Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part II

In Part I of this series, you learned how to make two types of quick envelope embellishments. Today’s post concludes the series with two more ideas that 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 look at the second idea.

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 (e.g. ballpoint) pen, as it doesn’t require any calligraphy! To make an envelope like this, you’ll want to start 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 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. I chose to use Morgan Style here; you can find a free Morgan Style lettering exemplar in this blog post.

Next, draw two horizontal lines about 0.5″ below the bottom address line. You should space the lines just under 0.25″ apart.

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

Next, 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 complementary groups of short, slanted lines below the lines you just made. Make sure the lines that you create now only appear below the “gaps” in the first set of lines.

After you finish drawing the lines, wait for your ink to completely dry. If you’re using a Sakura Gellyroll white pen, like me, then you’ll want to wait at least ten minutes or so. Then, erase any guidelines you may have drawn, 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 visually balance out the design on the bottom of the envelope. I generally use a vintage postage stamp collage; you can find great vintage stamps on eBay! If you don’t have any vintage stamps (or you have misplaced yours, as I did), then contemporary stamps will do the trick.

Starry Envelope Embellishments

“Starry” envelope embellishments are deceptively simple to make! First, you’ll want to start with a calligraphed envelope. I wrote the Kaitlin Style envelope below at an angle, but you could absolutely start with an envelope calligraphed in a standard (horizontal) way.

Next, use a pencil to draw vertical guidelines descending from the top of the envelope. You’ll want to space these guidelines approximately 0.25″ apart. It’s not necessary to draw guidelines near the right side of the envelope; your postage stamps will go there!

Next, draw one star somewhere on each line. It really doesn’t matter where; just make sure you vary the stars’ positions. 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.

When the ink used to draw the dots has dried, erase your pencil guidelines. The envelope is now ready to send!

The starry envelope embellishments concept is one of my favorites because it is super-speedy! I love using it for birthday cards because the stars remind me of birthday candles. If you have time, you might even add some watercolor to them, or fill them in with a marker!

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As I said in the first part of this series, you should feel free to modify these embellishment ideas to fit whatever creative mood you’re in! If you have a couple of minutes this weekend, maybe you can crack out your calligraphy/art supplies and experiment with one of these concepts. You’ll brighten someone’s mailbox considerably if you do!

Thanks very much for reading TPK, and have a fantastic weekend!

Warmly,