Make your own creative envelopes out of magazine ads, wallpaper, junk mail—just about anything you have laying around. To create an envelope template, simply open up an envelope that’s the size you desire, and trace around it on a piece of cardboard.

From the fabulous folks at RedKid.net, here’s an iPhone Email Message Generator.

If you’re photographing your work, try not to use a flash. Unless you have a great photo setup, flash will usually create hot spots and hard shadows. Try shooting in natural light instead. Take your project outside on an overcast day, or after the sun goes down, before it gets dark. I’ve also had good success taking photos in the shade on a sunny day.

Here’s a big, fat gallery of artist trading cards, postcards, skinny trading cards, and assorted other mixed-media and collage pieces from the very talented Constance Taylor:

When working with gel pens, remember that gel ink takes slightly longer to dry than other types of ink. Make absolutely sure your ink is dry before handling your work. On the plus side, once gel ink is dry, it’s generally permanent.