• Two for One: Flourished and Retro Mail Art Tutorials

    If you’re looking for quick mail art tutorials that pack a punch, you’ll enjoy today’s article! It’s a two for one featuring a pair of instructions for making eye-catching envelope embellishments.

    Flourished and Retro Mail Art Tutorials

    Today, you’re getting two different mail art tutorials in one post! In the first tutorial, you’ll use iron gall ink and a light hand to make spindly, eye-catching flourishes. The second tutorial has a retro, constellation-like look with an understated color scheme. Create the tutorial that most appeals to you today, or try them both!


    Thin Flourish Mail Art Tutorial

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part I | The Postman's Knock
    “Thin Flourish” envelope embellishments can be added to any envelope, even as an afterthought!

    1. Write the Calligraphy

    To make an envelope like this, use iron gall ink to write your recipient’s address in Janet Style Calligraphy. To do that, use the pen and nib combination that you’re most comfortable with. (My preference is a Brause EF66 nib + an oblique pen.)

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part I | The Postman's Knock
    You can find the envelope guidelines template pictured here in the Marvelous Mail ebook.

    Once the ink has dried, use a high-quality eraser to get rid of any pencil guidelines.

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

    2. Add Thin Flourishes

    Now, use a very light touch to draw curves and swirls coming off of the letters and numbers in the address. The placement of the curves/swirls should be totally random; don’t be afraid to intersect other letters!

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part I | The Postman's Knock
    For flourishing tips, see this tutorial.

    The flourishes should be thin enough that, after you’re finished, all of the original lettering should stands out well. Once you’re satisfied with your flourishy envelope embellishments, just add postage stamps and send!

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

    All in all, drawing the swirls and curves takes a couple of minutes to do. Keep this technique in mind next time you want to create a lovely piece of mail art that doesn’t take all afternoon to make!


    Retro Constellations Mail Art Tutorial

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part I | The Postman's Knock
    These groovy envelope embellishments only require watercolor paint, a dip pen, and black ink.

    1. Write the Address

    To make retro constellations mail art, begin by writing the recipient’s name on the left part of an envelope in Roman Style lettering. I used Ziller ink in “Cardinal Red”, but you can use red watercolor instead.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part I | The Postman's Knock
    If you don’t have red ink, you can use the watercolor calligraphy technique to write with red watercolor.

    Next, use brown watercolor calligraphy to write the recipient’s address under their name. Kaitlin Style calligraphy is a good choice here because it contrasts well with the bold Roman Style lettering.

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

    Once all the ink and/or watercolor has dried, erase any pencil guidelines.

    2. Add Watercolor Circles

    Now, use brown watercolor to paint different sizes of circles around the envelope. The placement of the circles should be totally random.

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

    After you’re finished painting, the envelope should look something like the one below:

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

    3. Outline the Circles

    Once the watercolor has dried, use your dip pen and black ink to draw an outline around each circle. Your goal is to not be exact! Non-perfect outlines give the piece a more creative look.

    Four Simple Envelope Embellishments: Part I | The Postman's Knock
    If you don’t want to use a dip pen for this step, you can use a standard gel pen or a fine-tipped black marker.

    Continue to draw until every circle has an outline.

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

    4. Make Connections

    Now, use the same pen to connect groups of circles with straight lines, as shown below.

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

    You don’t need to follow any set rules for connecting the circles. In the end, it will all come together to look like you meticulously planned the layout from the get-go.

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

    Once the ink has dried, you can add a stamp or two and send the envelope on its way!

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


    I hope that you enjoyed both of today’s mail art tutorials! They are different enough to keep things fresh, but they share an eye-catching and playful quality. Try them out, and feel free to add your own modifications!

    Happy creating,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock