02. Envelopes

The patterns found on the inside of envelopes and the colours and stripes on airmail envelopes have been used as source material.


2.1 Handmade paper with dye experiments. Based on airmail paper.

Left: Dye was dropped on to paper sheet before pressing.

Middle: Paper was pressed to remove as much water as possible before dye was added.

Right: Dye powder was placed on pressed, wet paper


2.2 Drawn thread embroidery based on airmail paper


2.3 These are wapped samples based on airmail paper. Different coloured threads were wrapped in bands over a frame. Diagonal lines were then machined stitched over the threads. The sample on the right has been developed by machine stitching the wrapped threads to form cords.


2.4 Thread was wrapped around a frame and covered with machine zig-zag to form a grid. Fabric in a contrasting colour was then woven through the grid.


2.5 Paper made from brown envelopes. Pressed on to a woven laundry basket to give a woven pattern.


2.6 Slits were cut into fabric and organza and threads were woven through slits. Embellished with machine stitching.

2.7 Drawn thread embroidery based on airmail paper. Border of handmade paper added as strips of paper pulp. Dye was dripped on to the wet pulp after pressing. The embroidery before the addition of the paper pulp can be seen here.

2.8 This woven sample was in my reject pile. I decided to rescue it and try out some hand stitching on paper. It's starting to look as if it could join the postmarks/stamps or handwriting section.

2.9 This is a border based on the woven envelope patterns. Threads withdrawn from dyed linen scrim were used. Holes were punched round the edge of the paper and threads were tied on. Bunches of threads were then woven through. The ends were tied off to stop it unravelling.

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