It’s time to think about snail mail and sketchnote an envelope. Check out the Graceful Envelope Contest and the art challenge this week to doodle up an envelope to bless someone.
Isn’t it just the coolest thing to get personal mail and even cooler when it cool mail? Here are two letters I got this week. Mike Rohde (author of Sketchnote Handbook) sent me a Christmas card. Yes, I know it’s a little late for a Christmas card. Normally I check the box weekly after class, but this semester I am not on campus so it totally slipped my mind. Dolores sent me a book and when I sent to check I had tons of mail. Mike has such a cool calligraphy style, I will be saving this envelope.
And then Pat Maier (Co-founder of Visual Faith Ministries) sent me this envelope and this way cool prayer card. It made me cry. It is such a blessing to be prayed over. So I thought we needed to send out some more love, so I’ll be challenging you to do a little snail mail in a bit. But first some inspiration.
The Graceful Envelope Contest
All this got me thinking about envelopes and letter writing. And I knew I wanted to share a cool contest with you called the Graceful Envelope Contest. This is an annual contest that has been going on for 26 years. It was established by the Washington DC calligraphers Guild and the National Association of Letter Carriers. The Contest is really simple. Take the theme for the year and embellish, doodle, illustrate or just be artful on the envelope and address it to the Graceful Envelope Contest. The official rules are below, but it’s just that simple – address an envelope! This year’s theme is Double Vision and the entry has to be postmarked by March 23, 2020. The contest is free; there is no entry fee. If you want to participate mail your entry to:
Address it artistically to [NOTE NEW ADDRESS]:
The Graceful Envelope1207
King StreetAlexandria, VA 22314
POSTMARK DEADLINE: Monday, March 23, 2020
HOW TO ENTER
- There is no entry fee.
- Each entry must be a stamped envelope, either manufactured or handmade, delivered through the U.S. Postal Service. The envelope will not be opened.
- Entries may not be enclosed in a separate envelope or in any protective covering (unless multiple entries are coming from one class).
- Size may not exceed 7×9 inches. Standard #10 business envelopes are also permitted. (Some envelope sizes require additional postage.)
- Use calligraphy or hand-drawn artistic lettering to address the FRONT of the envelope to: The Graceful Envelope1207 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22314[NOTE NEW ADDRESS]
- On the BACK of the envelope, print your name, address, and email, clearly labeled “FROM.” Students must indicate their GRADE (international students: please provide your age). (Students may use their teacher’s email rather than their own.)
- If your entry is returned to the sender, contact Erin at peonyplumecalligraphy@gmail.com. All mail is sorted by machines, which can struggle with calligraphy.
- Be sure to post your entry in the Sketchnote Boss Facebook grop.
For more details click here to go to the Graceful Envelop Contest Site.
Inspiration
I get so much inspiration from this lovely contest. Here’s my Pinterest board where you can look to get your own inspiration. The image above is a snippet of a few of the outstanding envelopes you will find there.
This Week’s Challenge:
Doodle an envelope and write a lovely note and send it to someone.
To help I posted an envelope template in the Member’s Page (to join, sign up for my email; it’s free).
SUPPLIES
Cardstock
black pen
colored pencils or markers optional
small post-it note 1 1/2″ x 2″
My Process:
- Print out the envelope template on cardstock.
- Cut out the envelope and fold it.
- Glue the sides to create the pocket of the envelope.
- On the front put a post-it note to create a space for the address
- Doodle up the front
- In the example, I put a little ink a mini spritz bottle and LIGHTLY sprayed the front of the card to give it a little pizzaz. A heavy ink spray will cause the paper to buckle.
- Doodle up the back (optional)
- Insert some loving contents
- Remove the post it and address the envelope.
- Add a stamp
- Take a pic for the Sketchnote Boss Facebook Group
- Mail – if you can’t think of anyone to send it to, you can always send it to me!
I can’t wait to see what you all do. Stay tuned for next week when we will have another Name of God to study to get to know Him a little better.
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