Envelope patterns

Illustration by Clemens Habicht

My ever expanding bag of recycled envelopes and papers

Assortment of collected envelopes featuring different patterns

Some of my experimental illustrations below, featuring envelope pattern detail on the

coffee pot and cup & saucer. With these I've scanned in the envelopes and

changed the colour to suit the artwork.

Below are some examples of experimenting with the Gocco printer by printing

directly onto the envelopes.

In the weekend papers a few weeks ago I spotted this collage illustration using the patterns found on the inside of envelopes, created by the very talented Clemens Habicht.  I too am an avid collector of envelopes, so I thought I'd share some of my envelope patterns.

There is surprisingly quite an array of different patterns, textures and colours to be found on the inside of envelopes - and I always love opening an envelope to find a new pattern waiting patiently to be discovered on the inside.  (It actually makes opening bills a bit more interesting).  Mr B know's never to throw away an envelope before I've given it the once over! 

The patterns on the envelopes remind me of Japanese patterns with their miniature scale, perfect repetition and symmetry.   I use the envelopes for collages, printing with lino prints or gocco prints, and for experimental sketches and illustrations - I've included a few examples above.    

So next time you get a boring bill through the post, remember to look inside the envelope to see what patterns you might find.