MKZabrin + Dürer's pillow - AI

 Here is another variation of Clothesline caps. I do not recognize the name of the artist - MKZabrin - but will link to their Flickr page because there are some nice images

LINK to MKZabrin's images

And now for something completely different - Albrect Dürer's Pillow. That's right. He drew his pillow. Apparently he, too, observed International Sloth Day.

Trust me - the link takes you to an interesting article and I like the other images even better than this one.

LINK to Albrecht Durer article

Is anyone impressed that I know how to put an umlaut on the u in Dürer? I can't believe it's taken me this long to figure it out. Or maybe geniuses have made it easier with how the computers work. You just hold down the u and you get your choices.

***

What do we think of all these AI (Artificial Intelligence) images that are popping up? Apparently there are filters that turn photos into artwork. OK - filters that do that are not new. I have no idea what is new and different about the AI images. It's all fine with me. I'm curious about all of it - but in many ways, I am satisfied with not having the time or energy to really delve into it. All my energy for *keeping up* with new technology is focused on learning all the different methods for doing self-checkout at stores. It would be helpful if there was only one company making all of the devices - but - there are many different kinds - so - I end up pushing a couple buttons - and then getting the *error* message - that tells me an associate will be appearing to help me. <eye-rolling>

Nov 2022 from Maggie - a fun mistake

This is Maggie's Nov envelope and you can get a sneak peek at some of her December mail over on her IG. The dragon stamp's purple along with the touches of orange were. perfect colors to share with the irises. White lettering and gold are the finishing touches. But wait, there's more -- a very nice rendering of a pear. She reproduced the image so I can't tell if it was colored pencil - or maybe something else - but it's a very nice rendering.

Remember the pretty faux-postage that was posted back in November - beautifully designed by Christi Payne? When she saw them she dropped me an email telling about making them. She sent her designs to Zazzle and they refused to print them because *they look too much like real stamps* - that is what Dazzle said. Plan B was to print them on self adhesive paper and score them by hand. Eventually she found a source for perforated, gummed paper. 

In the post -- I ran my envelope to her that was just loaded with mistakes -- her response was Keep Clam & Carry On - which cracked me up. It also reminded me of my favorite mistake. It was back in the day - before computers - when people had to cut headline words and arrange them. I was making the art for a sticker to be printed that needed to have two words, stacked and centered:

GOOD 

MORNING

The printer was waiting for me to paste up the two words - because it was a rush job.

He kept asking me: "Is that the way you want it?" I kept saying "Yes." And he kept asking. I don't know how many times he asked - until I stopped focusing on centering the words - and realized that I had pasted them up:

MORNING

GOOD

We had a good laugh - and then I fixed it.

Oh -- I managed to find the envelope to Christi with all the mistakes:

 

Nov 2022 from Rachael and Kristine - is gray dated?

 This is one where you really need to see it in person. The photo does not do it justice. The colors are so pretty. That style of lettering is also quite lovely -- I need to find an exemplar - or just make my own. I think 9 letters are quite enough to build an entire alphabet.

Big thank you to the USPS for sending it through the cancel machine upside down.

And more gray loveliness from Kristine. I keep trying to do my own versions of Kristine's wide borders and somehow mine don't turn out quite right. I guess I will have to try doing and exact copy of one to find the secret.

Has anyone been seeing the announcement that gray has run its course in the world of interior design. I agree, there's been a tsunami of gray. It seems that the tide is turning toward warmer tones. I've mentioned this before - there is a color that is at the exact midpoint between cool and warm in the world of grays - and that seems like a safe neutral to work with if you can't decide between warm and cool.

Do not get me started on undertones.

Nov 2022 from Patty and Leslie - turkey necks

Grrrrr at myself. Patty wrote something about the design on this envelope - and I am being slothful about finding what she said. I think it is lovely -plus- it's fun to post envelopes with similar themes.

I had to delete everything that was pre-written because it assumed that I had joined in at the family T-day gathering. I imagine they will send some leftovers home with MrWilson. During the first 25 years of being married, the T-days were always at his mom's house. At the very first one, I happened to be in the kitchen when she was going to throw the turkey neck in the garbage. I stopped her - and asked if I could take it home because I really liked the necks. She was not aware that anyone ate turkey necks - but, she was happy to send it home with me. She always made a pan of oyster dressing and put the neck on top so that it would bake and release some flavorful juices into the dressing. But she never imagined anyone would want to eat it. I've experienced quite a few people who recoil in horror at the thought of eating a neck - so I apologize if this is an upsetting topic.

