Turn everyday envelopes into collage, tags, handmade envelopes, and small books using the patterns hiding inside your mail.


Have you ever noticed the patterns on the inside of security envelopes and thought they were too interesting to throw away?





In this class, we’ll take those everyday materials and turn them into something entirely new. All built from what usually gets discarded.

What you'll create:

  • Pattern-based collages including landscape, cityscape, abstract, and botanical designs
  • A collection of six different handmade tags
  • New envelopes made from old ones
  • Mini books and envelope-based book structures

You can use your own collected envelopes or start right away with the included printable patterns.

What's included:

  • 30 pages of scanned envelope patterns
  • 3 pages of scanned postal stamps
  • 2 pages of scanned postal marks and symbols
  • 2 pages of botanical line drawings
  • Templates for tags and envelopes
  • Supply lists




Before we start collaging, I'll share my pattern collection book. It's where I keep track of all the different patterns I've acquired over the years. I'll show you how I organize and store my envelopes and share some tips for removing stamps from envelopes.


Collage

We’ll explore how to work with the envelope patterns to create layered, thoughtful compositions. Add stamps, bar codes, and other postal symbols. I'll show how you can add some stitching to your collages and how to seal and protect them.

Landscape and Cityscape collage

Abstract and Botanical collage

What students are saying...

"Thanks very much, Kathy, for an excellent workshop.  You are well organized, and a good presenter.  I'm collecting lots of envelopes now for future projects!"

M. Rudi 



"The Mailscape class is wonderful and so much fun! Kathy is such a good teacher!"

G. Clauson


Tags

Gather up all the cut-offs you’ve saved from the previous lessons and use the provided template to create tags with six different approaches.

Envelopes

You'll make two kinds of envelopes, one from a template and the other from origami folds. Use another template to make linings and dress up your envelopes. 

Books

We’ll finish by turning envelopes into small books. The first is a mini book from envelope scraps, and the second is a small book made from whole envelopes. Add tags and inserts to the pockets you'll create.

More kind words…  

"I learned so many new and interesting ways to approach collage. It's fun, no stress and I find Kathy's classes very calming. You come away with great collages you can continue working on once the class is over."  

V. Little 


A few things to know

  • You don't need a large stash of envelopes to get started. You can begin with a few and complement them with the supplied printable patterns.
  • No prior collage experience is necessary. This is about experimenting, layering, and discovering new materials.
  • The class is broken into short lessons, most under 15 minutes, so you can move at your own pace and fit it into your day.
  • You have unlimited access to this course for the lifetime of my Thinkific school.




Your Instructor


Hi, I’m Kathy, a collage artist with a passion for all things paper and a longtime collector of both natural and overlooked materials. From leaf skeletons and rusty metal to candy wrappers, tea bags, and discarded envelopes, I’m drawn to everyday things that hold unexpected creative potential.

My interest in mail and paper began early, visiting my grandmother, who was postmistress of a tiny one-room post office. I was fascinated by the rubber stamps, postage stamps, and the quiet world of materials that passed through the mail.

When I discovered the patterns inside security envelopes, they quickly became a regular part of my collage work. In this class, I’ll share ways to transform these humble materials, and hopefully help you see the creative possibilities hiding in your own mailbox.


Watch the class welcome video and

preview the supply list in the course listing below.



Course Content

    1. A message from the instructor

    1. Printables and Supplies

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. General Supply List

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Black Security Envelope Patterns pages 1-7

    4. Black Security Envelope Patterns pages 8-14

    5. Blue Security Envelope Patterns

    6. Color Security Envelope Patterns

    7. Postal Stamp Scans

    8. Postal Symbols

    9. Botanical and Bird Line Drawings

    10. Tag Template

    11. Envelope and Envelope Liner Templates

    12. Origami Envelope Template

    13. Mini Book & Envelope Book Supply List

    1. My Pattern Collection Book

    2. Organizing and Storing Security Envelopes

    1. Removing Stamps from an Envelope

    2. Working with Patterns

    1. Landscape Collage part 1

    2. Landscape Collage part 2

    3. Landscape Collage part 3

    1. CityScape Collage Part 1

    2. CityScape Collage Part 2

    3. CityScape Collage Part 3

About this course

  • $85.00
  • 53 lessons
  • 5.5 hours of video content
Enroll in Workshop

This class is about slowing down, noticing what’s already around you, and turning it into something meaningful. I’d love to have you in the class.