Ready to get into envelope art?

The Elevated Envelope Mail Art Exchange will return in early 2024. We’ve already got a theme – it’s 🌊OCEAN. (Think deep, dark, underwater, blue, sea creatures, uncontrollable, earth!)

Get on the list so you don’t miss it! You’ll be notified as soon as the registration form is live.

The Elevated Envelope Art Project Expectations:

Swap Rules

Envelope Art FAQ

Envelope Art Resources

The Elevated Envelope Extra Credit

Can’t wait to get started?!

Support The Elevated Envelope Art Project

Need more help?

Swap Rules

• Your swap group’s addresses must be kept private. If you post photos online, you must conceal addresses through photo editing or creative staging.
• Push that envelope! Push yourself to be as creative as possible, and make something you’d like to receive. Don’t spend a lot of money (on supplies or postage). You are aiming for a creation that is more “art” than “scrapbook” – more handmade than not.
• Artwork should be on the theme of 🌊OCEAN. (Think deep, dark, underwater, blue, sea creatures, uncontrollable, earth!)
• Mail all your envelopes by the deadline [TBD].
• You must email me a photo-check-in when you’re done. 
• Be cool! This project is only fun and fair when everyone fulfils this commitment. You are committing to mailing an artistic envelope to each person in your swap group. If you do not complete the project, your name goes on my Uncool List!

Envelope Art FAQ

1. What should I make? Anything you want. Have you been meaning to try a certain medium? Check out the Creative Resources for ideas. Remember: Don’t spend a lot of money, stretch yourself creatively, and have fun with it!

2. What if I’m not an “artist” ? Too late! We’re expecting art! Are you creative? Clever? Curious? Hard work beats talent. This project is the perfect opportunity to challenge this thought about yourself. What IS an artist, anyway? IMO, an artist makes art, so you’ve got this. Go make some art. 🙂

3. What do I put inside the envelope? Write a note telling the recipient what you made, why you made it the way you did, or how you came up with the idea in the first place. It’s interesting to hear how the same theme is interpreted by different people. Here is a big list of flat, lightweight enclosures that won’t break the postage bank.

4. How do I protect my artwork and make sure my creations arrive intact? If you’re new to this, you can find lots of practical tips and tricks on the Mail Art Tutorial page.

5. How much postage do I need? Certain envelope sizes, orientations, thicknesses, weights and destinations can significantly increase postage cost and hassle. This is especially true when mailing internationally. If your envelope starts to get too thick, you may wander into “parcel” or “package” territory, which often necessitates a customs form. This might mean a big, expensive sticker slapped across your hard work! Every country is different. Avoid drama by keeping it simple, lightweight, and a standard size – and/or visit your post office early in the process.

Envelope Art Resources

• Mail Art-friendly Craft Ideas: Great for beginners.
• Creative Enclosures: A list of my favorite easy-to-mail, flat, lightweight items.
• The Elevated Envelope Mail Art Gallery: Check back often to see the updates.

The Elevated Envelope Extra Credit

Here are some ways to take The Elevated Envelope to the next level:

• If you’re already making 5 envelopes, why not make some more? Sending mail to strangers is cool, but why not surprise your own friends and family with a few of your project extras? They will love it!
• Turn your envelope into a tiny gift with this list of creative enclosures (my favorite flat, lightweight items that fit into a standard envelope).
• Guess what? You don’t have to do the exact same thing for everybody on your list. May I suggest a series? Or a variation on a theme? Some of my favorite envelopes from past swaps have been one of a series.

If you’re an overachiever, you’ll fit right in:

For her project in 2012, Kayte Judge commissioned a piece of Bedfordshire Lace which she used as a “prompt” for her envelope. Kayte used one piece of lace several ways, documenting new adventures in relief, ghost, and sun printing.

Shira Ganany drew a completely different ice-pop-inspired portrait for each of her envelopes, and then enclosed a matching popsicle bookmark.🤩 Read more about her project here.

Can’t wait to get started?

coming soon

Support The Elevated Envelope Art Project

coming soon

Need help with your envelope art?

If you’re stuck at all (confused? need project help? have a question not answered here?), email tara at eiremail.com. I love hearing from you, and I’m happy to help you however I can.

Have fun!