The Graceful Envelope

Each year, the Washington Calligraphers Guild sponsors the Graceful Envelope Contest, which draws participation from some of the most amazing lettering artists from around the world.  This contest, in its 18th year, was originally created and sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum. In 2001, the Washington Calligraphers Guild took over as sponsor and, starting in 2003, the National Association of Letter Carriers has co-sponsored. 

Its open to all ages (separate judging category for children) and there is no cost to enter.  I'm not sure how many people enter, but I've been amazed at the talent and creativity of those whose entries have won in past years (each year's winning envelopes can be linked to from the Graceful Envelope Contest page).  According to the website:

Designs that incorporate postage stamp(s) into the theme are encouraged. Judges look for skill in lettering, effective use of color and design, and creative interpretation of the theme.

This year, I decided to join.  Not in the hopes of having a winning entry, but just I love the idea of this contest and I wanted to be part of it and to show my support of it.  This year's theme focused on creating a graceful envelope around something that begins with a D.  Pretty wide open there, huh?  So broad that it took me a while to come up with a theme that was meaningful, but I ultimately settled on the the idea of donors. Here is what I submitted:

I had a lot of fun with this and can't wait to see the winning entries!

Please check out what my friends at Paint Party Friday have been up to this week!

Summer fruits and the Graceful Envelope

Have been thoroughly enjoying delicious summer fruits lately.  Managed to take a moment to sketch one before feasting on its sweet, sticky goodness!

Also, received an exciting letter of congratulations from the folks at the Washington Calligrapher's Guild for my Graceful Envelope submission.  They were delighted to inform me (not nearly as delighted as I was) that my envelope has been chosen as a winner.  I received a lovely certificate and the winning envelopes are going to be on display, beginning in September, in the lobby of the National Association of Letter Carriers building in Washington, DC.  How cool is that?  I am so excited, especially since this is my first time submitting anything.  The other winning envelopes are available for viewing here.  When you see them, you will see why I am absolutely humbled (but still so excited!) to be included at all.   You can see my original post about this contest and my submission here. 

Linking to Paint Party Friday for some weekend inspiration!