Nothing is more exciting than finding unexpected mail art at your door.
Everyone loves send and receive mail, but sometimes it's hard to think of what to write. Other times, what you want to express is better said in a form other than simple narrative prose. Still other times, you just want to make something pretty to share with a loved one who is far away. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, light up someone's day and express yourself at the same time by sending art in the mail - "mail art" - next time you're feeling restless.
Instructions
1. Brainstorming directly onto paper is more effective than brainstorming in your head.
Brainstorm ideas. Mail art is a huge category, and includes anything from constructing a diorama and shipping it as a package to sending an illustrated poem in a regular envelop. The best ideas, however, are ones that express your feelings or that convey a meaningful idea to the recipient. Mail-related art, such as envelops within envelops or cut-up and reconstructed post cards, are a good place to start, but don't limit yourself to postal themes.
2. Cut up old magazines into a convenietly two-dimensional mail art collage.
Put the art together. Mail art requires you to use materials sturdy enough to travel in the mail, and often two-dimensional art will be the easiest to ship, but don't let that limit you as you construct the art. Use plenty of adherent to make sure that your piece stays together properly, but let all glue dry properly before packaging so that your art doesn't stick to the envelope or box. If you are in doubt about incorporate many small items into one artwork, try creating an art terrarium in a sturdy glass jar - the recipient can display the art in the jar, or take it out and arrange separately.
3. You can decorate the outside of the envelope, too.
Package and address the art. Packaging the art may be a frustrating part of the process because you may have to try several times before finding a package the right size and enough padding that your art will not be damaged. On the other hand, if you created flat art, you may be done packing and addressing it within minutes. Don't be sloppy in this step or your project may be ruined by the time it arrives at its destination.
4. Send the art. Don't neglect this important step, after you've done so much work putting the art together. Sometimes, a piece of mail art will sit at home forgotten, waiting to go to the post office, for weeks, and by the time you find it, it will represent outdated sentiments. So mail your mail art right away after you are done packaging it.
