Creative Mail Art

I run a group called creative mail swapping which is for this type of swap as well as other creative and handmade mail items such as postcards. It is a small group just now but everyone is very welcome to join.

This sounds so fun!!!! I like the regular stamps on them too instead of the printed lables--Ive received some really cool ones .

Graydragon - I've received some envelopes where the sender has taped the entire front with clear packaging tape. Is that the normal procedure? I really hated it. I've sent some with stickers and after one did not make it's destination, I've had to resort to taping the address. Right now I have this swap on my watchlist, but will most likely join.

It is not normal procedure to tape over the envelope and I agree that it is ugly! I have used stickers and stamping on envelopes lots of time and had no problems so long as the address is clear, maybe with a ga or boarder around it.

Yes it is definatly better to use real stamps, maybe we should make this a swap requirment?

I tape over the address on some of my correspondences so that the address will be readable regardless of rain, sleet, snow getting on it. I never realized that aome people thought it was ugly.

Heliogal, I totally understand the reasons why poeple tape over envelopes such as weather proofing and security but it isn't exactly beautiful! I admit that I sometimes have to use tape to stick on an address lable or reinforce the closure but I try to avoid it if possible and use decorative tape if not. As to waterproofing addresses, it can be a problem but I just try to use a pen which will be waterproof and hope for the best!

I've taped over my envelopes in an effort to make sure they don't get shredded in mail machines or disintegrate in the weather - both of which have happened to my swaps before. I especially do this with handmade envelopes, as they're more delicate than others.

I also tape over my decorated envelopes to preserve the decorations. I don't think it is ugly as long as you do it neatly and use a good, clear tape (packing tape). I did a swap similar to this, and the envelope I received from my partner was shredded to pieces. I felt so bad for her, because I could tell she took a lot of time and effort to decorate it.

I understand that some people have had bad experiences and it would seem that the postal service is none to gentle with our mail. Personally I would refer to take the risk but if you really are worried then I think you should go with your gut feeling and use tape so long as it's done neatly and with quality tape. One of the reasons that OI don't like tape is that it doesn't ages quickly so the envelopes can't stay in your collection for so long but at least these days we can keep a digital record.

How about using translucent contact paper? I have often thught about using tape myself, but have been afraid of the reaction. With a swap like this you want the decorations to make it to dest. because I assume you are going to keep it and treat it as a piece of art. I personally use modge podge, it dries clear and still is a protectant as well. Happy Swapping!!!

I think contact paper or sticky back plastic would be better than tape because there wouldn't be the joins. I also use a coating of something like modge podge, varnish or pva glue andhavent had any problems.

Woooo!! How exciting,we made it into the top swaps!

Please don't tape the envelope you send to me. I don't like it. Thank you

I have never worried about the envelope getting wet or destroyed before so it was interesting to listen to everyone's views about how to avoid this happening. I like the idea of sticky back plastic. If I get the chance to join a similar swap, just missed the deadline for this one by a few days (darn it) if my future swap partner didn't mind I think I would use sticky back plastic or possibly even put it in another envelope. Or is that people want the decorated envelope to have a used stamp on? Having never done such a swap as this I don'tknow.

I already received the one from Reds, I must say it's a piece of modern art! Thank you so much.

Normally I'm posting a picture of the goods received but due to the fact I can't delete a post here after a while and it's impossible to blur my address, I can't T_T

(Sorry, I don't like that my address floats on the net without supervision :-D )

I just received my rating from @vronica ^_^ It only had to travel to the neighbouring country so it's faster than across the ocean...

This was the one I've send (Green Man-inspired)

@JChromosome did receive my letter today, my inspiration was a piece of lyrics of "Dry County" by B52