• Two Simple Envelope Embellishments

    In today’s post, you’ll learn two ways to make eye-catching envelopes in just a matter of minutes! Both concepts are fun, simple, and easy modified to fit your personality and creative mood.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    Eye-catching envelopes don’t have to take forever to make. These two envelope embellishment concepts take just a few minutes to whip up! The first idea uses lines to achieve geometric beauty, and you’ll see stars — literally — when you check out the second idea.

    1. Geometric Envelope Embellishments

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    This mail art concept utilizes lines and shapes to achieve a clean, visually appealing look. It can be created either with a dip pen or a standard pen. To make an envelope like this, you’ll begin by writing the recipient’s name in George Style lettering. You can draw in a diamond or two to add personality to the piece and to separate the first name from the last name.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    I used a Sakura Gelly Roll white pen to write on this envelope.

    Next, use the lettering style of your choice to write the recipient’s address below his or her name.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    I used Morgan Style lettering to write the recipient’s address. You can find a free Morgan Style exemplar here!

    Next, draw two horizontal lines about 0.5″ (~1.25 cm) below the bottom address line. Space the lines just under 0.25″ (~0.5 cm) apart.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    After you draw the two lines, draw a second set of lines directly underneath them.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    Now, use your pen to free-hand draw groups of short, slanted lines within the first set of two horizontal lines. The number of lines in each group and their spacing from other groups should be totally random!

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    Your first batch of small horizontal lines should slope down from left to right.

    You’ll finish up the envelope embellishment by adding groups of short, slanted lines below the gaps in the lines that you just drew. These lines should slope up from left to right.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    Make sure the lines that you create now only appear below the “gaps” in the first set of lines.

    Once you’re finished, the envelope will look something like this:

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    After you draw all the lines, wait for your ink to dry. Then, erase any pencil guidelines, and add some postage stamps!

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    It’s always best to add a lot of postage stamps to an envelope like this one because the stamps balance out the design on the bottom of the envelope. I generally use a vintage postage stamp collage. If you don’t have any vintage stamps, then contemporary stamps will do the trick.

    Starry Envelope Embellishments

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    “Starry” envelope embellishments are deceptively simple to make! First, you’ll want to start by writing a diagonal calligraphed address.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    I used Kaitlin Style calligraphy, sumi ink, and a Brause EF66 nib + an oblique pen to write this address.

    Next, use a pencil to draw vertical guidelines descending from the top of the envelope. Space the guidelines about 0.25″ (~0.5 cm) apart. Be sure to leave room for your postage stamps on the right!

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    Next, draw one star somewhere on each line. It really doesn’t matter where; the important thing is to vary the stars’ positions.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    You can either draw star outlines — like these — or fill your stars in.

    Now, use your pen to draw tiny dots along each pencil guideline. The dots should lead down to that line’s star (and no further).

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock
    Don’t draw any dots past each line’s star!

    When all of your ink has dried, erase the pencil guidelines. Your envelope is now ready to send!

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II | The Postman's Knock

    The starry envelope embellishments concept is one of my favorites because it is super-speedy! You can switch up the ink color and calligraphy style to give each star-themed envelope a different look.

    3 Speedy Mail Art Tutorials | The Postman's Knock
    I used white ink and Janet Style calligraphy to make this simple starry envelope.

    Feel free to modify these embellishment ideas to fit whatever creative mood you’re in! Use different ink colors, lettering styles, postage stamps, and envelope colors to change the effect. No matter what, you’ll be pleased with the result.

    Thanks very much for reading TPK, and happy embellishing!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock