No matter how behind I get on my mail, you all still send me the loveliest things, and I’m so grateful. Look at this awesome stuff! Fortune cookie postcard, rainbows surrounding my address, and a piece of handmade pie for Thanksgiving. You’re the actual best, you guys.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

I’ve worked on mail in chunks. Like sending postcard responses on these beautiful Pantone cards I received as a gift this Autumn. And they’re garnished with bright fuchsia glitter tape that I found at the dollar store. It’s always bittersweet when your interests get super popular. It makes me a little sad when things go global and it’s not my/our “special thing” anymore, but the sparkly lining is always that your accessibility to that thing will grow.ย Back in my day we had to order washi tape straight from Japan! Nowadays you kids can just walk down to any store and grab it off the shelves.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

I did do one cool thing since I last showcased mail. It started when I finally got the Batman stamps. My boyfriend is really into Batman and I decided I was going to send him something just so I could use one of the stamps. But then I decided that it would be silly to not go all out with the envelope. And then I decided that I should do the same thing for 20 of my friends so I could use a whole book of stamps.

This project used an entire printer cartridge as I printed out maps and cityscapes of Gotham and other Batman-related images and text. They were sent to friends who I tend not to send mail. The thing about sending and receiving so much mail is that I feel obligated to respond to the people who sendย me mail first, and I’m not left with a lot of time to make “extra” mail. But for this Batman mail, I wanted to share my love of snail mail with the people I see all the time and love.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

One of the last days in November, I hosted my first mail social in Baltimore at Red Emma’s via Baltimore’s Free School. We had a great turn out. Thanks to Ashley, Cristen, Tom, Jaye, Erika, Kerri, Shannon, and Ida for coming out and making a bunch of mail!ย I did some lecturing on sending mail within the United States and shared tips and tricks, penpal prompts, and resources.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

I had everyone make me a postcard on a blank yellow postcard that Karen cut out and send to me. I have a plan for them, but I need to gather quite a few more before I can debut them.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

It was really fun to watch people work. We had all ranges of experience in the classroom. Some people send mail art on a weekly basis, and some had never sent any in their lives! Everyone here was creative, though, and it worked out beautifully.

My next mail social will be held on January 10th, 2015.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

One of the best things I’ve received in the mail recently was from Angie and Emie, twoย enthusiastic and creative ladies who read my blog. They teamed up and sent me the most amazing package! A gorgeous necklace, a Moleskine book, a cupcake cup, mermaid cards, washi tape, puffy hearts, stickers, and other craft supplies. Emie makes brilliant mixed media books (top center) and Angie makes great notecards (top left)! Isn’t this spectacular? It made me feel really great to know not only that you ladies cared enough to send me such a beautiful parcel, but that you nailed my interests so well. I feel like I’m doing a good job of representing who I am online based on this package.

PS – I keep the jingle bell stick in my car, and it annoys everyone and I don’t care!! I’m rocking out. It’s my Uncustomary tambourine.

Snail Mail | Uncustomary Art

I was sick for the DC Mail Social this month, so I didn’t get to go. I have a very large pile of mail to respond to from you lovelies, and it’s going to be a while before I get mail back to you. I’m working on Christmas cards still, and next up is New Year’s Cards! Speaking of which, if you’d like a New Year’s Card from me, please fill out my Blog Reader Survey!

How are you doing with your Christmas cards? What’s been in and out of your mailbox lately?