Pushing the Envelope

We like to turn each piece we do on its side just a touch—it’s kind of a Giddy signature. We keep people on their toes and make the work we do special, relevant and memorable from start to finish. Let’s take a typical envelope for example, and stroll through some fresh and lovely examples of what can be done to make a tired envelope more than a vehicle to send something. Check out how we and other artists are able to make it an integral part of the piece and the perfect pre-cursor for what’s inside.

Let’s start with material. There are millions of colors, papers, shapes and sizes. Is the stock appropriate for the tone of what’s inside. Is the stock heavy enough to convey a feeling of sophistication? And likewise, does the color, weight, and flap shape pair well with the look and tone of the content inside?

Ok, let’s take it a step further. Can we make the envelope out of something else entirely that coordinates perfectly with our event—like a doily for a bridal shower or a map for a destination wedding? Can we tastefully line the inner flap with a pop of patterned paper or a family photo? Can we make “the back” “the front”? Can we experiment with creative enclosures like a string and tie or put a spin on classic wax seal? Ooo. What about custom stamps that match the rest of the piece?

DIY lace doily envelope: Martha Stewart Weddings, map envelope: Keetsa

Recycled Envelopes: Craftster

photo envelope liners: Martha Stewart Weddings

food lined envelopes: geschichtenvonkat

The options go on and on how to spice up this notoriously functional piece, and if the shoe fits, we say push it as far as the postal service allows. Add bold graphics around the address or take it a step further and print all the way over over the flap. Hey, let’s consider forgoing the envelope all together, save a tree and make a beautiful self-mailer.

printed envelope: Studio on Fire

birdy self mailers: Benign Objects

Yes, it’s a pure simple concept: an envelope. But as you can see, when you add a sprinkle of creative thinking, it, like so many design vehicles, is rich with opportunity to express yourself perfectly and never ever be confused with junk mail.

airmail envelope notebook: Your Secret Admiral