Cowboy Kimono

Tag: Envelope Art

  • Introducing the Poodoodle Journal

    Introducing the Poodoodle Journal

    Adios blank page anxiety! Hola creative encouragement!

    Hey there, creative souls! Let me introduce you to something that’s been in the works for a while now—the Poodoodle Journal. It’s more than just a notebook; it’s a creative companion designed to help you unleash your ideas, without the pressure or perfectionism that often holds us back.

    The Birth of the Poodoodle Journal

    The idea for the Poodoodle Journal came from my own struggle with the dreaded blank page. You know, that empty stare-down where your mind goes blank and creativity feels miles away? Sound familiar? I’ve been there too many times to count, and I realized: we need something to help us embrace that initial mess, the not-so-perfect ideas, and the glorious “oops” moments.

    That’s where the Poodoodle comes in.

    I wanted to create a space where anything goes. A place to doodle, brainstorm, make lists, scribble down half-baked ideas, and write without judgment. The Poodoodle Journal is here to remind you that creativity doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Whether your ideas are fresh, funky, or even a little funky-looking, it’s all good. The journal’s name alone is a playful nod to this—because sometimes a little fun (and a little nonsense) is exactly what we need to spark our best ideas.

    Poodoodle Features:

    • 140 dotted pages: The dots give you just enough structure for sketches, bullet points, and creative layouts, but they don’t box you in. It’s all about flexibility.
    • 5.5″ × 8.5″: A compact size that’s perfect for tossing in your bag, yet spacious enough to let your ideas stretch out.
    • Wire-bound for easy use: No awkward flipping or bending. It’s ready to go, wherever you are.

    And here’s a little bonus inspiration on the back cover:

    That’s right. Not every idea has to be a stroke of genius. Sometimes, you’ve got to start with the so-so ones and let them evolve. The Poodoodle Journal is here to encourage that messy, beautiful process.

    A Thoughtful Purchase

    One of the things I’m most proud of with the Poodoodle Journal is how it’s made. Each journal is crafted just for you when you place your order. No mass production, no piles of unsold stock. This on-demand model helps reduce overproduction and waste, so every purchase is a more sustainable choice. How cool is that?

    Let’s Doodle, Let’s Create

    I truly believe that creativity flourishes when we take the pressure off and just let the ideas flow—no matter how imperfect they may seem. So, if you’ve been staring at a blank page, hoping for inspiration to strike, it’s time to stop waiting. Pick up the Poodoodle Journal, and let the creative chaos begin.

    Remember, it’s not about the end result; it’s about the process. So let’s make room for a little mess, a little doodle, and a whole lot of inspiration.

    Ready to kickstart your creative journey? Grab your Poodoodle Journal here!

    Poodoodles away! ✨

    I hope this inspires you to dive into your next creative adventure. Whether you’re sketching your dreams, planning your goals, or just letting your thoughts run wild, the Poodoodle Journal is here to help you do it all—no stress, no pressure, just pure creative freedom.

     

     

     

  • Create a Kickass Thank You for your Mail Carrier

    Create a Kickass Thank You for your Mail Carrier

    “…nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds”

    The events and pitfalls of 2020 may fully qualify as “gloom of night.” In addition to the looming holiday crush season, USPS workers are facing a barrage of election mail heaped with homebound and remote worker’s increasing needs. My reliance on the carrier that brings essential communication and products to my door has grown, big time. I think it is time to let my mail carrier know how much I appreciate the dedication, doggedness, drive, and grit that is required to do the job. Here is the project I created just for that purpose:

    How to create the mail art using markers

    Supplies

    Directions

    1. Print the eagle envelope template and thank you page.
    2. Trim the template along the artwork’s border to fit a standard #10 envelope.
    3. Using two small pieces of masking tape, gently tape the paper template to your envelope. Tuck a piece of transfer paper between the paper and the envelope. Test to make sure the transfer paper is imprinting onto the envelope (not the back of the template).
    4. Trace the image with a ballpoint pen to transfer it to the envelope.
    5. Carefully remove the masking tape and template.
    6. Color the eagle, banner and message with markers.
    7. To create a tri-fold, fold the thank you page along the dotted line, then the top of the page to the dashed line.
    8. Cut along the vertical dashed lines to the horizontal dotted line (your first fold). This will make your pull-apart/pull-off thingy’s.
    9. Finish by folding the pull-apart/pull-off thingy’s under the top flap and place into your hand decorated envelope.
    Download Free Template + Thank You

  • Mail Art

    Mail Art

    Bambino Mail Art

    My Mom was a mail magician. She would make letters appear a few days into my week of summer camp. I’m not sure if she wrote them the moment after she dropped me off or if she had them written before I left. Even though I was only away from home for seven days, the letters usually hit when my homesickness kicked in. Her distinctive cursive and stories about all that was going on at home included weather reports, updates on my five siblings, Dad’s doings and tales about the family dog.

    In this season of summer camp adventures and family travels, my mother’s letters are a springboard for this elevated envelope project. Hopefully, the writer will enjoy marking and coloring as much as the recipient digs the arty envelope!

    One colorful cactus-themed envelope in timelapse appears below. (ta-da!)