When testing out some ideas I will often make some quick collages with remnants from my studio table. I showed you some grid studies using paper punches and security envelopes (HERE), and with the leftovers I went organic, cutting free-form shapes....again, land shows its influence. These posts are a little...
My plan from the beginning was to reproduce the collage for the Papergirl Vancouver project in black and white, which meant the papers I used would need to be a variety of patterns, but similar in value and tone. My solution was to use security envelope linings, of which I have quite a few collected. Having cut up my traced and numbered drawing (see previous post), I started working from the background to the foreground. I laid each numbered template piece onto the selected envelope lining, being careful to match the top edge of the piece exactly but extending the bottom edge so there'd be something to glue the next layer onto. The North Shore mountains were easy, and once I had them in place I could feel my confidence growing that my idea was going to work! Next I put in the forests of Stanley Park, and then moved east along the cityscape, putting skyscrapers in the background and layering lower buildings in front of them. There's no way I could be even close to accurate about the buildings given the scale I was working in, but I was highly amused to find an envelope lining from Telus (one of BC's largest phone companies) in my collection, so there is a Telus Building. The building just behind the Telus building is made from an envelope lining from the Hudson's Bay Company (thanks, Rose!), and if you know anything about Canadian history, you'll know why having an HBC building is very apropos. The waves on English Bay are made with a series of lumpy almost concentric half ovals, starting with the largest on the bottom, and then all glued down at once, covering up the edges of the forest and the city. In the foreground, a path from a grass and shrubbery-edged manicured lawn leads down to the sandy beach. Although I'd planned the cloud from the very beginning, I came across a zigzag lightning envelope lining that seemed oh so appropriate for how quickly the weather can turn here (yes, it can rain on a moment's notice!). When it was all finished I realized the North Shore mountains needed *a little something* to break up their dark dominance, and while a few little snips of white would've given me seagulls, I thought if I was viewing the city from Jericho Beach or Spanish Banks (surely the location from whence this scene is viewed), what I'd mostly likely see is a floatplane headed for Burrard Inlet on the other side of Stanley Park. It took a few tries to get it down to a small size (it should probably be smaller, but my fingers kept getting in the way of the scissors) , and adding white wings made it uber-recognizable as a plane. I'm just so tickled at how it turned out. I don't think I ever got from concept to completion on anything quite as fast as this (approx 8 hours), and it's something I'm happy to contribute to the Papergirl Vancouver project. If you live in Vancouver, keep an eye out for girls on bikes!
I decided to craft business card envelopes. What better way to promote my eco-friendly business? I figure whether I am giving out business cards in person or
Have you tried using recycled materials in your art journal? In this example, I use the inside of secuirty envelopes and give you ideas for your own.
A while back, I made these security envelope cards. I still have stacks of junk mail security envelopes and wanted to use some of them up. Since most of the envelopes are blue, I decided to make a bird. To make a bird like this, draw or trace the outline of your bird onto a piece paper. Cut out feather shapes from your security envelopes and glue them onto the shape. The more envelope patterns you have, the more interesting your finished design will be. This is a craft that can also be modified for young children. Use clipart or a coloring book and let them glue the pieces onto the shapes. The best reason to craft with security envelopes? It gives junk mail a new purpose besides the recycling bin. ……………………………………………………………………………. This project is linked at the following: And other link parties that I participate can be found here.
Last Wednesday I taught my Recycled Accordion Book class at Studio Place Arts. I had a lovely group of three women in the class. The most time-intensive part of the process is weaving strips of envelope security patterns for the covers. It’s not hard to do, but choosing which patterns to use sure is! If […]
A collection of beautiful security envelope patterns spanning over 10 years. A rainbow of colors and patterns. Thanks for your help!
A collection of beautiful security envelope patterns spanning over 10 years. A rainbow of colors and patterns. Thanks for your help!
