Traveling Mail Art Kit (private swap)

Based on the book "Good Mail Day", we will put together portable packs of mail art essentials so that our partners will be prepared whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. I would like a little of everything in my own mail art kit! But since everyone expresses it differently, I thought it would be interesting to see what others consider the essentials of mail art.

We will each send the following:

1. A container for their kit: this could be a rigid envelope, large matchbox, or 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 bigger than A5 (half-letter size), and be durable enough not to fall apart after being filled with supplies and used!

2. THREE items from the list below that you consider essential to successful mail art:

   • a black, blue or red permanent, smudge-proof, fine tip pen
   • double-sided tape
   • small or mini scissors
   • a mini-stapler
   • blank labels, plain or handmade (10)
   • used stamps, artistamps or faux postage (10)
   • 4 blank postcards
   • a small address book
   • set of personalized address labels (20)
   • 2 handmade altered/decorated postcards
   • 3 handmade envies, mailable sizes
   • airmail stickers (10)
   • envelope seals (10)

3. And 2 items from this list that you think would help your partner create great mail art:

   • a colored sharpie pen
   • a rubber stamp with your partner's 1st initial
   • 5 un-used postage stamps if partner is within the same country
   • a mail-related rubber stamp - hand-carved or not (like a blank postage stamp or curvy canceled postage lines, for example)
   • postage stamp edged scissors
   • an office date stamp, "do not bend" stamp or "fragile" stamp
   • small ink pad (any color)
   • a small glue stick, rolling adhesive or envelope glue
   • wax seals or sealing wax

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 you'd love to receive!