How to Start a Graceful Envelope Round Robin

What is a graceful envelope and why would artists want to make them? Good question! A graceful envelope is based on a contest held by Washington (DC) Calligraphers Guild under the sponsorship of the National Association of Letter Carriers. Each year, new themes are introduced when the contest re-opens. The art is based on the stamp featured on the envelope and calligraphy must be used for all writing on the envelope. During mail art round robins, though, artists use regular handwriting and tend to apply their own artistic license to the pieces. One rule that cannot be broken, though, is that the art can only be on the front of the envelope.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Letter sized or business sized envelope
• Paint
• Markers
• Colored pencils
• Stamps
• Calligraphy pens

1. A graceful envelope I received in a round robin in 2003. Choose an envelope that’s clean and free of any wrinkles. Choose a stamp and create a piece of art on the front of the envelope. Leave a space to write in the address of the recipient.
2. Another graceful envelope received in a round robin. There are many Internet sites available where round robins can be hosted, Pick one and start setting up the round robin. Decide how many people should participate, set up the rules and the method of contact. It’s suggested that these round robins stay to three to five participants.
3. Another graceful envelope received in a 2003 round robin. Once the list of participants is set up, email each of them with their partner’s address. Set up a deadline for mailing, then follow-up with each member on the list to see how he or she is doing.
4. An example of a graceful envelope that breaks the rules because the artist wanted to use their own artistic flair. Address the graceful envelope with a calligraphy pen with the partner’s name and address in the space leftover after creating the art. Add any finishing touches necessary. When mailing out the piece of art, ask the postal clerk to hand cancel the postage.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to keep all work a clear as possible, particularly when using mixed media applications.
• Art can be a replication of or be inspired by the postage stamp.
• When setting up the round robin, be sure everyone understands the rules in place.
• Avoid taping over the project because this will yellow over time.
• Avoid using a decoupage medium to seal the project because it’ll cause other pieces of mail to stick to the art.
• Avoid using stickers or anything else that could peel off easily in transition.