I've avoided my other blog as well--because the urge to make and create has also been absent. Of course, I'm reading. A day rarely passes that I don't read, but every so often the need to retreat into a less active, more internal state of mind just happens. Especially after the long holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Celebrations when so much is going on.
What I have been doing, aside from the New Year urge to simplify and get rid of "stuff," is writing letters. Years ago, I participated in Mail Art, which is an entertaining pastime. This year has brought a renewed interest. Starting in December, Snail Mail to friends and family has kept me entertained. Especially letters to my grandchildren (who have, as yet, failed to return a letter). They love getting mail, but are less interested in actually writing letters in return. But that's OK, because as much as I love receiving letters (instead of just email), for the moment, my obsession is decorating envelopes and writing letters.
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| to my daughters and a friend |
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| this one went to a blog friend in Australia |
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| grandson- he loves superheroes |
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| grandaughter
Now, maybe I should write some book reviews...or get back to cleaning out and purging the accumulated mess. GoodWill, here I come.
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Sometimes you just need to take a break and that's ok. I love your mail art!
ReplyDeleteI guess everything is cyclical. :) Thanks--I'm having fun with the envelopes and letters!
DeleteThese are lovely! I'm not much of a letter writer, but my mother was. She wrote and wrote and wrote. Not with decorations though. Happy New Year to you, Jenclair!
ReplyDeleteSome of them are more notes than letters--just keeping in touch. I bet you treasure your mother's letters, Kay. Happy New Year to you, too!
DeleteI love the way you decorate your envelopes...especially your snowmen! What a clever idea. I used to send my niece homemade postcards that I collaged. It was fun...and the message on the other side could be short! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not very good at collage, but I'm practicing because I love it. I like making postcards, too. And sometimes a short message is all that is needed. :)
DeleteYou should join Postcrossing. That is a fun snail mail project. :)
ReplyDeleteI've looked at Postcrossing several times! Thanks for the reminder, Kelly. :)
DeleteI love writing and receiving letters! The writing trend now is gearing towards electronic so it's always a treat to receive snail mails, at least to me.
ReplyDeleteI love all your envelopes art! So lovely and creative! :-)
I used to be really into letter writing and that's all fallen by the wayside. I keep telling myself I will get back into it, at least to family, but it rarely comes to pass. I think your artwork is lovely, Jenclair. I'm not good with art so you're more likely to see stickers on an envelope than art work.
ReplyDeleteMy Aunt Jerie always uses brown paper bags when she wraps gifts to people and will decorate them with her art. It's a real treasure. Your grandchildren are lucky.
Stickers, stamps, pictures from magazines, collage--all make an envelope more fun!
DeleteI love the idea of decorating packages with art work. What a great idea!
Your envelope decorations are fantastic! I bet all your recipients are just delighted when those turn up in their mailboxes.
ReplyDeleteI love getting decorated mail from a couple of friends. When I check the mailbox and find a letter from them, I'm so thrilled. When I was involved with the mail art movement over 10 years ago, I went to the post office and asked if I could take pictures in the back where they sorted mail. Then I made faux postage stamps with letter carriers and post office scenes. My mailman at the time loved them. :)
DeleteThere's nothing like getting a real letter in the mail. It's so cool that you are reconnecting with mail art and your envelopes are a delight! I remember going to a mail art exhibit in Dallas quite a few years ago and there were tons of envelopes on display and it was so inspiring. I'm sure your family and friends who are receiving your letters are enjoying these so much!
ReplyDelete:) Mail Art seems to have a resurgence of popularity every few years when someone new discovers it and posts about it, when an exhibit is scheduled in your area, or there is an article in the paper. It is always there, and always being re-discovered.
DeleteSome of my very favorites are the envelopes from book illustrators to their publishers--they are fan-tastic! Here is a link for the ones from Edward Gorey to his publisher.
I love writing and receiving letters but today's technology has made emails so much faster and easier. And your envelopes art are beautiful! I love every one of them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melody! My return address is on the second photo--send me a letter, and I'll send one to you!
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