Two Simple Envelope Embellishments

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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.

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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,