Envelope exchange 2014: to and from Mary Katherine

Another Japanese block print. Sadly I didn't keep the artists' names from this set of calendar envelopes.

I almost went with another bonsai stamp. This last choreographer stamp was lying out (having used one on the Rothko envelope to Chuck K). I had regretted buying the choreographer stamps as I really thought they weren't all that well-designed - they don't seem to evoke movement at all. After this exchange, I think they just need a perfect backdrop to shine.

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Mary Katherine sent this great envelope inspired by the boats on the envelope I sent her.

She also pointed out that the choreographer on the stamp shares her name - something I didn't even notice when I sent it. 

Mary Katherine's handwriting is amazing - it is tiny and perfect - I thought it was computer printed at first.

(And I had no idea the Civil War stamps were so large)

Adding to the nautical theme, she included this neat dollar bill origami sailboat.

I sent a thank you on a postcard pre-stamped with the same theme.

MMSA Asemic Writing part 1

Here are two I sent in for this fascinating MMSA challenge. The silver 'writing' doesn't show up very well on the scanner - you may get a better view by clicking on the images to enlarge them.

And two I received from Rhonda and Christie.

They both used vintage stamps, neither of which I've seen before.

And on the topic of stamps, the USPS online store is now offering variety packs of 20 random forever stamps. Interesting concept.

Envelope exchange 2014: #335 to Marti

Japanese block print.

Bonsai stamped.

The back.

Envelope exchange 2014 / bonus faces: from Jan H

Jan sent this mixed media portrait envelope. I think it fits in the exchange window, although she referenced september's 29 faces. This definitely stood out from the rest of the day's mail!

The envelope itself is one of those with a thread closure, like an internal office envelope. I've seen these on design sites, and the effect is great. I bet the post office doesn't love them all that much. The sparkling splatter effect on the back looks much better in person.

Much more fun to open than an ordinary envelope, and inside was another face - Mr Dick Tracy on a postcard. I don't know where Jan found this, or if she's been hanging onto it since 1995, as it is in pristine condition.

Envelope exchange 2014: #278 to Elena

Rothko

Marin and Elena on Rothko

The back

Envelope exchange 2014: from Eric

Eric sent me his signature frogs mischievously exploring my name.

There is a great faux stamp on the back, and a mysterious card inside. More on the card in a future entry.

Envelope exchange 2014: #266 to Alyce

Eastern Kingbirds by Charley Harper.

Accompanied with a paper cut heart stamp.

The back.