DIY Mailing Envelopes

What a pleasure to see you!

If you receive packages in the mail, you're left with empty mailing envelopes such as these:

Instead of tossing them out, let's turn them from blah to TADA!

via Traveler's Company

I'm taking inspiration from these kraft envelopes with a button and string closure made by Traveler's Company. 

Just by cutting, folding, and gluing the sides of the used mailing envelopes, I've come up with these:

Smaller mailing envelopes with a red stitching detail...TADA! 

I used travel-themed rubber stamps and an ink pad to add some whimsy to the envelopes.

One the flip side, I also stamped on this stylized rectangle where I can write the recipient's name and address.

I made faux button and string closures using cardboard circles and embroidery thread.

For the little envelope, I literally used buttons and thread from my sewing kit to make the closure. Isn't it adorable?

And that is how I turned used mailing envelopes from blah to TADA! If you'd like to make letter envelopes using a brown paper bag, there's a tutorial here. 

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Three Things for March

Happy new month lovelies!

March is such an in-between month, teetering on the edge of winter, waiting patiently for the spring. There is a promise of buds forming on the trees and yet there is still the threat of snow. We're ready to put away the coats and scarves, but know well enough that we still need them. 

Because of this uncertainty, here's how I turn blah to TADA!

A walk in the park for some sunshine and to feel the cool air against my skin. This is one of the things that makes me feel alive. I know in a few weeks, new leaves will color this season's somber palette. 

Staying indoors for cozy activities. Making soup, baking cookies, brewing some English Breakfast tea. Reading, writing letters, listening to records...the whole hyyge experience!

Visiting my "happy places." The stationery shop. The craft store. The bookstore. Because they always make my heart soar.

Little rituals like these and the promise of warmer weather turns blah to TADA! 

*****

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A Watercolor Painting Collab

My friend Terri proudly announced that she was starting a new hobby--watercolor! I only had encouraging words because making art is a good alternative to scrolling on your phone, it promotes mindfulness and creativity, and has been healing for me, personally.

To support and enable her, I suggested a collaboration. I call it Claire x Terri Creative Collab.  

On postcard-size watercolor paper, I made these painting on one side:

Spring Blossoms

Frozen Desserts

Under the Sea Creatures

I left the other side of the page for Terri's own watercolor paintings using the prompts I started.

I mailed these to her (she lives in Canada) with the hope that she gets excited about our team project.

However, these postcards never made it to her. Sigh.

So I sent her a new batch (praying with all my might that they would get to Terri this time around):

Then she sent me a message that the envelope arrived...TADA! She was also excited to start. 

On the left side is my fish.

And on the right side, Terri added her octopus. Isn't he cute? We call this piece, "Keep Swimming."

On the left side are a few flowers I drew.

And on the right side, Terri added more blooms. We call this piece, "Secret Garden."

On the left side, I painted an ice cream cone and a soft serve cone. 

And on the right side, Terri painted some lollipops. We call this one, "Sweet Treats."

She even said, "Thank you for coming up with this idea. I enjoyed it so much! We definitely have to keep this going." We're planning to do doodles next. 

If you have an artsy pal, why not try it out?

And that is how we turned some blank pages from blah to TADA!

*****

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Crafty Tip: How I Organize My Colored Pencils

Hi guys, thank you for being here! 

One of my favorite art tools are colored pencils. Nothing fancy, just inexpensive brands like Crayola and Artist's Loft. I like using them for hand stamped cards, coloring books, and adding layers to watercolor paintings. 

I put all my colored pencils in this ceramic container. It used to be a plant pot. But the plant died (blah) so I took out the soil, cleaned it, and now it's a cozy home for my colored pencils...TADA! 

Then, I found out that some of my favorite artists organize their colored pencils in a very specific way.

via Jamie Bauza

Here is children's book illustrator Jamie Bauza on her art table. Look at how her colored pencils are grouped by color in small jars...TADA!

Sketchbook Revival featuring Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer has a similar method. Her colored pencils are also bunched by color and stored in a box with a built-in divider (here's something similar)...TADA! 

I thought it was a genius idea and I applied this tip using my ceramic pot:

With cardboard, attached together with a glue gun, I made this divider inside the ceramic container. I wanted to use what I already had (why buy, when we can D.I.Y?!) and I was also very conscious about my very limited desk space. 

I gathered my colored pencils and arranged them by color: (1) Shades of red, orange, pink; (2) Shades of yellow; (3) Shades of green; (4) Shades of blue; (5) Shades of purple; (6) Shades of gray, brown, plus white and black. Rubber bands are a temporary way to keep them from rolling into the wrong group. 

I released them from their rubber bands and put them in the assigned compartment of the container.

It's a humble upgrade but it makes colors quicker to find (keeps me from the extra work of rummaging through all the colors).