I’m officially declaring it “stash busting” week over here at homework. I either have to start using up some of my existing supplies or start throwing things away. And since I can’t bear to throw precious things away, I needed to come up with some projects to use up some of my supplies. One item that I have an abundance of is security envelopes. I’ve mentioned before that I love the pretty patterns of the insides of these envelopes… but my box is overflowing. I grabbed a stack and started punching out butterflies. I punched and punched until I had a large pile. To make this wreath, I used a pool noodle as the wreath form. I’ve seen this trick over and over traveling through blogland and it works great. Pool noodles are everywhere right now so it’s a good time to stock up {I know, we’re supposed to be stash busting not stocking up on things... } Another trick is to use pipe insulation that you can buy at a home improvement store. Cut your pool noodle or foam pipe insulation to your desired length, form a circle and duct tape closed. An instant wreath form. Once you have your wreath form, you may want to wrap it in paper, fabric or ribbon to cover up the bright pool noodle color. Mine was neon green and I covered it with white crepe paper. I used hot glue to adhere the butterflies. Butterfly wreaths and garlands would be a great way to decorate on a budget for summer parties and weddings. Stay tuned for more stash busting this week… Thanks for visiting. Carolyn
I was fortunate to teach at SCRAP again this past Saturday. Such a fun place to teach, and shop! (see previous SCRAP post here) This time I taught the Iris Fold Technique, or Iris Folding. One of my class samples using security envelopes This craft originated in Holland and traditionally the insides of security envelopes were used to create the iris (so named because it resembles the iris of the eye or a camera). I love using the security envelopes since they are an art supply that arrives free to my front door almost everyday - what's not to like about that? But, a number of papers of similar weight can be used. student work - iris folding workshop The student above used a mix of wrapping paper, sheet music and paint chip cards. Below the student also used sheet music along with book pages and maps. student work - iris folding workshop I love how the use of a solid color (below) amongst the busy patterns really accentuates the curve of the iris pattern: student work - iris folding workshop Although security envelopes are my favorite material for this project I love to experiment and see what else I can find at SCRAP that might work: I played along, too! Another class sample finished. I found a box of coin wrappers that already had folded edges - they worked great (above)! The finished product can be a card, an ornament or a piece ready for framing to hang on the wall. If you missed the workshop you can still play along with me on Creativebug where I teach the Iris Fold Card.
Security envelopes feature all kinds of different patterns that are designed to keep their contents confidential, but artist Sarah Nicole Philips utilizes those patterns by collaging stunning landscapes from discarded security envelopes.
Image: Eco_Monster Security envelopes hold our lives in the balance. When the post arrives, we are greeted with one envelope giving u...
Explore josephking's 518 photos on Flickr!
I cannot get enough of the teeny Composition Books, and since I've been hoarding security envelopes for the longest time (over a year) it was time to get crackerlacking and actually use them for something. Just in time, the hubster was on the blower (phone) to Clutterers Anonymous signing me up for a 12 step program ;) I had all these grand plans, but sometimes simple is the best option, the patterns on the inside of the envelopes were so pretty (at least to me anyway) that just a glue down and trim up was all I needed to do with those cheeky little pads. Thinking of making your own? Open mail with a letter opener/knife at home and work. Ask family/friends/work colleagues to save them for you. Keep an eye out for unused return envelopes from Banks and Large Brochure size Envelopes. Spacing is crucial when using small envelopes. I used the bottom fold and lined it up with the spine of the book, so the Front and Back of the evelope are used and not the unpatterned flap. Some patterns aren't dark enough to cover the composition book cover from showing through so have a play around before sticking. Wouldn't these make a cool gift for hard to craft for guys for Christmas? (I know, I know enough with the unseasonal hints) I'm thinking of grouping them in Greys and Blacks, Blues, and Greens. Look out for Reds too and more unusual Geometric patterns. My entry into Blissful and Domestic's Feature Friday Link Party sponsored by Appliances Online.
If you haven’t tried grid journaling yet, now’s the time to give it a go! Download my free Grid Journal Template to help you get started! You’ll be drawing your grids and creating in no time!
It has been unusually chilly and drip-droppy here in SoCal as of late, especially following a brilliantly warm April full of blooms. To embr...
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Security envelopes feature all kinds of different patterns that are designed to keep their contents confidential, but artist Sarah Nicole Philips utilizes those patterns by collaging stunning landscapes from discarded security envelopes.
Before I took Mary Ann Moss's Remains of the Day journal making class, I hadn't given much thought to safety envelopes- envelopes with a pattern inside meant to keep nosy people from peeking through the envelope. Then I started to...
Explore josephking's 518 photos on Flickr!
1. A Lot of Chairs An installation by Doris Salcado featuring 1,600 chairs squeezed between two buildings in Istanbul. This work takes reference from conditions of forced displacement and how it equals to a form of incarceration, which artist Doris Salcedo calls a “Topography of War”. Images foun
I have seen lots of people recycling security envelopes in a lot of different ways. I was feeling punky (I have a cold) and I wanted a quick little project to keep my brain occupied a bit, and here is what I decided to do with the hundreds of envelopes I have saved. I used a manilla file folder for the cover of the book, and a simple pamphlet binding technique. I used some stickers and actual pieces of envelopes for the decoration on the cover and on the inside. In all the notebook is 8" tall and 4 1/2" wide. I used another piece of the folder to create a pocket. I simply took security envelopes, sealed them, then cut three sides off to open them up. I stacked them, I used 10 envelopes, and did the pamphlet binding. I then went back and covered up some of the writing on some of the envelopes with pieces of other envelopes. Some of the windows I covered from the back side so that they would show through. I am putting this in my purse and am going to use it to jot down those notes you need to jot before your brain forgets them. Stay crafty, My Friends!
