MailArt File Folder Swap

OHAI. The folder in that pic is sitting right beside me right now ;)

well bugger me ... I've never seen that before

I LIKE IT! XD

Just a note, some post offices might not allow you to mail something with 'naked' staples on the outside. But if you cover with tape might be okay? Alternative methods of securing are worth considering, though! :)

I'm currently sending something to Singapore for another swap and they won't allow this stuff (according to the USPS website) so can we put this into a mailer envelope if that's the case? I personally would rather see the "real deal" in my mail box, but I also don't want to send something and have it returned because the post office in that country won't accept it....which could lead to a bad rating and starting over,

Oh- I didn't realize some countries won't be into that, thanks for letting me know. I sent one to Korea and one to Canada with staples and sewing and they were fine. Hmm. I'll edit the swap...

From Australia we can send these naked, as long as the address is clearly visible - but they won't like exposed staples (safety hazard) - my PO always covers them with tape, so if you do that you should be fine :) also remember that you need to put a customs form on it, so take that into consideration when 'designing' your folder.

A suggestion for the top closure: narrow strips of tape work fine for the two sides, but it's nice to use something for the top closure that won't get tape all over the art. What I use is blue poster putty, available in most office supply stores. Just roll the poster putty into pea-sized balls, then put approx. 10 of 'em under the top edge (about 1/2" down) of the front of the file folder. Then you just squeeze the top together, and they'll hold just fine in the mail. What's nice about them is that they're out of sight, and they leave little to no debris when picked off. The recipient can even re-use the balls for other projects.

Melusina- you are such a crafty whiz, seriously- you know the best sticky stuff to use for every possible art project!

Peony, I'm a little vague on this business of "filling" the folder with office ephemera. A file folder is expandable up to several inches thick--that's part of its utility. Could you give an estimate on how thick it's supposed to be after we've "filled" it? Sorry to be dense, but when I've made file-folder mail art before, I just tucked a letter into it.

I was trying to fill mine with flat items and I am having a hard time coming up with what I feel is enough contents just keeping it on the flat side and your talking about expansion? I need more clarification too before I mail this off.

Don't worry about making it a thick package- I used the word fill not in the "fill to capacity" just in the "put inside" or "add" way. Sorry for the vague-ness. Add as much or as little as you feel would make a good swap. Changing my wording...

thank you!

I'm curious to know if anyone tried the blue poster putty for the top closure, and if so, how well it worked. Peony?