The following year, when we sat down for dinner at my mother-in-law's - the neck was on my plate. And it was a very large neck. She beamed - and said, "I remembered how much you like the neck." Well, yes, and thank you very much -- but I'm not going to eat it like a barbarian at the dinner table. At least the tradition of sending the neck home with Jean was established. Once in a while my mom would see packages of necks at the grocery store and invite me over for a *surprise.* I'd walk in the door and know immediately what my surprise was because of the aroma.

I apologize again if any readers are appalled at the eating of necks. There are far worse things that people eat. We're on a roll with filling up the posts - and I assure you there is something lettering related that pops up right after Christmas.

And then there are my kindred spirits who email me directly and let me know that I am not the only one when I write about some of these odd topics. I'll be curious to see what kinds of unusual things people tell me they enjoy eating. I'm especially interested in phoenix claw soup aficionados.

Nov 2022 from Janet - Attending a gathering (nope)

I've spent so much time trying to figure out what Janet used on this one. It looks like there are a couple layers - maybe more. I wonder if she could remember what she used. Her design wraps around to the flap - always a nice touch.

There was a paragraph here that made no sense and has been deleted. As I review each post a day or two before it will pop up, I try to edit and improve. Some stuff is delete-worthy. 

I also had the paragraph below written - the previous (deleted) paragraph said that I was going to gather for T-day with the Wilson side of the family.

I'll leave this open for a report on how it went - gathering with 12-15 people. Just thinking about it makes me want to buy noise cancelling headphones. I don't want to be that older person who is included in family events who just sits there like a bump-on-a-log. 

 ***

After I found out that there were going to be 3 college students at the gathering, I bailed out. College students gather germs from all over and travel and the germs co-mingle -- and the covid numbers are already on the rise in Des Moines -- so, I decided to err on the side of caution - and find something interesting to watch at home.

***

MrWilson reported that all 3 college students were coughing, hacking, and one couldn't really talk - so, he thought I was wise to stay home. Fortunately, he did not get sick. 

PBS Passport provided a wonderful documentary of an artist I have never heard of -Aldwyth: Fully Assembled. Passport is a portal for all kinds of stuff that has aired on PBS previously - and is one of the perks if you are a donor. I think it is well worth the donation. Tons of good stuff about people I have never heard of. Like Aldwyth. I cannot begin to describe the obsessive nature of her artwork. I can't find a single image online that gives a decent impression of what her work looks like because it is so many small images layered together. Obsessive collage. And the way she lives in her studio is pretty obsessive. No bed - just a mat she rolls out on top of one of her work tables. 

I'm not providing a link - because you need to be a PBS donor - and if you are - you can probably find it on your own.

Nov 2022 from Kate + graphic/commercial + Toll House pie

 

Why do I feel like this one has run already? Did Kate do another one with the Button Alphabet? The story that goes with the Button Alphabet is as much fun as the Clothesline Caps. I'm pondering doing the research to get the story from someone who was there. Is there anyone reading this who knows the story first hand?

***

What's the difference between a commercial artist and a graphic designer? When I started college in 1969, my first major was called commercial art and it was exactly what graphic design is these days. With the advent of computers (in the 80s), the job title morphed from commercial art to graphic design. Graphic design includes lettering & typography. If you want to be an illustrator - maybe there is a major in illustration. You can illustrate with a computer - so maybe that has a name. If anyone can enlighten us on these terms, please do.

This isn't really interesting - so - enough for today. Can you tell that I loaded 10 days of photos and have to fill them up?

***

Pie adventure No. 2

A while back I showed a lemon meringue pie where I had to pull it out of the oven, scrape off the meringue, stir in the lemon zest, replace the meringue - and bake it. Today (Nov 11), Hunter had asked if I wanted to make a Toll House pie for a Friendsgiving celebration. I said sure. I was on my way to the oven when I realized that I had forgotten to put in the butter - so - I scooped the filling out, stirred in the butter and - fingers crossed it's going to be OK. 

*** He reported that it was delicious.

Nov 2022 from Sharon - commercial artists

I am in awe of the amount of time Sharon spent on this. How much time do we think Sharon devotes to her envelopes? How many other obligations does she have. Sharon, you are not the only one who raises these kinds of questions. I'm inviting you - if you like this idea - to answer those questions - and I can share them in a future post. Feel free to decline. I don't want anyone to feel pressured.

Her card is from Hallmark. When we look at commercial art - we tend to dismiss it a little bit - for being *commercial* and not *handmade* - but, I know for a fact that artwork like this is produced by people who are a lot like us. The only difference is that their desires to make art became a priority - and they did so much of it - they ended up doing it for a living. So they have many hours a day to do what we do - and someone pays them. It's a very nice gig.

I've met a few people who have had gigs with big companies - and they are generally very happy with the work. A couple of them just made cold calls with their portfolios and got hired. So - if you are young - and have a portfolio - go for it. 

 ***

Off-topic add on - a link to an article about the marvelous letters from Father Christmas that J.R.R.Tolkien 

wrote to his kids.

LINK to the article - from the always interesting AtlasObscura.com

Nov 2022 from Smash - social battery

This one is soooo lovely. It has steal worthy elements - but, it might be tricky to do a successful verion of one's own. All those overlapping parts look like they just happened naturally - but, I suspect it would be harder to make it all work. Smash does art that is not just envelope art - and I have the impression that she devotes a significant amount of time to her art - and that makes a difference. Things that look fairly easy often times are not.

Well - GRRRR - I had a add-on topic when I opened this post and *poof* - it is gone. 

Oh -- I remember - here it is:

If you can't read the fine print - the battery on the left says *2 PEOPLE* - then it goes up 3-4-5-6.

I feel better knowing that there are enough people who feel this way that someone is selling shirts. I think I always felt this way - until the 3 offspring came along - and then I got swept up in the flurry of activities involving kids. As far as I can tell, the only *locals* who read my blog are my art friends -- I keep thinking that I should have a gathering of the locals - but, it would be too many people at once -- so *shout out* to my local buddies. I miss the good old days when we did meet up from time to time. 

MrWilson is the opposite of this. If he doesn't get together with groups - his batteries are depleted. Too bad we can't find a way to transfer energy.

 

Jane Farr + one of her envelopes + glaze pens

This popped up on Pinterest - another variation of Clothesline Caps. I saw Jane Farr's name in the corner and realized that I hadn't thought of her in a long time. Her last post on IG was 40 weeks ago and she stopped blogging in 2015.

LINK to Jane Farr's IG

Maybe she's switched gears or maybe she is too busy to keep up with her social media....

Here is an idea from her blog.

Outline the letters with a Glaze Pen - I had forgotten all about Glaze Pens.

Then color in and add a drop shadow with a white pen.

More details at the blog post.

LINK to Jane's blog

 

Nov 2022 - ME to Lynne - Newberry

 This envelope has been in the stash since 1993. [I'm not sure that's the date that was on the back- but it was definitely pre-2000.] It was time to let it go. And I was delighted to find a stamp that while not perfect - wasn't too bad. A black moon would have been nice. 

I used the Pilot Parallel pen - and that Y isn't right. I'm OK with the rest of the letters - or maybe the O needed something. I guess not - because the S and I do not have any weight on them. I'm tempted to pull out the DuBosch Jubilee exemplar - but my inner addiction-counselor-voice is telling me that Jubilee would put a big dent in the progress I am making at the hoard reduction.

***

By the way -- if you are not subscribed to newsletters from the Newberry Library - you might want to subscribe - and if you live in Chicago - you might want to make to to the library to see a current exhibit on penmanship which will close at the end of the month. I am annoyed that I was in Chicago in October and didn't know about the exhibit. Grrrr.

https://www.newberry.org. There is a link at this homepage to their blog and some more cool images of penmanship....and a virtual rabbit hole/labyrinth of other articles.

