The Magic of Mail Art

"Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people." -Leo Burnett

Taking the time to "be creative" everyday is something I think is extremely important. Creating, and not just consuming, makes us more content, fulfilled, interesting individuals!  My postal hobby is a perfect outlet for these creative urges and it's a wonderful way to connect with another human being...hopefully sharing the joy of creativity with someone else!

I try, of course, to write interesting, engaging letters to all of my pen friends. I also have been know to liven these letters up with a little mail art. According to Wikipedia, "Mail art (also known as Postal art and Correspondence art is a populist artistic movement centered on sending small scale works through the postal service." There are all kinds of mail art projects and exhibits that one can be a part of.  It's really quite thrilling. Who knows? You may create some mail art, send it through the post and faster than you can lick an envelope, it's displayed at some museum somewhere! Neato! Creating and sending mail art is a great way to get over your fear of failure and break those bonds of perfectionism. You simply create something and send it through the mail. There's always a chance that your recipient could hate your mail art, but in my experience, even the really "weird" pieces of mail I've created are received in a most generous spirit. Pen pals are nice like that.

I recently created a small art journal. It's a simple collection of collage and quotes and doodles. Nothing amazing, just a fun way for me to express myself with color and images and text. Making it was very relaxing. I'm not sure yet if I will mail the whole journal to one recipient or send individual pages to my pen pals. That's the fun of mail art...you get to be creative!!

Join me in making some mail art! It truly is mailbox magic!

Go postal, people!

XOXO Mrs. Murphy

Fun with Photos

I recently picked up a book of decorative papers. I've been having fun making some cute snailmail. This particular book has some great vintage photos in it. I added some fun speech bubbles!!

 Yay! Snailmail!! Bringing smiles wherever it goes. 

Go Postal, Everyone!!

XOXO Mrs. Murphy 

I've Bean Sending Kale Mail...

Summer has finally arrived in my neck of the woods and, boy, am I excited!  I love the sunshine, warm temperatures and of course, visiting farmers markets! A recent trip to the farmers market and the USPS farmers market postage stamp series inspired me to compose some fun new snail mail.

 I created a farmers market scavenger hunt for one of my young pen pals.  Here is a sample of my questions:

• How many different types of berries are available for sale?
• How much does one of your favorite vegetables cost?
• How many different colors of fruits and vegetables can you find?
• Can you find someone selling fresh herbs? What kind are they selling? What do they smell like?
• Is there a farmer here that is selling fresh eggs? How much does a dozen eggs cost?

I'm hoping that this will be a fun activity my pen friend can complete with her family this summer!

Remember to look for inspiration for your snail mail everywhere!  Romaine calm and send farmers market mail!  It's magical...and sometimes punny.

Go postal, everybody!
XOXO Mrs. Murphy

Unbirthday Post

The term "unbirthday" was first coined by Lewis Carroll in "Alice Through the Looking Glass."  An unbirthday is any of the 364 days of the year that aren't the person's birthday.  What luck!  That's probably today!

I fear that I am most like Carroll's White Rabbit.  I'm always late for a very important date when it comes to my friends and loved ones' birthdays.  If you, like me, often miss those important dates. Take heart!  Mr. Carroll has saved us with the invention of the unbirthday.

I missed a couple friends' birthdays in May so I am taking the opportunity to send some unbirthday mail today.  I stand by my belief that late mail is just as magical as timely mail.  Maybe even more so because it is that much more unexpected.

So join me in sending some unbirthday mail today!  It's magical...late...but still magical!!

Go postal, everybody!!

XOXO Mrs. Murphy 

Here Comes The Sun...and the Mail

It is no secret to the readers of this blog that I LOVE snailmail and all things postal. But I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you yet another way that sending and receiving mail is wonderful.

Not long ago I heard about The Sunshine Box Project By David.  This great project was started by David's mom, Abby.  David was born with down syndrome and a heart defect that needed surgery.  Abby decided that sending a box full of sunshine to other kids who were facing health difficulties and trials was a great way to send love, support and encouragement through the post.  Her project matches up "Sunshine Buddies" with sponsors from all over! 

I recently mailed off my first sunshine box to my Sunshine Buddy in Alabama! The traditional "sunshine boxes" that you see on Pinterest and around the internet include mostly yellow or orange items.  I didn't follow that example, however.  My Sunshine Buddy's mom sent me a private message including likes, dislikes, interests and sizes for my recipient.  So I packed up some stuff I picked out just for him and mailed it away in a flat rate shipping box.  Easy!  I hope he finds it as magical to receive as I did to send. 

Snailmail is a fantastic way to spread love and sunshine to those who need it most! It's magical!

Go Postal, Everybody!  

XOXO Mrs. Murphy

Collage is Cool!

I've been having fun lately creating some snailmail with collage. Every once in awhile I go through my stash of magazines and catalogs and cut out interesting images, color combinations and designs. I keep this collage in a folder and pull it out every so often when I have a block of time to get a little messy. You know, glue sticks and stuff.

I enjoy altering the image to incorporate a "postal" element and adding it to a card or envelope for maximum mailbox magic!! (My favorite!)

I never considered myself an artist.  I was always self conscious and critical of anything I did.  "I'm not a real artist," I would tell myself.  Well...I got OVER that! If you have the urge to create something then do it! Let your imagination run wild and share your joy of creating with others. It doesn't have to be perfect. If you are afraid other people will ridicule your work then send it to ME!  I promise to receive your positive mailart with joy!

Try some collage mail art today!  It's magical!

Go Postal, Everybody!!

XOXO Mrs. Murphy

I Mustache You A Question...

I've been falling behind on my snailmail creating. I did receive several wonderful letters and post cards during the months of February and March. My "to reply" pile is growing ever bigger!! 

There is no time like the present to dive "write" in!! 

Go Postal, Everybody!!

XOXO Mrs. Murphy