It also makes me aware of what colors I use most often and when I'm starting to run low (yellow, I see you). Plus, I'm now more mindful of the other colors waiting to be used.

I feel very satisfied. 

That is how I turned a ceramic pot and cardboard from blah to TADA!

*****

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Love Stamps

As a lover of handwritten cards and snail mail,  I am also a big fan of postage stamps. I love them so much that even when they are used and cancelled, I cut them out of the envelope and incorporate them in crafting and more crafting...TADA!

Did you know that every year, the United States Postal Service comes out with a new design for the LOVE Stamp? Here are the most recent ones:

via USPS designed by Antonio Alcala/Keith Haring

via USPS designed by Katie Kirk

via USPS designed by Ethel Kessler/Chris Buzelli

Aren't they the cutest? It's such a good excuse to support the post office and to bring a smile to someone's mailbox.

Not too long ago, I attended a virtual event hosted by the National Postal Museum. 

They had a presentation about Love Stamps. Just look at the many designs created over the years!

Check this one out, inspired by the Love sculpture created by Robert Indiana. 

Artist Katie Kirk, who designed this Love Stamp and these winter woodland animal postage stamps, talked about her design process. She even did a short demo on her digital illustration.

It's simple but very effective -- the love bird and the love letter...TADA! 

Here is a quick history of the Love Stamp: "a stamp made for lovers, so our letters may stand out among all others." *Swoon*

As part of the session, we got to design our own Love Stamps. Here's what I made:

My design uses a ribbon to spell LOVE and a visual of a gift tied up in a bow -- because cards in the mail give me the feeling like I'm opening a special gift...TADA!

I used watercolor paper, a mechanical pencil, and colored pencils. I had a lot of fun!

The next time you receive snail mail, make sure to admire the stamp!

May the little things like these bring you joy, or as I love to say, turn blah to TADA!

*****

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Three Things for February

Happy new month guys!

When February comes around, we instantly think of Valentine's Day with all the heart-shaped merchandise in shops and ads peddling flowers, chocolate, and fancy dinners.  

I believe in celebrating love, not just in romantic ways, but in an everyday kind of way.

Self-love - let's face it, we are too hard on ourselves. Overworked. Comparing ourselves to others. Imposter Syndrome. Give yourself a break and think of all the good you've done in the world, no matter how small. Take yourself out on a solo date. Buy yourself the heart-shaped tchotchkes, the flowers and the chocolates! Take yourself out to dinner! Because YOU. DESERVE. IT.

Words that feel like love - I was immediately drawn to this quote. Sometimes we don't have the words to console someone we love. Advice is not always necessary. Presence, empathy, compassion, "I see you" or "I hear you" are quite enough.  

Heart-shaped paper garland - I spotted this at a favorite sandwich shop and I thought it was such a cute craft to replicate: paper hearts attached together with sewing machine stitching...TADA! This would be delightful to use for love-filled occasions like decorating a co-worker's desk on her birthday or promotion; surprising a child on a milestone like winning a contest, getting their driver's license, or graduation; or a festive treat when a roommate passes the bar/board exam or finishes a marathon. There are many reasons to celebrate and love recognized these moments.

I hope this February, you are able to receive and give love. And of course, turn blah to TADA!   

A Butterfly-Inspired Art Journal Page

I've been keeping an art journaling practice.

Art journaling is a form of creative expression on paper using mixed media like paint, pens, magazine pages, scissors, and glue. We use these to capture our thoughts and emotions, sometimes with words and sometimes the art alone speaks for itself.

In this post and this post, I shared a few art journaling tips and how we can turn a blank page from blah to TADA!

 

Today, I'll show you a recent page that I made. I started with a blank sheet of yellow construction paper. Don't let the blank page intimidate you.  

Immediately make a few marks using a paint brush and paint. I chose to write the word "Mama" with no spaces in between. Then I added a few hearts, dots, and paint splatters. See how the page is taking shape? 

Then I added some pages torn out from a magazine. I chose nature themes.

The butterfly images were made using cling stamps and an ink pad. I added some pressed flowers, as well the quote, "In death life is changed, not ended."

I made this art journal page in honor of my Mom who passed away nine years ago. I always make a butterfly-themed craft at this time of year to honor her. In the past, I've made a butterfly wall hanging, butterfly embroidery, and a butterfly scent sachet.

Whenever I see butterflies, specifically monarch butterflies, I know that my Mom is near. 

Making art has definitely helped me get through grief. Some of the emotions I put in this art journal spread are life's seasons of bloom and withering, freedom, letting go, longing, love, and memory.

It is my hope that whatever you are feeling right now, you are able to express in an artistic manner. And when you are done, may you feel relief and satisfaction.

Have a delightful week ahead!

*****

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