Nov 2022 to Leslie - cake & kitchen chores

I had a *note to self* to do more of these initials - but, I'm going to have to pull out some nibs and ink to do them beautifully. The lettering pleased me. I'm fine with the style of the lettering with the stamp. Even the card is fairly OK. It needs one more thing - but, I have no idea what -- maybe some embossed leaves ----

This might be a short blurb today. Or maybe something will come up to rant about. I tend to get a bit *ranty* during the holidays.

***

My BigHelpfulBrother ran across this photo and thinks I should share it on the blog. It was a birthday cake that we made for our dad - maybe his 65th - we would have been in our 40s. My brother was always the very best a person one could wish for in a sou chef. Someday I will share the stories of MrWilson's attempts to *be helpful.* My kids were so-so. Clearly, my brother and I were mentored by the same person, our mom, which probably explains our synchronicity in the kitchen. We'll get back to this.

There is one round layer of chocolate cake under the spaghetti - which is buttercream icing. The meatballs are homemade fudge with ground up nuts - and rolled in a few more nuts. The sauce is some kind of strawberry concoction. And the parmesan cheese is ground up almonds. If you Google spaghetti cake - there are many examples with more detailed instructions - if you need to make one. 

Back to kitchen synchronicity - and my inability to impart enough kitchen wisdom to my offspring. My local son who learned the ropes in commercial kitchens and spends way too much time cooking delicious meals had invited me to enjoy one of his Philly cheesesteaks at his house. He mentioned that he needed to deep clean his fridge. I suggested that I return the following day because one of my fond memories of my mom was that she was always happy to help me with the cleaning of the fridge and it goes so much faster with 2 people. I noted that he had quite a bit of stuff in his fridge but figured there was a fair amount to be discarded. Can anyone guess where this is going?

Yup. When I showed up the next day and opened the fridge - I discovered that he had stocked up on all the things he keeps on hand to pack his lunches. What kind of person stocks the fridge the day before they are going to clean the fridge. I didn't say a word. We got it done -- but I did mention it to my daughter who let out one of those empathetic groans. I'm just grateful that I have a kid who will clean his fridge once in a while. He even apologized for the state of it -- and I assured him I had seen lots worse.

Nov 2022 to Rachael and CathyO

While I had that *wash* pencil out, I used it on some random paper and card stock that was in my pile of leftovers. They were OK - but didn't inspire me. I had pulled out my Pilot Parallel pens for a friend who had signed up for an online class and had ordered some PPPens - and they were not going to arrive in time for his class - so I loaned him mine. I hardly ever use them. In fact, I had to spend some time cleaning them out and getting them to work before he picked them up. My plan was to use them on the Nov/Dec exchange envelopes. 

But then - I discovered that I am so rusty - and the envelopes were so bleedy - and black is so un-holiday that the envelopes were pretty ho-hum. It was mildly disappointing. Then I had that thing happen when I do a practice sketch [the snowman] on scratch paper - and then when I do the real one - it is not nearly as cute as the practice one - so the disappointment nudged an idea (that I like) to take the good (practice) one and put it on the finished card - and have them talk to each other - which is very *me.* And I ended up liking the card enough that I did not care at all that the envelope is ho-hum.

I guess I was OK with Rachael's because the colored pencil on her name did a pretty good job of spiffing up the whole thing.

 

What's going on?

 You can imagine my head nearly exploding when I got home from errands yesterday and found this envelope which I had mailed on Tuesday. I rarely bump a post - but this was/is kind of a big deal. I immediately sent a photo to my postal worker son and his only response was: Uh oh

No punctuation. Just - Uh oh  

Seriously? Maybe you have to see it in person to feel the aggression of the grease pencil.

I have not decided what to do. It has been many weeks since I sent my questions about stamp placement to Natalie - and found out that Natalie is no longer the customer service representative. I guess I need to send this image to her - and ask her to nudge the new person in her post -- and find out what the deal is.

If they are going to start scrutinizing where the stamps are -- it is going to be a very sad day. I don't have anything else to say except: Grrrrrr!!

I might have to corner my son and see if he can figure out who has time to violate envelopes that are very clearly addressed. He might not want to get involved. He is not in a role that actually handles the mail. He maintains and fixes the machines. So - I think the mail handlers are usually just annoyed with the maintenance and repair guys - because they would prefer that the machines were in perfect working order 100% of the time. 

I know there are clerks at counters that do not look kindly on stamps that are not in the upper right corner. But Natalie always told me it was fine to put them elsewhere. Hopefully we can find out whether it is a request or a requirement to put the stamps in the upper right corner.

****

I’m adding this comment - later this morning - and there have been some comments already. I am going to wait until January to get in touch with my local customer service.

It occurred to me that my son already explained the very sophisticated machine that scans the mail and tries REALLY HARD - to find a stamp and read the address. If the scanner is unable to see and read - it will re-direct it to the humans. So, this is clearly what happened. Some postal worker had to look at the envelope. 

Now I am wondering - if they even realized that those were vintage USPS stamps. They have no denomination on them because the rates were going up and they had not decided how much. There aren’t that many stamps without the price on them. So maybe the postal worker didn’t recognize them as 3 20-cent USPS stamps.

Whichever way it goes — I can see how annoyed postal workers must be - when someone who wants to send an envelope refuses to conform to the format that works with the scanners.

I’ll write more - later - but did want to share this thought - since it is still quite early.

****

And while we are on postal matters -- I have been meaning to share this bit of information that has never been debatable. From time to time I point out stamps that have not been canceled  on mail that I receive and I have been asked if it is OK to peel off an un-canceled stamp and reuse it. It is not OK - and according to the USPS website - it is a federal crime to reuse uncanceled stamps.

https://about.usps.com/posters/pos5/welcome.htm 

Poster 5 - Warning - Reusing Postage  July 2005
WARNING!

Once a postage stamp has been used, it is a federal crime to:

1. Remove, attempt to remove, or assist to remove cancellation marks from postage.
2. Reuse a stamp whether cancelled or not.

If you have questions concerning the reuse of postage, please contact your local Postal Inspector.

Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 471 and 1720

Poster 5 July 2005
PSN 7690-03-000-9182

Leafy border to Sharon - Derwent wash pencils

Sharon does some really nice illustrations on her envelopes and I thought I should spend a little extra time on hers and see if I could nudge myself into something more illustration-ish. I was OK with the border - but chickened out when it came to doing much of a wash. Then I couldn't find a good stamp. I thought this yellow border would be enough to tie them together - but - they aren't harmonizing because the border is organic and the stamp is too un-organic. 

I like the way the name came out. The envelope looked better than the photo does. I think I might have been able to tie the two together if I had done white lettering on a black rectangle  (or even a gray rectangle) -- but that would have been a complicated path to take. It was unlikely that I could accomplish it on the first try - and I had so much time invested in the border - that I wasn't going to risk messing it up. 

Maybe I can try again - if I have more of those stamps.

I actually remembered to take a photo of the pencil. It's a Derwent Sketching Pencil - Medium wash. I don't know anything about them - maybe there are levels of wash that are less or more than Medium. What would they be called? Light and Dark? Yup - I Googled -- that's what they are. 

Why is there a return address label on my pencil? I used to label all all my supplies that I took to the classes and workshops I taught -- so that I wouldn't lose things. One time I had a box full of markers and pens and was doing some envelopes on an airplane - sitting next to a stranger. I knew he was looking over at what I was doing - and I wanted to explain why I had my name on all my pens. I thought I might look like some kind of eccentric person. I'm fine with being eccentric - just not in that direction. 

Then I switched to just putting colored tape on all my stuff. Too bad washi tape had not been invented yet.
 

Nov 2022 to April and JeanR - blogger commenting

When I decided to ditch the watercolor pencil idea (after those two envelopes to Troy and Chuck) I noticed another big chunky pencil that looked like a regular drawing pencil - and it has the word *wash* on it. I do not recall why I have it but I remember that it responds to water and get's *washy.* So, I gave it a try. Photo of it is below.

I have mixed feelings about these two. They were fun to do - and might have been better on nicer paper. These might be the *straws* that *break* my *thing* about not being able to part with less than wonderful envelopes. 

I will refrain from pointing out defects. If you see them - yes - I know they are there. I deeply regret them. 

Warning: The rest of December and half of January is a real mixed bag - and every time I open a post to review it right before it pops up - I cringe/wince/whatever. But, the good news is, I'm pretty excited about turning a corner sometime in January. There are some good conversations with exchangers and readers coming up. 

