Going Postal

Well, my office is finally coming back together although I am still missing a few things. I'm pretty sure someone broke into my house and stole my Exacto knife with the rubbery turquoise handle. For some reason, they didn't steal my computer or television - I guess they didn't want to weigh themselves down with the heavy stuff. Anyway, if you have any information on this heinous crime, please let me know. For the moment, I even have a semi-dedicated stamping surface - literally about 12" X 18" but that's enough for now. I'm sure it won't last so this morning I took advantage of accidentally getting up early to see if I could get something done.

Back in the good old days when people still read newspapers, didn't make sex tapes and sent real mail, a lot of us used to stamp the heck out of envelopes. It was a challenge to be as creative as possible while still adhering to the postal services requirements. So today, I made some envelopes to send to my Texas stores. Not "my" as in I own them but rather stores that have to good taste and sense to carry Deadbeat Design stamps. Here's a close up of one:

As you can see, I basically threw everything but the kitchen sink at it but the layers are what makes it work. The more you layer, the less important each stamp becomes so it's a perfect background. Even the crankiest postal employee should be able to read the address clearly - even if they are having a really bad day and wad it up and stomp on it a few times, it will only add to the character.

And a word about the post office. By and large, the postal workers I come in contact with are all perfectly nice - nicer and more patient than I would ever be. The long lines are usually due to idiotic customers who act like they've never sent mail before and come in completely unprepared. It's not a pack and ship store people! And the fact that a card or letter can still be mailed to any address in the country for a mere 44 cents is pretty remarkable.

Anyway.....

In case you can't tell, I just used some Marvy pads directly onto the envelope and stamped seemingly random images in muted colors, Memento pads, mostly. The space for the address was masked first so the address wouldn't be obscured. I used a Sharpie Marker for the store's name and then went over it with a finer pen to refine the lines. And let me just stop you right there... Yes, you can have good handwriting! Of course, you have to practice - a lot! If you were to take a calligraphy class, you would begin by focusing on each stroke of a letter and at the end of the lesson, you might have mastered the downstroke of a capital "A" - the rest would take more lessons. I don't have the patience for a calligraphy class so I just write stuff over and over until I like it. So try it. And try it again. LIke a hundred times.

Here are all of the envelopes together. If you're making one, you might as well make a few. Besides, you might screw one up like I did. If you don't see your store, you either aren't in Texas or you haven't ordered in so long that I've just forgotten you. Sorry. But I've just been so distraught and violated over the theft of my Exacto knife.

I guess my next project should be to figure out what to put in these envelopes. Probably should have thought of that first...

Comments

[Patti J.]

Hmmm.....have you looked in the refrigerator? I tend to sometimes put things there accidentally... Great envies! I feel your postal pain - can't believe how quickly some folks get through the line, and how long it takes others! Have a good day :)

[Curt OBrien]

Hey Mark! I've missed visiting. Your envelopes are pieces of art. Love the layering. But what most impresses me is your amazing handwriting. It is art in itself!. Hope you find your Exacto. I'm using my psychic powers and I keep getting a mental image of a stack of books or magazines. Don't know what it means, but give it a thought. Best, Curt

[Renee M.]

Well, when you find your Exacto knife, if you see a diamond earring, a very cool Brighton bracelet, a crappy cell phone, and a round brush, those are mine. Oh and a set of keys w/ openers for my car & for hubby's car. Sheesh. Those doggone things are not cheap to replace. It drives me NUTS when I can't find something.

My handwriting tanked after I started using the computer. I like your envelopes---someday I'll decorate one w/ more than just a fun postage stamp!

[Ariel]

I just recently found your blog, and was SO excited to be able to find GOOD Texas stamps for order on the web. I am a Native, and certainly appreciate these beautiful images.

I also happen to like your writing style, and the snarky sense of humor. You remind me of myself and the dialogue I often have in my head.

Keep up the good work. I hope I can narrow down my choices for which stamps to get first.
~Ariel