Delicately Stitched Envelopes Just in Time for Easter and Mother’s Day
“Over the years, I have collected many and various pieces of vintage papers, tickets, labels, sewing patterns, etc. The muted, soft colors and textures are so pleasing, and I enjoy the history and the stories these little pieces of very worn and torn paper can tell.”
~Mixed-media artist Viv Sliwka; Click here to read the full article.
There is no better way of being transported to the past than with what is fast becoming a relic of what used to be the most common form of communication: the handwritten letter. Holding onto an old envelope with the yellowing of time showing on its edges, its postmark stamp a tell-tale sign of its age, and the stains of all its travels proudly worn upon its surface – it’s very easy to see why Viv Sliwka has decided to use these very particular objects as a canvas for her creativity.
In this free article download, Viv does a wonderful job of maintaining the integrity of the original envelopes while also introducing her own artistic style. Armed with carefully selected ephemera, subtle touches of fabric, and screen print drawings of her own artwork or photographs, she creates stunning collages that resonate with springtime colors and blooms. Once she’s happy that she’s captured the overall sentiments she was trying to convey, she applies the focal point of her style: sewing machine or hand-stitched details.
Click here to download the free article, “Stitched Envelopes,” by Viv Sliwka that originally appeared in Somerset Holidays & Celebrations Volume 5. You’ll also find more mixed-media creations by this talented artist, learn about her creative process, and pick up some creative techniques that you may want to apply to a Mother’s Day card or heartfelt letter.
Recreate Your Own Stitched Envelopes for Easter or Mother’s Day
Perfect for spring: We think this is the ideal time to attempt and apply some of Viv’s ideas and techniques. Why not try making your own Mother’s Day or last-minute Easter card and embellishing the envelope in an unforgettable way?
Also featured in this issue are more than 100 holiday ideas for gift and décor items, such as a spooky Halloween magnet calendar, a very patriotic Uncle Sam hat centerpiece, and ideas for adding spring colors to wood letters. Join artists Catherine Matthews-Scanlon, Becky Shander, Vanessa Valencia, Angela Harris, and many more in this issue of Somerset Holidays & Celebrations.
We want to hear from you!
What are your ideas and techniques for creating memorable correspondence? Do you already create stitched envelopes or have we tempted you to try? Let us know in the comment section below!
Posted: Friday, April 18th, 2014 @ 1:18 pm
Categories: Free Downloads, Holidays, How-To Project Tutorials, Mixed-Media Art.
Tags: cards, creative, Ephemera, free, free article download, freebie, holiday, Holidays, Inspiration, Magazine, Mixed Media, project, upcycle.
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I already create cards and framed pieces using vintage lace, fabric, assorted ephemera (vintage jewelry, old buttons, ribbon)to complement old photos.
i love the idea of stamping with white ink on kraft paper. It gives the kraft paper card and elegant look. I use craft paper to wrap fresh herbs in for friends.
Lovely idea. I was given a box of old, stained vintage linens … now I have some ideas of what to do with it.
That sounds like a lovely gift. Be sure to submit some of your finished work!