 

***

Thank you to Clover and CJ who came up with a work around to my problem with leaving comments on my own blog. If I sign on to a different gmail account on a different browser - I can leave a comments. That's not ideal - but, I'm not complaining. Clover directed me to this blog post on CJs blog - with some other things to try - 

https://cjkennedyink.blogspot.com/2022/11/problems-leaving-comments-on-blogger.html

Alan Blackman's Santa + more Peanuts

I ran across this whilst looking for what year Janet's Santa stamps came out - and it seemed like a good opportunity to feature Alan Blackman again. If you are new to the blog - and don't know who Alan is - you may find out more about him through the blog's [Search] feature - or there are a couple links below.

I am not going to buy the elf stamps this year - but I think this style of lettering would look very nice with the elves.

This envelope, by Alan Blackman is from his series, Letters to Myself. Alan and Cheryl Adams were the two people who launched my whole obsession with envelopes. You can learn more about Alan's envelopes at his website. Alan's Envelope Pages < link to envelopes. Alan's Home Page

I sent him a fan letter back in 2018 and was thrilled when he sent me a large envelope with several of his original envelopes - and some layout pages. It really knocked my socks off.

Photos of what Alan sent

***

So, I Googled to see if anyone had already written about what happened to the Peanuts gang. I only clicked on one hit - and I do not care for what the author came up with. It is not a book - it's just an article in  the Plattsburgh, NY newspaper. Newspaper articles are ephemeral. I'll post a link in case anyone really needs to use up some spare time - but, I think someone could come up with more interesting stories instead of just humorous quips that are topical rather than insightful and thoughtful.

https://www.pressrepublican.com/opinion/columns/what-became-of-life-for-grown-up-peanuts-characters/article_6d69372c-2a43-5060-a250-20d2ee0fad04.html

OK -- I allowed myself one more peek at the hits - and I like this article a lot better. It is an interview with Charles Schultz's wife. She guesses at careers the kids might have had - but then has a lot more to say about what it was that made Peanuts so popular - and insightful and thoughtful.

https://parade.com/241835/viannguyen/what-jobs-would-the-peanuts-kids-have-if-they-grew-up-charles-schulzs-widow-weighs-in/

We will return to this topic in late January - stay tuned.

Dec 2020 from Smash + Peanuts

There are a couple more Dec 2020 envelopes. Once again Sue has a lovely arrangement of vintage stamps -- and look what else she sent -- a peek at her November envelopes. I'm wildly excited about them. I bought a sheet of the Peanuts stamps and had been pondering how I would use them. Susan's idea is so perfect - I don't think there is any way I can come up with anything better - so I might have to appropriate her design. I hope Patty shares all the mail she gets with Peppermint Patty. 

I LOVE that I got Pig Pen. Have I written that he was my favorite? Or did Sue just intuit that? Either way -- I'm very happy -- and appreciative of people sending me images of their exchange envelopes. Thanks so much, Susan. Be sure to let me know if you have a preference - Sue/Susan/Smash. 

I'm in awe of how well she redrew the characters. I can never make reasonably close versions of cartoons. There are always subtle differences that just don't look right. Hers look perfect.

I think the reason Pig Pen was my favorite - was that from an early age - I had a bit of the messy-artist emerging - and my parents and brother were blessed with a few extra organizational/tidy genes. I think there was some gentle nudging at me. I do recall liking the lines and dots that surrounded Pig Pen. To me, they were so expressive. He seemed very secure with himself. Now I am tempted to write an essay on *Whatever happened to Pig Pen?* 

Seriously -- I love the idea of sequels to the Peanuts and you read about the idea here first - I LOVE this idea -- writing books that tell what happened to all the Peanuts when they grew up. I hesitate to even post this, lest someone steal the idea. But, it's probably just as well if someone does. It's not like I have the skills to actually accomplish the task. 

I have, however, posted it here - and it will be documented that this idea burst forth on Dec 5, 2022 at 1 am CST. Now I will mosey over to Google and see if these books have already been written.

Nov 2022 to Troy and Chuck

 

I started making Dec envelopes to tuck inside Nov envelopes and after I did these two, I ditched the whole idea. I had fun with the watercolor - but the results were not enough to keep me going. If I had pulled out nicer paper I might have had better results - but these envelopes had cards and I can't make myself throw out perfectly nice cards that come with mediocre envelopes.

