I do not recall posting this envelope and on the day it jumped out of a very random hiding place - it also spoke to me and asked me to do my own version. Dianne's clearly looks like paint applied with a brush. I tried to make the same general look using markers. Markers get muddy when layered, so that was the challenge. Cover all the paper without much overlap. It was FUN. I'd like to do more. Will label it follow-up.
These are both so wonderfully whimsical and colorful. Well done.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who signed up for my second--I almost didn't, and it was because while the envelopes were beautiful, I was surprised at the lack of any personal interaction with most of them. I think I only got one with an inclusion. Which is fine--I understand that the exchange is only about envelopes, and that some people like the simplicity of that.
I sent out five envelopes and they went into a black hole, as far as I could tell.
However, I signed up again this month with a little shift in expectation and an idea for eliminating the black-hole feeling. It's a shift some folks might not want to make.
Also...I know from long years of mail-art participation that people sign up with high excitement, and then blank at the drawing board, so that their participation is more stressful than they expected.
Interesting take. I participated quite some time back, but I never experienced the black hole feeling, but I think I understand what you're saying. I assumed, when I signed up, that it was just an envelope exchange. Each month some envelopes arrived with enclosures and I wondered, oh, was I supposed to do that too? I mostly create digitally, so I started including what program I used and how I accomplished the look. Most everyone creates by hand so I wasn't sure if my explanation was interesting or not.
DeleteI soon found, I didn't really have the time to devote to enclosures, as I was lucky to get my envelopes in the mail on time! Right before I stopped participating, I wanted to transition away from digital to hand crafted, but my life got too crazy and I've still not gotten my office set up after our down sizing move. One day, I'll be back! I've been buying envelopes and markers!
I hope you'll keep participating, I found it more interesting with more people.
Thank you to both of you for the comments. I plan on further discussion in some upcoming blog posts.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these two envies! Jean, you did an amazing job of recreating the same style!
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