see what they came up with. So I thought I should spearhead my own exchange and call it The Elevated Envelope. And you’re invited to participate…
What is it exactly?
Wouldn’t it be fun to be pen pals with incredibly creative, talented, smart strangers? That’s The Elevated Envelope in a nutshell. There will be a theme (SUMMERTIME), and you will plan and design a creatively-addressed envelope that embodies that theme to you. Then you execute it 10-ish times for the people on your list, put something fun inside explaining your concept, and mail it out by the deadline. Those same 10-ish people will send their creations to you as well. Cool!
Why do it?
- Flex those creative muscles – for those of us who are designers, sometimes we get in a bit of a rut designing for others. We’ll have a theme for each exchange, but beyond that, the sky is the limit. Go crazy or keep it simple. Whatever you like. What’s been on your mind? Here’s your chance to get it out.
- It’s fun to send and receive mail, but so much better when it’s pretty. Or BAD ASS! I promise every time you get an envelope, you will smile. Sometimes you might even be jealous, but that brings me to reason #3:
- Seeing what other people do with the same theme will probably inspire you.
- You will probably make new friends!
Who can join?
ANYONE CREATIVE! Ok, anyone over 18 who is creative.
The 30 envelopes I sent are to fellow creatives, but anyone can join! I only sent out 30 because I only have the two hands. To participate, you don’t have to be super artistic, but you do have to be willing to put in some creative effort and work hard on it. There are some pretty talented people I’ve invited, so while you don’t have to be into calligraphy or drawing or graphic design in particular, you do have to bring it.
(If that just freaked any creative-but-not-”artistic” people out, please click here!)
Here are all the people who can expect invitations:
Alexa Johnson (Fiore Blossoms) | Alison Lang (so, there.) | Anne Bryant (Anne Bryant Creative) | Ariel Nay Nebeker (Photographer) | Barbie Hull (Barbie Hull Photography / I Love Facedowns) | Becki Mullins (Myrtle Alley Press) | Ben Campos (Designer) | Brigitte Hefferan (Calligrapher) | Carina Murray (Crow + Canary) | Carl Montford (The Montford Press) | Erin May Hobson (Hobson House Design) | Fiona Richards (Cartolina) | Heather Gilson (One Love Photo) | Heather Van Breda (Real Card Studio) | Jaime Maddalena (Send More Mail) | Lila Symons (Daily Calligraphy) | Marcia Shaver (Artist) | Mary Beth Person (Calligrapher) | Melanie Harris de Maycotte (galería/atelier)| Melissa Morris Ivone (Operation Nice) | Michael Stoltz (Artist) | Moya Minns (MM Ink) | Nancy Brones (Calligrapher) | Nole Garey (Oh So Beautiful Paper) | Norma-Jean Trabold (Calligrapher) | Patricia Warren (Calligrapher) | Terri Kruger (Calligrapher) | Wendy Watson Diedrick (Calligrapher) | Whitney Speir (Brown Sugar Design) | and #30 went to me!
Again, if you don’t get an invitation, it means nothing – only that I had to draw the line somewhere. I kept it to artistic friends, paper + design enthusiasts, or people who just I selfishly want to participate so I can see what they come up with.
There are only four rules:
RULE #1: The theme is SUMMERTIME.
As I mentioned, the sky is the limit – take that word and run with it wherever it takes you. The size, shape, media, colors, imagery, etc. – are all up to you. Just make sure the mailman can read it, and that it is, in fact, mail-able. Remember that certain things smudge or may not be waterproof, so take precautions to preserve your work where necessary. (This stuff is great.) If you’re in the US, you can calculate postage here. Be sure to double check this – certain sizes, orientations, thicknesses, etc. will increase the rate.
RULE #2: It must be more HAND-MADE than not.
