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Tag: Mail 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.

     

     

     

  • Cactus Patch Mail Art

    Cactus Patch Mail Art

     

    Cactus Patch Mail Art

    I just finished teaching a Mail Art class at Pennysmiths Paper. In the class, we discovered the different effects that could be created using Studio Series Dual-Tip Alcohol Markers. The markers are a perfect tool for exploring blending techniques, watercolor tricks, and doodling patterns. The two-hour class was over before we could draw our fourth envelope, the Cactus Patch. Below are the steps I followed to create the mail art pictured above.

    Supplies

    • Envelope
    • Studio Series Alcohol Dual-Tip Marker Set (available at Pennysmiths Paper)
    • Uniball Signo White Pen, Broad (available at Pennysmiths Paper)
    • 1 sheet heavyweight paper, cut to fit inside the envelope
    • 1 sheet heavyweight paper, to protect the surface where you are working
    • Post-it Notes
    • Mailing Label (optional)

    Steps

    1. Start by placing post-it notes on the front of the envelope over the address area to keep it the same color as the envelope.
    2. Insert a cut sheet of heavyweight paper inside the envelope to keep the markers from bleeding onto the backside.
    3. Select 3-4 harmonious colors (these would be next to each other on the color wheel or all the same color family). Blues or greens work well. Go a bit wilder by using orange, yellow and red or purple, red and blue.
      • Using the brush end of the pen, make an inverted “U” that flares out a bit at the bottom.
      • Grab another color and draw a stripe just to the right of your first line. The stripes can touch or overlap on the edge. Let the stripe get wider as you move towards the bottom.
      • Repeat until the “U” shape is filled with stripes of color. 
      • Using the fine tip in the same color as your original U-shape, dot the outside to create needles.
      • Repeat the above steps next to your original U-shape, but make this one smaller in size and overlap it a bit. This will create the illusion of depth. 
      • Continue making different sizes and overlapping until the bottom 2/3 of the envelope is covered.
    4. Pick two harmonious colors for the blossoms. Using the fine tip, make clusters of upside-down teardrop shapes along the top each cactus.
    5. Select one of the lightest markers and use the fine tip to draw lines for the sky.
    6. Use your white Signo pen and marker’s fine tips to draw different patterns lining the cactus stripes. If you need some pattern ideas, check out the black and white handout (below). 
    7. With the white Signo pen, add needles to the edges.
    8. Finally, draw concentric teardrop lines inside the cactus blossoms using the white Signo pen.
    9. Remove post-it masks. Cover address area with a mailing label for cleaner edges (optional)
    10. You can play with the design even more by:
      • Mixing-in different types of cactus – add a barrel cactus or prickly pear.
      • Create a sea life version with coral, starfish, and seaweed. 
      • Finish the envelope by lining it with colorful paper. Envelope liner templates are available at Pennysmiths Paper.

    Cactus Patch Timelapse  Video

     

    Black and White Handout

     

    Looking for more inspiration?

    1. Little Chimp Society, Mail Me Art Gallery  https://www.thelittlechimpsociety.com/gallery-mma4
    2. Pinterest: Search Mail Art or Envelope Art
    3. Zentangles : https://craftwhack.com/how-to-zentangle
    4. YouTube: Search Alcohol Marker videos
    5. Link to the time-lapse video (below) of this technique: Cactus Mail Art

  • 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!)