June - Tutorials instead of surfing - "Nora's" sunburst & oval borders

 Back in May, I thought I should cut back on surfing and provide more ideas on the blog. Lots of you know how to collect ideas. Some of you have a multitude of skills and talents but are new to envelope art.

The top envelope arrived in my mailbox from someone who lives within walking distance from me. I did not ask her if it was OK for me to use her envelopes for tutorials so if she doesn't like this idea I'll take it down. I also renamed her *Nora* - since I have not asked her if this is OK with her.

It was the back of her envelope that gave me the impression that she would be fine with me offering some tips.

My version would have been fine with a rectangle around the stamp - more than fine - it would have been better. I like the idea of rectangle and two ovals.

My tip for the front is that the borders were done after the names and addresses were on the envelope. The border around the stamp is fine. The one around my name and address has a nice straight base but the top part is slanty. Then the partial border around the return address is its own thing. The colors are great - but the elements need to be tied together. 

The shapes around the address and return address combine straight lines and curves - which suggests indecision. Anything works - it's when you start combining things that it can get complicated.

Here's the flip side that triggered my teaching instinct. It's a perfectly good idea. 

Sunburst borders are tried and true. Two of the zig-zags have a bold stroke, from the marker. It would have been nice to give each zig-zag at least one bold stroke.

Here is what I sent on the back of my envelope.

Sunburst tutorial.

Nora's had six Ms - I went with 8 - because it's a lot easier to build a sunburst by creating opposites and then filling in. I have a light pencil oval - which could be erased. Or - it could have been done in light colored pencil.

Maybe too many details.

Actually - this back of the envelope did not go on the envelope pictured above. There is a second suggestion that will run tomorrow.