September Card-A-Day #1 and #2

I am making a lot of cards these days. A lot. I still have plenty in my stash, but I'm on a roll. I collected so much great paper, I really want to turn more of it into beautiful mail. I am going to challenge myself to post a card I have made, recently or one from my stash, each day this month. Considering my posting record so far, this is truly a challenge! If I have time and a good memory, I will include materials and links. (I have no affiliation with any companies, except I buy some of their stuff.) I guess I better post two today to make up for yesterday. Wish me luck!

I made this one last year and listed it for the opening of my Etsy shop. It didn't sell after relisting, so this month it will be a birthday card for a friend.
Based on a CPS sketch from sometime last year, it's a one-of-a-kind.
K & Company papers with added rubber stamping and inked edges,
my vintage lace, button, and machine sewing.

I made this one (and a bunch more in a similar style) a few weeks ago, with envelopes to match.
Based on one of my favorite Sheetload of Cards sketches "Just Off Centre."
Cosmo Cricket Love Earth papers,
Papertrey Ink felt, die, buttons, and twine,
my burlap, vintage ric rac, and machine sewing.

The New Face of Mail

Exchange Faces from Georgia via IUOMA

Over a month since my last post? Good grief! I have received and answered quite a bit of mail in that time. I finally had a chance to put my Letter Writers Alliance bag to good use. (I have the original, not the snazzy new one.) I enjoyed a week's vacation at the beach with family and spent much of my quiet time writing cards and letters on a large, shady front porch with a tall glass of iced tea. It was lovely!

Exchange Faces from Viviana via IUOMA

Today is the first day of school, so we will be settling back into that routine. I hope to post here more often now that I don't have to share the computer for a good part of the day. And I hope to make and send some more good mail once I finish scrapbook pages from last school year! (Every year I try to keep on top of the school papers, and every year I put it off till the last possible minute!)

From Monika in Poland via PostCrossing

Before I sign off for today, I had to share this fabulous article from Felt & Wire, mentioning several of my favorite postal people and projects. Enjoy, and happy mail day!

Book of the Undead

My first page for the Zombie Encyclopedia Project

My second page for the Zombie Encyclopedia Project

I honestly didn't think I would be able to participate in this project. I have never really had much interest in zombies. (Though I do own "Thriller" on vinyl.) I thought I might not even try; just send the blank pages back, or forward to someone else. Perhaps hearing my husband play "Stalker" the last few evenings had some influence. I decided to try, and I am pleasantly surprised with my results. (That is, if anything related to zombies can be pleasant.) Tame by some standards I'm sure, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance, gave myself a chance. I guess you just never know.

If you like zombies and mail art, check out Mail of the Living Dead for more. Now I have to figure out who to send this to next. Any takers?

Life, Art, and Letters

Life has gotten in the way of keeping up with blog posts and new creative endeavors lately (again.) I am spending my quiet moments these last few days sending Real Mail. I thank those of you whose letters arrived in my mailbox last week. My middle daughter spent three days in the hospital receiving antibiotics for pneumonia, and those letters brought more cheer to me than you could have imagined when you sent them. She is home now and almost back to her old self.

I wanted to share a story of art, love, and letters I enjoyed on NPR this morning.
"Stieglitz and O'Keeffe: Their Love and Life in Letters"
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/21/138467808/stieglitz-and-okeeffe-their-love-and-life-in-letters

May you be startled by unexpected beauty today.

SECREt eXCHANGE Korea

My submission for The SECREt eXCHANGE in Korea sent 9 July 2011.

Old Outgoing Postcards

Re-purposed book cover postcard sent to Finland via Postcrossing
18 May 2011

Vintage airmail stamp collage sent to China direct swap
31 May 2011

Wine label and map collage card sent to Send Me A Million Postcards
7 June 2011
(I hope this project continues though the website has gone missing.
Does anyone have any information?)

Vintage linen card collage sent to Nadine of IUOMA
20 June 2011

SECREt eXCHANGE Australia

My submission for The SECREt eXCHANGE in Australia sent 7 July 2011.