Mad Paper Crush

Have you ever experienced the sheer delight of sending or receiving a carefully crafted piece of happy mail? It’s like getting a burst of sunshine in your mailbox, a surprise that warms your heart and sparks joy. But if you’ve ever found yourself on the creative journey of crafting the perfect happy mail, you know that sometimes, a little inspiration can go a long way. And that’s what I hope this does for you – inspires you not only to create a happy mail for a friend, but helps you think about how to send little bits of yourself and your art to friends around the globe.

So, whether you’re a seasoned sender or a first-time happy mailer, join me on this inspiring adventure and let the world of happy mail captivate your imagination!

I’ve created an unboxing video of 3 different happy mails I’ve received recently, and I hope they give you ideas to create your own memorable happy mails for friend. Let’s jump in!

1. E.B.’s Envelope of Junk Journal Ephemera: First up, I’m exploring the absolute treasure trove of goodies sent to me by E.B. She was a recent winner of a gratitude journal giveaway I did, and she surprised me back with a wonderful array of ephemera to pour over and enjoy! She includes stamps and stickers all attached with washi tape to the lovely note she wrote to me, and then added in Gelli prints, watercolor swatches on vintage book pages and even some rice paper. I was swooning at every piece!
2. Michelle’s Mixed Media Collage Zines: Next up was a happy mail from the first junk journal friend I met in person – Michele from Tape n’ Twine. She’s been busy making zines, and I love them! She sent me 4 different zines she’s created – one that has a variety of plants she found foraging in her neck of the woods, one that is filled with quotes, one with a wonderful vintage feel and lots of old portraits and the last one that has her beautiful flat lay artistry all arranged by colors! If you want to learn how to make a zine for yourself, you can see how Michelle makes hers here and my process here.
3. Maud’s Handmade Junk Journal from the Netherlands: The last happy mail which I added on to the end of this because the package came after I had finished filming is an exquisite junk journal handmade by Maud. The cover of the journal is pieced and sewn together and then she added some of her beautiful hand embroidery of mushrooms in a field of greens. It’s absolutely dreamy! The journal has three signatures full of vintage antique book pages, artwork from Maud herself and she included my digital kit Wild Mushrooms to pull it all together. She also did a flip through on her YouTube channel if you’d like to see more about it from the artist herself!

Creating Your Own Happy Mail – Ideas and Inspiration

Watching the unboxing video, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. These incredible gifts from E.B., Michelle, and Maud showcase the limitless possibilities of happy mail. Here are a few ideas to help you get started on your own happy mail adventures:

1. Personalize and Craft: Incorporate your unique style into your creations, just like Michelle. Mix and match materials, use your favorite colors, and add a personal touch to make your gift truly special.
2. Share Your Treasures: Like E.B., gather ephemera and trinkets to share with friends. Vintage finds, bits of fabric, pieces and pages from your own collection add an extra layer of charm and personality to your happy mail.
3. Connection Through Creativity: Emulate Maud’s connection by sharing your creative passion with their passions! If you know the person you’re sending to, incorporate pieces you know they love and will treasure.
4. Use your Words: Include a handwritten note in your happy mail. While it may seem like this is a small piece of the gift – I will tell you from my own experience, it’s the piece I treasure the most.
5. Document the Process: Consider recording the creation and unboxing of your happy mail to share the joy and inspiration with others. Unboxing videos are a great way to build a creative community.

Conclusion – A World of Creative Connection

In the world of happy mail, the possibilities are endless. Your creations, just like Michelle’s zines, E.B.’s ephemera, and Maud’s journal, have the power to inspire and bring people closer. As you embark on your own happy mail journey, remember that the key ingredients are creativity, thoughtfulness, and a generous sprinkle of love.

Don’t wait any longer! Dive into the unboxing video above and let your imagination run wild. Discover the world of happy mail and the joy it brings, and then set forth on your own creative voyage. Your next unboxing video could be the one that inspires others to create and share their own brand of happiness.