Perhaps it is the history, or the size, or the personality, but envelopes pique our curiosity. As I viewed The New York Public Library’s * extensive digital collection I was charmed by these old envelopes. I do hope you will enjoy this visual parade of envelopes from years gone by.
Envelopes pique our curiosity
Not unlike movie trailers today, the envelope is a bit of a teaser as we imagine what it might contain or from whom. The envelope whether old or modern is like a ‘thumbnail’ for what awaits us when we open it up.
Post marks and stamps
Envelopes, especially ones as old as these, have a lot going on. Often there is more than one post mark and the stamps themselves are like miniature works of art. I particularly like how this yellow one was kept using old photograph corners. A great idea to put into use today with correspondence we treasure and want to keep.
Imagine the journey
Some addresses are written in beautiful cursive handwriting, others are typewritten, while some addresses even seem incomplete. Definitely the stuff of stories, as we imagine where the envelope has traveled. It is almost like we catch a fleeting glimpse of the sender and wonder about who the intended recipient is.
Create your own envelope charm
I was enchanted by these old envelopes and thought you might be too. I have been known to make my own envelopes; it’s pretty easy. Just follow these directions and you too can create your own charming envelopes .
Do these envelopes make you curious? Perhaps they remind you of something or someone?
* In January of 2016 The New York Library shared access to much of it’s digital collection so that everyone is able to enjoy and reuse the material in almost limitless ways. You may find this useful when needing images for your research, blog or projects.
I love seeing old correspondence. I especially appreciate the irregular patterns created by the use of fountain pens. I love decorating the outsides of my envelopes with washi! I save magazine pages thinking I’ll make my envelopes…..and sometimes I do……but I don’t often.
The fountain pens make for beautiful, almost art-like, writing. I like your idea, Melanie, of using washi tape to add a little something to your envelopes, I do have a slight addiction to said tapes. 😉 Have a happy day.
I do like how ‘interesting’ these envelopes look. I’m not as craft as you, with making my own, however…he he.
I love to decorate mine in stickers…that’s what I must do 🙂
Hi there Sydney, Oh, please you have the wrong idea, I am far from crafty.Really, I can barely work a glue stick. But I like the idea of recycling and of something a little different and so I putter. Stickers are awesome! Stick away my friend, stick away.
And we are creating now the envelopes that will pique the curiosity of people in the future, aren’t we? 😉
Indeed, Eva. Well said. Let’s hope we create many.
A few years ago, when I was living in San Diego, a friend came to visit and we went to the zoo. After her trip, this friend sent me a thank you note sent in an envelope made out of the zoo map. I’ll never forget it! You can see a picture of the envelope on this blog post http://mocadeaux.com/envelope-made-from-a-zoo-park-map/
Hi there Mo, I love this envelope from map idea! how creative and clever. I will most definitely swing by and take a look. Thanks for sharing.Have a lovely weekend.