Friday 30 August 2013

Artistic Readers Club - August

My blog has re-appeared - it went missing for a few days but eventually came back ...and not only that , I can now comment on most blogs...yay! Perhaps it was in blog hospital having surgery.....

This month's book is: 



I'd had this book on my Amazon wishlist for quite a few months when I was lucky enough to receive a voucher for Amazon.com...so it came all the way from USA (if anyone knows of a way of converting gift vouchers between the Amazon sites please let me know).

I wanted this book as I've received some wonderful pieces of mail art from friends but hadn't got beyond stamping on envelopes in reply.

The subtitle says it all...it's a primer ....

There are lists of suggested tools and some good ideas of where to look for ephemera (and what to look for)....both lists are useful.

The history of mail art is covered in depth and I found this fascinating as I'd thought it was a recent trend......it definitely isn't!

There are also lots of pictures of mail art, some of which I loved and some of which left me thinking..meh..(to borrow the boy's favourite word)

I was expecting more from the book to be honest. Perhaps I knew more about mail art than I thought ..certainly the pieces I've been privileged to receive would not look out of place in the book.

It's definitely for beginners but I'm pleased I read it as it gave me the kick start to experiment that I obviously needed.

I'd award 3.5 stars...the extra half mark is for the useful stickers and postcards at the back of the book.

What could I produce in the way of art this month...?
Mail art of course...



Here is my decorated padded envelope.....I have a recipient in mind...insert evil laugh here...

The main images are a colour illustration for an article on the decline in our bee population from the Saturday magazine of the Daily Telegraph a few weeks ago...I knew I had to cut it out and keep it as it was so striking.
"Spot the difference" is from the same source; the edging is Kaisercraft washi tape; the little arrows are the closure from a Maggi chicken bag;the mail art sticker is from the back of the book and the "recycle" piece is from a serviette included in my Graze box.

I used Decopatch glue/varnish to stick everything down and provide a layer of protection.

I'm now looking forward to seeing what everyone else has been reading..and to actually being able to leave a comment.
I do enjoy all the reviews but it's particularly satisfying when I know the book concerned and can "compare notes" with other readers.

14 comments:

Diane said...

Just popping in to say hello Sue !! Your mail art looks very interesting, but there just isin't enough time in the day for me to have a play at it !!

Hope all is well with you and yours,

hugs Diane xx

Gina said...

Hello Stranger!!! :D Glad to see you back in action...and arting too. I have been terribly lazy where decorating my mail is concerned. Especially as I recycle my padded envelopes. Sounds like a project I should get stuck into too :D XXX

Janet said...

This type of artwork is totally new to me so I enjoyed reading your review. What an improvement to a padded envelope! The bee theme is one close to my heart and a good use of the newspaper illustrations.

Janet xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This sounds like several of the same type of books I've been reviewing. I like the mail art you created, but probably would not have been inspired to buy, or even desire this book. Sounds like your envelope was the best thing to come out of this book (grin).

abby j said...

I'd be honored to receive that piece of mail art...well done, Susan! Sounds like a great reference book , useful for inspiration!!

Joanna said...

Great honest review, Sue - but it's your Mail Art that really catches my eye! Wow, it's great! You've chosen some super images and put them with fab ephemera.

I don't think I'll bother buying the book - I'll tell Grant you saved him some money today ;)

xx

Julie Lee said...

I am completely fascinated by mail art and the whole history of it! I am so impressed by this - your first attempt!!! It's beautiful! This has really inspired me to have a go myself at decorating my envelopes, especially when I recycle them. Julie Ann xx

Carmen said...

See, we know a certain few fantastic mail arters who've really spoilt us. That's what it is! And I agree with Gina - up to now I've been terrible with my boring brown envelopes. TRYING to change that.

I think this is gorgeous! Just love those images!

We scoffed our Graze so quick I never noticed a serviette - am off to check out my box again!

Jackie Plank said...

I found this article very interesting has I have never heard of Mail art before and I love what you have done.

Jez said...

It's always disappointing when a book turns out to be more elementary than one was expecting, as in your case here, especially when you have looked forward to it.
I liked your artwork, with your clever use of the simplest elements, and the text fitting the two bees so well.

Sarah said...

I have this book at home and I really like it - especially for the history bit. Love your decorated envie - those skelebees are brilliant images

Darcy Marshall said...

Looks to be a great book for anyone wanting to try this out for the first time. Love the images that you chose for your envelope. Very apt lol

Jen said...

Like your art work. How lovely to receive an envelope like that. I do not decorate mine, I would probably never get anything mailed out!! but your review has me thinking about it.
Jen x

BadPenny said...

I saw the bee image but regret didn't keep it ! Looks fabulous on your mail art !