Getting out real gold gouache and nibs might have worked but I did not do that. As usual, there was poor planning in the stamp department - but - I actually like the frogs. For me - color is more important than subject matter.

The next few blurbs might be a little shorter. I feel like I've been rambling - and this is a traditionally bizzy time of year for a lot of people - so maybe brevity will be appreciated.

Dec 2020 from Jessica and RachaelUK - envelope quilt

Above from Jessica and below from RachaelUK.

There was something that related to me or mail in The Lost World - but I don't remember what it was.

Maybe we can figure it out on a larger screen. But I really like the way she did the same style lettering on the envelope. 

 ***

Here's something for the readers who are also interested in quilts. I did a search on IG for *envelope quilts* and there are quite a few that are tempting. Or maybe I could satisfy the urge by making a pillow. I'll put a link to whatever popped up when I did my IG search. I have no idea if what I saw is what will pop up. Below the main envelope is another shot that shows part of a mailbox that appeared in someone's quilt. I did not go down that rabbit hole but did leave the name of the account in the image if anyone else is tempted.

I'm drawn to the one on the lower left in the last photo. I am also 100% sure that this is not a project that is going to happen in my lifetime. I'm still trying to finish up some projects - that second pot holder. Have I talked about the pot holders?

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/envelopequilt/

Dec 2020 from Leslie - using up the vintage stamps

This shade of green is a of mine - and I especially like it when it shows up in a holiday design. 

I'm also a big fan of using those little strips off the edge of the sheets of stamps - or sometimes between stamps. I think people call the edges of stamps the selvages - maybe they call the in-between strips *sashes.* That's what they call them in quilting. It seems like there is a specific name for the parts of stamps. Does anybody know?
 

So -- here we are - writing a blurb for Dec 2 - and I lost a couple days fretting over the Nov mailing that was supposed to contain Dec envelopes with faux stamps. But, I did not have a good idea. 

And then - voila - I realized that I was also fretting over those vintage stamps I bought when I fell off the wagon. And there were some big square envelopes that were weighing on me -- and then - like a bolt of lightening, it struck me. Use up the vintage stamps on a Dec mailing and use the squares - because they require more postage. 

What a brilliant idea. Maybe. In theory it should work -- at least it will get them out the door --- 

***

I calculated the stamps and paired them with square envelopes - and then I lost the stack of envelopes in a stack of other stuff. The idea did not get used in Nov - so I am bumping it to January. Maybe. Writing down my plans is a little bit like insuring what will 100% NOT be happening.

Dec 2020 from Maggie - Dec Exchange Sign-up

I wonder if Maggie is doing envelopes for hire. I wonder what she would charge for an envelope like this. Keep in mind - this one is what she was doing 2 years ago. I wonder if the USPS will have a holiday postmark this year.

Sign up is Dec 1-4 - and I will send lists on the 5th.

Send the following information in the exact format to me at:

PTEnvelopes@aol.com

Jane Doe 

123 Oak St

Ames, IA 50010 USA

janedoe@gmail.com

(2 lists) (birthday)

Info below the email is to let us know if you are having a birthday in Dec 

and/or if you are willing to be on two lists to help make the lists come out even.

Details if you are new to the exchange at:

http://pushingtheenvelopes.blogspot.com/p/rules-of-exchangement.html

 

Dec 2020 from Janet - steal worthy layout

Here is Janet's 2020 kraft paper envelope. I don't even remember these Santa stamps. Looks like they are 32-cents - so that was a while ago. I usually think that black and gold on kraft paper needs a little white. It is interesting to note that the white on the stamps is enough *highlight.* 

I wonder what she used to make that rectangle. It almost looks like a putty knife. Does she remember? Does she want to share her secrets with us?

Below is her collaged card - both sides -- As I recall - she has about 24 people in her family - with offspring, their spouses and grandkids. I think she made everyone a new stocking last year. I think she might have even sent me a photo. I think I might have intended to post it this year. I wonder if I could find it. Stay tuned. And Janet, feel free to correct me if none of what I am remembering is even close to being accurate.