Stunning images of security envelope patterns from around the world.... a stream started by josephking on flickr with contributions fro...
Paper collage - made from an assortment of materials that I've collected over the years - scraps from paintings, used pallet paper, security envelopes, sandpaper, corrugated cardboard, & wood veneer
Can't stop. Kind of cheating with pattern-making, no pens required. No carving or ink pads. Studying how the simple shapes of a circle and a square interact and behave when they aren't a solid color. Security envelopes, which I can never discard, are an easy material to manipulate. Thin enough...
Taking inventory and putting together a wholesale catalog Name: Arbitron Ratings
* * Please note: To see today's {Faith Journaling} post, please click here . Okay, so most of us get junk mail, bills, or other pieces of...
Modèle : Marina Bay à Singapour Méthode de réalisation : Peinture à gratter Taille : Format A3 (29.7x42cm) Support : Papier pré-imprimé à gratter Packaging : Colis emballé dans une enveloppe stylisée La peinture à gratter est une activité manuelle qui va vous permettre de vous relaxer tout en réalisant des œuvres de grande qualité. Ce nouveau hobby peut être réalisé seul ou en famille. Ce kit de peinture à gratter contient tout le nécessaire pour réaliser votre œuvre : 1 papier pré-imprimé à gratter qui révèlera toutes les couleurs du design choisi 1 papier vierge qui vous permettra de vous entraîner avant de commencer à gratter votre dessin 1 stylet en bois double face pour gratter votre peinture avec précision Note : tout le papier peut être gratté c’est pourquoi nous vous conseillons de vous entraîner d’abord sur le papier vierge.
EcoMonster turned ugly junk mail envelopes simply reversed into stylish eco envelopes. {materials recycled} paper // junk mail
Learn how to make an accordion book out of envelopes! Fill the pockets with flash cards or folded papers. The possibilities are endless.
Kham "खाम": Envelope in Nepali Introducing the 'Kham' Laptop Case, a blend of simplicity, style, and sustainability. Inspired by the classic envelope design, this eco-friendly case is crafted from durable hemp, offering a secure compartment for your laptop, iPad, or accessories. Versatile enough to double as a chic clutch for evening outings, the case combines functionality with timeless design, making it an essential accessory for the eco-conscious and stylish individual! The laptop case has one compartment. Please note that the case is roomy-in size. Outer Fabric: 100% Pure Hemp Inner Fabric: Cotton Interlining: Reused pvc Metallic button Dimension: 34cm x 23cm ( For screens up to 14"inch - Please check your laptop measurement before ordering) *Please note that due to the natural make/ weave of our products, size and colours may slightly vary sometimes as each product is meticulously handmade*
Before I took Mary Ann Moss's Remains of the Day journal making class, I hadn't given much thought to safety envelopes- envelopes with a pattern inside meant to keep nosy people from peeking through the envelope. Then I started to...
Inspired by a love of mail art, patterned envelopes, making books and recycling. Each page is a former envelope. Some pages have...
Another handmade pamphlet book - the pages are like pockets and the whole book is made from recycled envelopes apart from the thread. I've made a pocket on the front cover out of a plastic window from an envelope.
Hey Friends, Long time no see! I hope you had a blissful Christmas, for those who celebrate, and that you're all having a wonderful New Y...
detail pages in the works mini journals made from the scrap and recycle box mini album made from security envelopes bound so there is an opening at the top making it easy to add and move things around in the...
Antique mushroom print. Vintage spore art. Vintage biology and natural sciences print. Gift idea for a biologist. Frame for use. Mushroom poster DESCRIPTION Beautiful original mushroom prints published in 1963 in Paris, France. Printed on thick paper and based on the original illustrations of Claus Caspari. Scientific name in French displayed on the print. On the back of the print a scientific explanation is given in French. SIZE Size is approx. 27 x 19 cm / 7.5 x 10.6 inch CONDITION Print is in excellent condition. Please see the detailed photos for the actual status. SHIPPING Will be sent in a cardboard envelope to ensure secure shipping. Will be sent from the Netherlands within 1 working day after purchase. Delivery times depend on the destination. Please note that colours and paper may vary. Prints are coming from German and French collections and the language may be different across prints. If you want to be sure what language the print is please let me know.
I love this post of ideas from idiy here to make something good come from those annoying bills using the patterns on the inside of the se...