Envelopes pique curiosity

Perhaps it is the history, or the size, or the personality, but envelopes pique our curiosity. As I viewed The New York Public Library’s * extensive digital collection I was charmed by these old envelopes. I do hope you will enjoy this visual parade of envelopes from years gone by.

Envelopes pique our curiosity

Not unlike movie trailers today, the envelope is a bit of a teaser as we imagine what it might contain or from whom. The envelope whether old or modern is like a ‘thumbnail’ for what awaits us when we open it up.

Post marks and stamps

Envelopes, especially ones as old as these, have a lot going on. Often there is more than one post mark and the stamps themselves are like miniature works of art.  I particularly like how this yellow one was kept using old  photograph corners. A great idea to put into use today with correspondence we treasure and want to keep.

Imagine the journey

Some addresses are written in beautiful cursive handwriting, others are typewritten, while some addresses even seem incomplete. Definitely the stuff of stories, as we imagine where the envelope has traveled. It is almost like we catch a fleeting glimpse of the sender and wonder about who  the intended recipient is.

Create your own envelope charm

I was enchanted by these old envelopes and thought you might be too. I have been known to make my own envelopes; it’s pretty easy. Just follow these directions and you too can create your own charming envelopes .

Do these envelopes make you curious? Perhaps they remind you of something or someone?

* In January of 2016 The New York Library shared access to much of it’s digital collection so that everyone is able to enjoy and reuse the material in almost limitless ways. You may find this useful when needing images for your research, blog or projects.