Huh? What I mean is that while it doesn’t have to be a 100% hand-drawn project, please don’t use your computer too much. This is not a design-something-on-a-computer-and-print-it-on-an envelope project. This is supposed to get you off the computer. You’re supposed to get a little dirty. But it doesn’t mean computers are forbidden. In the same vein, please remember this is not a “scrapbooking” project. If you have some reason to use a particular rubber stamp or something, by all means, use it – but don’t let this be about how much stuff you can purchase to stick onto paper. Truly be creative. You’ll have more fun and get more out of it! (And so will the people on your list!)
RULE #3: Put something fun INSIDE the envelope too.
Sounds obvious. But what to send to strangers? Some ideas:
- Please use the inside of the envelope to tell the story of why you designed what you did. Maybe your childhood summers were idyllic and you used to have a lemonade stand. You could make this uber-yellow, super-sweet-n-sour, deliciously decadent lemon-inspired design. Or maybe your design will be really aggressive because summers are hot and heat makes you angry and we wouldn’t like you when you’re angry. I don’t know, it could be ANYTHING! Be funny, be serious, but tell us how you arrived at the design you did.
- You could also include a recipe. You know, for the lemonade.
- You could tell us a dirty joke. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Go suck a lemon! Don’t make it too dirty. There are some classy people on this list
. - You could enclose a little present – something small, inexpensive and easy to mail. Maybe you make cards and can spare 5-10 for your recipients. How sweet of you! Just remember to triple-check postage requirements if it starts to feel a little heavy or rigid.
- You could include something that complements your design. A magazine article? A comic strip? You’ll think of something!
- Or you could keep it simple. Just write a note to the recipient to say hello.
RULE #4: Envelopes must be postmarked by Monday, August 15th. Be sure you can (and do) meet the DEADLINE!
That is 48 days from today. Getting a bunch of fun artwork in the mail and not sending any in return would be Not Cool! If we get “too many” participants (no such thing!), I will split everybody up into manageable groups of 5-10. So before you sign up, be sure you can commit to creating a design and executing it 5-10 times before the deadline. If you’re too busy to commit right now, don’t worry – I am hoping this will catch on and we can pick a new theme in a few months. Maybe you can join in the fun then!
How do I sign up?
To participate, or to RSVP to your mailed invitation (fancy!), just leave a comment right here thru Friday, July 8th. *Update: I will not actually be making my spreadsheet until early July 9, so we won’t do the cut off until that time. Just so there is no confusion, I’ll also close the comments at that time. So, if you still see a comment box down below, and want to participate, go ahead and say so – I’ll take care of the rest. Thank you!
I’m so excited! Won’t you participate?!
–Tara
PS. I will be participating as well (I plan to revisit my design above). I’ll also be on everyone’s list so that I can photograph and detail all the amazing artwork we create – so, look forward to seeing your work up in lights on this little ole’ blog!
PPS. Feeling daunted? Please don’t! It’s supposed to be fun. Plus, in the coming days, I will be posting my own envelopes in more detail (UPDATE: Here’s that post.), along with a little info about the process (UPDATE: And here’s that post.). There are ways to cheat a little. I’m sure my own cheating will help you think of a smart way to cheat yourself. Plus, if I can do 30 of these in under 1 week, you can do 5-10 in 6 weeks. Promise!
I LOVE THIS!!! Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!! YAY Tara!
I thought so too! Ha! So do you want in, Michelle??? I bet you would do something radtastic
OMG – totally in! Relieved to see the August deadline! There’s no way I could do this in July.
Sign me up!! I’m excited!!
Yay, Bec! Thanks for your interest – I’ll get in touch soon!
Hi Tara! I’m really loving this idea, and I would love to participate in the future. Can’t this time around because we’re traveling until August. Looking forward to seeing what arrives in your mailbox, as well as giving it a go myself in the next round! – Brenna Larson (you may remember me as a Leisenring!)
Great, Brenna! Of course I remember you (and your little dog too, haha!). I will put you on the “future interest list”
Thanks for thinking of me Tara and thanks for the handmade card/envelope. I’m in! Looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.
I’m in. I’m already thinking bout it….
I’m in and will do my darndest to bring it!
