4 Ways to DIY Envelope Art for Your 7-Day Letter-Writing Challenge
Dawn here, stopping by from Dawn Nicole Designs. Oh, the power of a handwritten note! Letters enable us to express ourselves and inspire those who receive them. Have you ever received a handwritten notecard from a company from which you’ve ordered? Those companies always stick out to me because of the time they took to make a personal connection. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as writing a note on paper creates such a pleasant experience?
After you check out the DIY Envelope Art Four Ways idea, use my 7 Day Letter Writing Challenge to write your own Letters of Peace. Then, take a photo of your letter and/or envelope art and post it to your choice of social media using the hashtag #lettersofpeace. Let’s get started!
DIY ENVELOPE ART FOUR WAYS
Have you ever thought about the role paper and packaging play in your daily life? When you reach for the mail, write a to-do list, send a handwritten note, spend time journaling, scrapbooking, crafting, etc. I sat down and thought of a few ways I think paper and packaging affect my daily life.
Stronger Connections: Opening a handwritten letter or handmade package keeps us better connected to people around us, even when we are far apart in location. Many of you know my family is stationed overseas right now. Receiving a letter or package in the mail from the family and friends we miss so much is one of our greatest joys! #happymail
Productive Learning: Reading books and writing things down can result in more productive learning. Making daily to-do lists enables me to keep up with my business and life commitments. On the creative side, art and lettering improve with daily practice thanks to the concept of muscle memory.
Creative Solutions: Creatives and makers transform everyday objects into works of art regularly. Just think about how often you use paper and packaging in your creations, art and lettering practice. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know how true this is for me!
Now let’s get into the DIY envelope art! A few notes before we get into each style…
- When I send out happy mail with envelope art that fills the whole envelope, I write the return address on the back of the envelope in the center of the flap.
- Sketch your design in pencil first before making it permanent. Then, gently erase out the pencil lines after your envelope art is complete.
- If doing art by hand makes you nervous, try using some fun paper stencils!
1. DOODLED HEARTS
Whether it’s a love note or a letter to your grams, this fun style is sure to cheer up someone’s day when they open their mailbox!
Materials:
- black or a bright colored paper envelope
- gel pens (assorted colors)
Instructions:
1. In the center of your envelope, write the recipient’s name and address.
2. Next, draw a cloud-shaped border around the address, as shown.
3. Divide your envelope into six sections. In rainbow color order, add a ton of fun heart doodles with the gel pens.
2. FLORAL INK + WATERCOLORS
Classy and beautiful, you can’t go wrong with the mix of florals, ink and watercolors.
Materials:
- watercolor paper envelopes (these are available at your local craft store)
- fine point waterproof marker
- watercolors and paintbrushes
Instructions:
- Sketch a floral design in pencil from each corner of the bottom half of the envelope, leaving room for the address.
- Trace your artwork loosely in a fine point waterproof marker.
- Gently erase out your pencil lines.
- Paint with watercolors! It doesn’t have to be perfect. I prefer mine to be imperfect, especially when mixed with ink.
3. ABSTRACT + ARTSY
Bright, fun and oh-so easy!
Materials:
- watercolor paper envelopes
- fine point waterproof marker
- watercolors and paintbrushes
- white gel pen
Instructions:
- Draw a circle in the middle of your envelope large enough to write the address.
- Paint three shades of watercolor on your envelope as shown, carefully avoiding the circle. Let dry thoroughly.
- Add hearts with the white gel pen. After they dry, trace the hearts loosely with a fine point waterproof marker.
- Finally, add the address in the circle.
4. TYPOGRAPHIC
Simple floral details keep the focus on the typography.
Materials:
- colored envelope
- white gel pen
- colored gel pens
Instructions:
- Draw simple guidelines with pencil and a rule for the typography. Pencil in the name and address.
- Trace the name and address with a white gel pen. Allow to dry completely.
- Gently erase out the pencil lines and add simple floral details and hearts.
JOIN THE 7 DAY LETTER WRITING CHALLENGE!
It’s time to write your own Letters of Peace. Don’t forget to take a photo of your letter and/or envelope art and post it to your choice of social media using the hashtag #lettersofpeace.
The Letters of Peace challenge is sponsored by The Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds™ campaign, which highlights the important role paper and packaging play in our daily lives. The Paper and Packaging Board establishes and guides promotions designed to slow the decline in paper use and expand demand for paper-based packaging products. Almost 60 US manufacturers and importers of these products collectively fund the board’s efforts, including the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds™ campaign.
Connect with @howlifeunfolds on Social Media:
I hope you enjoyed the DIY Envelope Art Four Ways ideas, and I can’t wait to check out your #lettersofpeace on social media. Happy writing!
DIY Production, Styling, + Photography: Dawn Nicole