NOV: Traveling Mail Art Kit 2012

This is a variation on a swap previously hosted by the amazingly creative @Tanglecrafts and then myself :)

With inspiration from the book "Good Mail Day", we will put together a portable pack of mail art essentials so that our partner will be prepared whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. I can never fit enough supplies in my kit, because I want a little bit of everything! Since every mail artist is different, I thought it would be interesting to see what others consider the essentials of mail art.

Imagine you are introducing your partner to mail art for the 1st time and send the following:

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1. A container for their kit: this could be an envelope, but it must be sturdy/rigid enough to be used & carry the items you're sending; re-purposed flat tin container, a box from a set of large note cards, vinyl or mesh zippered pouch – maybe even a re-purposed pencil case or make-up bag. It can be handmade, sewn or purchased. The important requirement is that it is portable, so it should be no larger than 6x9 inches, and be durable enough not to fall apart after being filled with supplies and used!

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2. FIVE (5) items from the list below that you consider essential to successful mail art:

• a black, blue or red permanent, smudge-proof, fine tip quality pen (one you'd like to use, no crap please)
• adhesive other than a glue stick or scotch tape
• blank labels, ("to") handmade or purchased (10)
• artistamps or faux postage (10)
• 4 blank postcards
• a small handmade address book or mini journal for keeping track of correspondence or ideas
• set of personalized address labels (20)
• 2 handmade altered/decorated postcards
• 3 handmade envies, mailable sizes
• envelope seals, handmade or purchased (10)

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3. THREE (3) items from this list that you think would help your partner create great mail art:

• a colored sharpie pen (other than red or blue), or set of mini markers
• a small rubber stamp with your partner's 1st initial, or other small stamp useful for mail art
• 5 un-used postcard stamps or 3 letter stamps if partner is within the same country
• a postal-related rubber stamp - hand-carved or purchased (like a blank postage stamp, snail-mail or curvy canceled postage lines, for example)
• airmail stickers, even if not in the same country (10)
• an office date stamp, "do not bend","fragile" or other paper-related stamp
• small ink pad (any color)
• wax seals or sealing wax
• a roll of deco tape that you're partner would like (not just a cheap one you have lying around that you won't use)
• an item not listed that you use for mail art or would be useful

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4. An idea, technique, or tip that helps you create great mail art - - this can be written by hand; done by example (sending an item using the technique); or in a "how-to" mini-zine. For example, inking, paper-sewing, envelope folding, homemade glue/adhesive, making paper, etc. These are just ideas!

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Please make sure that all of the items fit simultaneously inside the container you have chosen. Try to send a good combination of the items listed; think of what your partner would love to receive, based on their profile.

I'm giving a few weeks to sign up & two more to send, while still allowing us to finish before December. Usual group rules apply; I will check profiles before assigning partners. PM or post below with any questions.