Mailing Watercoclor creations (and/or other water-sensitive mediums)

[DancesWithHooves]

Good afternoon, all!

Though I choose to watercolor on occasion and have mailed several watercolor projects already, I'm beginning to wonder if there's a good method for mailing them and keeping them at least somewhat protected from the elements (particularly during this often-wet fall season and the impending white precip that is to come. ). I have opened our own mailbox several times in the past and found its contents heavily dampened due to the weather beating on it either inside or enroute to us, and I fear this would "kill" the these watercolor cards entirely if it were to occur.

Do any of you provide special mailing protection for your watercolor or other water-sensitive-technique cards, and, if so, what do you do? (Preferably without increasing the postage cost, if possible!)

Thanks in advance for letting me pick your brains! (I have another watercolor card addressed and ready to mail now, if only I can settle on a way to protect it!)

[Cook22]

I totally understand this. I'm able to buy plastic mailers in a small size which I will use if I am particularly concerned.
if it's just the watercoloured front you are worried about rather than the whole card, you could use microglaze from Ranger's. I'm not sure if it's part of the distess range or not, as mine goes back to when it was still a Judikins product, but it's great protection and easy to buff in. Or you could use a small plastic bag inside the envelope?

[DancesWithHooves]

These are great suggestions, Sabrina - thank you! I was thinking I might use some of the leftover packaging in my stash (from dies/stamps/etc I've stored otherwise) and enrobe the front of the card I have ready, as for this card that's the only portion "at risk" (and it IS raining today).

GREAT suggestions that I'll definitely keep in mind (and add to my shopping lists - especially the Ranger product you mentioned) for next time! THANK YOU!

[beaddict]

I dabble in water color and I use Dorlands Wax to protect the painted surface. I suppose you could also wax the back (before you attach the panel to the card) just to add a little bit of extra protection. I think most adhesives would still stick nicely since the wax is rubbed "into" the wc paper.

[leibetty]

I put all my cards in cello for storing and possible sales, and used to take them out when mailing. Until I had person received smeared sentiment, so now I put back in the clear protector before placing in mailing envelope.

it wasn't even 'watercolor' but water based ink, which most of my stamping is, after all

[lovinpaper]

Sabrina's recommendation is exactly what Kristina Werner uses and she mails watercolored envelopes routinely. I purchased some with the plan to create an envelope, but so far haven't. Kristina talks about this product and why she uses it in her videos. Here is a blog post link taking you to two cards: https://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/l...art-envelopes/

[wavejumper]

I would go with the cello bags myself as the dampness could warp the whole card. I mean it sound a little extreme, but WC paper is designed to soak up moisture of any kind really. It is thin and wont add to weight (postage) and they are not expensive in bulk. I use them for a number of things anyway. I have thin foam for embellished cards as raised elements can make a hole in the paper envelope I save from packaging but you could buy it. That would probably do it too just for the front of the card but it will make the envie thicker and probably need more postage.

The glaze is definitely another choice. I think you have to let dry for awhile though after buffing as I recall?

This has been a very wet year so I don't think your concern is unfounded.

[DancesWithHooves]

Margot - great points! Are you using "ziploc" seal type bags or the "sandwich baggies" that simply have a flap you tuck in? Just curious... obviously, moisture could go up the tuck if there's enough of it, but the sealing varieties are pricier and the seal itself would add a little bit of bulk.

[dickiebutts]

I would use acetate to cover the water colored card/

[jeanne3579]

I agree with Margot and encasing the cards in the cello bags. If you are concerned about moisture getting in under the flap, you could always seal up those places with clear Scotch Tape to make them totally sealed.

[DancesWithHooves]

Great suggestions, thank you! Good point on the simple addition of some Scotch tape to seal. I will be putting those little sandwich baggies on my shopping list for the next time I'm in a store that has those!

Thank you all again!