Creative Correspondence

by Michael Jacobs, Judy Jacobs

Creative Correspondence proves that anyone can create handmade notes and cards, even if they're pressed for time and money. Experienced paper crafters Michael and Judy Jacobs share their best-kept secrets for eye-catching mail art, including letters, self-mailers and postcards. The creative couple's tips and tricks make the entire process fun and easy.

Readers will find a wealth of information on basic and advanced folding techniques. Specific topics include the mennonite fold, square paper foldnote, diamond front, circle foldnote, sleeves and inserts. Each technique is broken down into clear and concise step- by-step instructions.

This book also introduces readers to affordable paper sources, basic paper tools and essential paper-craft techniques. It's an inspiring mix of projects and instruction, one that crafters can use to make and send unique personal correspondence.

Michael and Judy Jacobs live in Seattle, Washington where they run The Creative Zone, a papercraft kit business. Michael's sculpture and mixed media artwork has been shown in galleries across the country, and he's an experienced workshop instructor. Judy speaks to business groups about creativity in the workplace and has taught classes on rubber stamping and papercrafts.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction, Writing

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good intro to making a variety of fun mail art. Includes directions for making paste paper - without having to cook paste.

[Nytetyger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and one other when I need a kick in the heinder to get my paper art started. There are so many neat small ideas, templates, and comments throughout that after reading the book I yearn to stay up and mess with paper, ink, glue and more all night!

[Kandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty cool book I found at the library. I imagine myself checking it out periodically and making some pretty cool projects. Snail mail is so much fun!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 14 years old so with Pinterest many ideas are dated. Paper crafting has come such a long way.

[Tami Winbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great projects to use for all kinds of mail art. I absolutely loved all the projects in here.

[339 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some easy inspiring projects for people who like writing letters to friends and family. Fun for the beginner penpal officionado.

[Veronica Noechel · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, it didn't take me nearly a year to read a 100 pg book, I just kept misplacing it all over the house. It's a shame, too, because this is a really fun book with loads of clever ideas for making your mail a lot more interesting. I gave this book 5 stars because as far as craft books go, this one had pretty much everything I look for. The projects were neither too simple to be interesting, nor were they so complicated that you know you'll never actually complete them. The projects were mostly new to me, which can be tricky to find once you've read enough craft blogs and books. The photos and instructions are thorough but not needlessly repetitive.

I know I'm in the minority as someone who writes letters on a regular (weekly at least) basis, but I also know I'm not alone. Part of what makes letter writing so much cooler than most other forms of communication is the presentation. Letter papers, cards of all kinds, and found object enclosures are all part of the joy of tearing open an enveope. The authors take this to a higher level by making the letter itself archetecturally interesting. I'm guessing they were the kids in Jr. High who always passed around notes folded into cootie catchers or paper "footballs", and this book is what happens to those kids when they grow up. The best part is, the book makes you want to be one, too.

I've had trouble finding mail art books lately, and I hate to think it's a dying art. Postage isn't *that* expensive and email can't begin to replace the excitement of a genuine mailbox chock full of envelopes of every size and color.

[Davina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good collection of simple projects, a couple of which I will definitely try. Unfortunately, for the most part I didn't care for the styling of the projects (a little too much like a boring scrapbook?).

[Reuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to make and decorate your own stationary, note cards, fold-it letters, etc. Includes 20 projects.

[Baseballs4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the age of e-mail and text messages, if you do use snail mail why not make it lovely!! or decorate your envelopes and or gift cards!!

This book has good pictures and some how to too!!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of great mail ideas & I'm looking forward to trying several of them.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one wasn't nearly as useful as I had hoped. Some unique ideas, but I think a lot of the art style is too messy for my taste. It does use found material, which I like, but it feels sloppy.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books has many great ideas for sending mail art. The directions are very easy, with step by step photos, supply list and variations. I can't wait to get crafting!