This is GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN!!!! I love getting mail and can’t wait to play along!! ;0)
I am oh so very excited!!! Count me in pretty please!
Very exciting people! I’m adding everyone to my list… Thanks for your enthusiasm and participation.
Oh oh oh! Me, ME, MEEEEEEE! Awesome idea – totally loving it! So in
I’m in Tara! So fun…Can’t wait. I might even get my kiddos who are on SUMMER break get in on the action!
I need something to get my creative juices flowing this summer and this seems just the thing! Thanks to Michelle for mentioning it!
YAY fun!!!
Count me in! I’m in Chicago and I think most of the participating peeps might be in the Northwest, so even cooler!
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Please count me in! This sounds like an awesome idea and I’d love to participate!!
What?! Awesome! This is my fab sister in law, everyone!!! Thanks, Jenn
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I love to receive happy mail. I’m in and can’t wait to start piecing together my envelopes. Cheers.
I’d love to participate!
Lovely idea! I’m in!
I would be thrilled to join in!
This sounds like so much fun! I love these exchanges and would definitely be willing to put my craft closet to work
I found this post through Oh So Beautiful Paper. I think it’s an amazing idea! I would love to join in on the fun!!
sounds fun!
I would absolutely love to join, maybe even as the youngest participant?! I am 18 though. What a stellar idea!!
i’d love to participate but not sure if i’m creative artsy enough, but if you include me, i’ll try my best – might even enlist my sister’s help (she’s way more artsy than i am…)
Anita, did you see this post?
I think it will help! I am sure you can do it, but if you’d like to do it with your sister, you could enter as a “team.” We’ll talk
I would definitely love to do this!!
I would be super excited to join in!
Tara, I received your envelope today!
I love it, I’m in.
-Michael
Awesome, Michael! I was really hoping you’d accept
Many thanks.
I would LOVE to do this! – Jaymie
What a fun idea! I would love to participate!
I would like to participate too! I’ve been looking for something crafty to do for the summer. PERFECT.
I agree! There is not enough beautiful mail in the world! Love it! I’m ready to start addressing!
I would love to join in the fun!
I would love to participate! Sounds like inspiration waiting to happen!
Yes, please! I would love to be part of this!
Hey, I’m totally into fluxus and mail art and I’d love to join in the fun!
Getting fun, interesting things in the mail is awesome! You have inspired me to get my creative juices flowing. Sign me up!
What a fantastic group we have already! Keep on signing up – I will be in touch next week to get the first wave of addresses, etc.
In the meantime, have you told your creative friends to join? You should!
And Happy Fourth of July + Canada Day weekend to all
Count me in, lovely Tara! What a treat it was to receive your gorgeous envelope in the post. If there end up being smaller groups, I’d love to exchange in the 5 range, but am open to whatever I get! Thanks again for organizing such a fun project!
I would absolutely love to be a part of this! So amazing!
Tara…you are the BOMB!!! You know I’m in!!
I would love to participate!
hooray!
Sounds like fun! I’d love to join!
Such a lovely idea Tara! I’m in!
I saw this invitation on Cindy Chischilly’s FB post and would love to participate, if you’ll have me!
And if you say ‘yes,’ I know lots of other creatives who would probably want to join in, as well. Just let me know in time to post your invitation on my own FB page in time for them to meet the 7/8 deadline. 
Hi Tara! What a GREAT idea! I absolutely love these types of exchanges and already have some ideas. Count me in!
Do you accept international participants? If yes, please count me in!
Most definitely!
I think we are mostly across the US, with at least a few Canadians and one Mexican. And I sent an envelope invite to one person in the UK. And that’s just what I know about so far. I think everyone will agree they would love to get your mysterious mail from a faraway place. Thanks for participating, Thalia!
This sounds fun!! I want in!
I would love to participate!
I would love to participate!
sign me up! now i need to find some inspiration!
I would love to participate in this! I love getting mail.
