One Stamp Art Exchange

My good friend, Gail, moved to Portland, Oregon a couple years ago. After talking to her on the phone one day, I came up with a plan with which we could connect on a more consistent basis. I wanted a "making" project that would be fun and not any stress. The One Stamp Art Exchange was born! Luckily, Gail also thought this would be fun to do or this would only be some sort of free floating thought concept. (Thanks, Gail!)

The idea is to send each other by the end of the first full week of the month an envelope of stuff that can be used to make at least one finished piece. The envelope of stuff and the one containing the completed piece has to fit in an envelope that requires only one stamp. So, according to the USPS standards, that means a maximum of one ounce, can't be bigger than 11 1/2 inches by 6 1/8 inches, must be rectangular, can't be rigid and can't be thicker than 1/4 inch. There are some other nonmachinable restrictions that would require a surcharge but you get the idea.

So, this first initial month, we sent each other only one envelope containing stuff but the subsequent months, we'll be sending each other two envelopes.

My stuff to Gail.

Gail's stuff to me.

The reason behind one envelope/one stamp was to keep it simple. You don't need to find a proper container, you don't have to go to the post office, etc. Just put the stuff in an envelope, address it, put on a stamp and mail it. (OK, let's not nitpick about what if you don't have envelopes and stamps.)

Rules of the One Stamp Art Exchange:

1. Has to fit in an envelope that requires only one stamp.
2. Send by the end of the first full week of month.
3. Finished project has to use at least one item of stuff received.
4. Other than a substrate, adhesives and mark making, no other materials can be used. Adhesives include, but not limited to, glue, tape, staples, sewing. Mark making includes, but not limited to, paint, pencil, ink, rubber stamping, sewing.
5. If item is used as an installation piece, photographic documentation is sent.
6. Nothing is precious. No requirement to keep unused stuff or even finished item. 
7. No judgement.
8. Have fun. If exchange ceases to be fun, discussion to alter or end it will take place.

The rules were set up to provide focus and reduce stress. This isn't about creating a masterpiece but about making, pure and simple. It's about having fun and playing.

A call to art: If anyone would like to do a similar exchange with me, send me an email using the handy-dandy widget on the right. Even though I'm in the United States, I'd be happy to mail elsewhere in the world.