Thrift: Cereal Box Postcards

 I know many mail artists repurpose cardboard packaging in their mail art, so this is not a monumental revelation. For some reason, I am not often inspired to immediately reuse food packaging; perhaps it's too new for my vintage tastes? But this past week, two cereal boxes in particular caught my eye as having great mail art potential.

Snoopy ponders mailart, making life better with a stamp.

(Sent off in a packet to Angie & Snooky)

 

The back of the Life box had a scavenger hunt of sorts and after reading #9 "Where non-email goes," I knew had to make it mail art. The "zap" and "blam" came from a party invitation, and thank you to Alice for the "stampe" and "this is urgent" etiquettes. She is first-class.

I've cut the word "Cheer" from Cheerios boxes before; Cheerios even encouraged me to do it! As an added bonus, Honey Nut Cheerios boxes also say "Naturally Flavored." Yes, tasty mail art. Sometimes it helps to have a specific recipient in mind.

 Naturally Flavored Mail Art Cheer. Yum.

(Sent off in a packet to Eat Art/Mike Dyar)

 Apparently, Honey Nut Cheerios is currently America's favorite cereal, but that was easily edited. I can't resist any comics with a mailbox, and Snoopy appears to be patiently awaiting his daily delivery of mail art.

The public has spoken. We love mail art.

For Sale: Fun Mail!

I walked into my local educational supply and toy store last week, and I was greeted by this fabulous display just inside the door!

I could hardly believe my eyes, and it took all my willpower not to buy a Animail on the spot (I think they were priced at $10.) I already have plenty of cool stuff I want to send, but for anyone looking for something new and fun to mail, this is great!

Is mail art going mainstream? After seeing these Animails, "Write on, collectible mailers, making mail fun," and my recent encounter with a cut-out "Cheer" postcard on my cereal box, I am beginning to feel hopeful. Send more Real Mail!

My Cereal Box Came with MAIL!

My Tuesday or Wednesday morning is usually spent at the grocery store. Cheerios wasn't on the list today, but when I saw this box, I had to buy it!
(OK, it was also on sale, and we all like Cheerios.)

But look at this! A postcard to cut out and send through the postal system to support our nation's military families! The USO will distribute the postcards, and Cheerios will make a donation (based on the number of postcards received) to the USO to support several important programs. You can read more at Cheerios.com. Hooray for Real Mail; now in your cereal aisle!

If you prefer to make your own cards, try Operation Write Home, recommended to me by Becky thesnailmailer. I have yet to ship some of my handmade cards, but I hope to get some Christmas cards sent off this week to beat the October 31 deadline.
Happy mailing!