I def wan to sign up : )
Hi Tara! Thank you for the invitation! Yes, I will participate and I look forward to the beautiful envelopes as well as my maillady! Brigitte
This is such a fun idea! I am excited to get my hands dirty, and even more excited to see what everyone comes up with! I’m In!!!!
Hi Tara! I’m totally nervous because I’ve never done something like this before but I’d love to participate.
I LOVE snail mail, typography and great design. Thanks for curating this!
Tara: Thanks for the lovely invitation. Even though I am over committed and have said no more projects, my creative self just couldn’t pass this up. I love the wonderful envelopes in my mailbox.Count me in. Nancy Brones
I have been dying in a non-creative black hole and this is JUST what I need to get me excited and creative again. Please get in touch with me so I can join this amazing group!
This is so awesome
I’m in.
This is right up my alley. Totally want to participate.
Count me in! Thank you for the invite, it was beautiful. I wish I had beautiful handwriting. Will you address my envelopes for me? (Kidding. Sort of.)
Thanks Heather! (And NEGATORY
)
And thanks all – keep on signing up – I’m tracking everyone, and will be in touch soon.
(PS – I am stoked that some of you are trying something new with this – very cool.)
I love the project – as a paper good designer myself, it’s an inspiring read! And your particular set of Elevated Envelopes is delightful – adore the stamps!! Off to tweet
I. AM. IN…. think.think.think….
I would LOVE to participate!!!!
Count me in!
I’m in! I hope I can make everything in time.
I’m excited to give this a try! Letters from Nashville, Tennessee
post first seen on {happy weekend!}
from Oh So Beautiful Paper
I am definitely in. And just under the the deadline to reply
I can’t wait!
What a sweet idea. Let’s do this!
This sounds so great, I can’t wait
I’m so excited, I can’t wait
If people are willing to send and receive from the UK I would love to join in!
I’m in the UK, can I be in?!?
What a fab idea, I love it!
I want to join! Please please please email me!
I’ve been out of town and just saw this! So much fun, and I’d love to play along!
Sign me up!! Sounds like a fabulous idea.
Oooh, what a fabulous idea!
I just did the calligraphy for my own wedding invitations and sssssssssssshhh did a watercolor for my Mama’s 60th birthday. I am big into handmade art these days. I am an Architect in my spare time with dreams of being a graphic or interior designer.
If I don’t get “in” this time, I hope to be included in the next round of beautiful enveloping!
alrightee tara – after much deliberating, I AM IN! (which means Jonathan is in with me, too, by extension…) can’t wait!
and KUDOS to you for dreaming this up! what a fun project – I am thrilled to see the response you’ve gotten too!
Ok ok ok. I’m signing up. Today is the deadline right? Bah, it stresses me out, but I would so love to get pretty envelopes in the mail. So I’m doing it. Bam.
Hello everyone! Just an FYI, I will not actually be making my spreadsheet until early July 9, so we won’t do the cut off until that time. Just so there is no confusion, I’ll also close the comments at that time. So, if you still see a comment box down below, and want to participate, go ahead and say so – I’ll take care of the rest. Thank you! (PS, I am moderating, so your comment may not appear right away. Don’t worry!)
Okay, okay, I’m IN! XO
OK. This is a bit outside my comfort zone, but I do manage a creative team so I should be able to handle this, right? And I’m liking the Female to Male odds here. I’ll take you up on your mail-order hook up offer (is there such a thing?).. yes, my game will be that good!
I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!! <–never have exclamation points been more warranted.
Thanks, E!
Ooh, sounds like fun. Hope to get out some ideas floating around in my head. Sign me up!
This sounds amazing! This is right up my mom’s alley and she will just flip out when I tell her about this project! I definitely have to sign her up.
Awww heck, I’m in. Late to the party … but excited to play!
Late to the party, but I’m in!
Oky doky – no more bets! I’m cutting it off here after Jen, and closing comments.
I hope you’ll subscribe to our blog or follow us on Facebook to see all the fantastic stuff we come up with this summer. If you’d like to be notified of the next exchange (or possibly win something fab in the mail), click here. I’m thinking January…
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