Sunday 30 December 2007

Art in a Carton

What is "Art In A Carton"?

"Art In A Carton" is essentially a three-for-three swap. It's an artsy little "Pay It Forward" idea I dreamed up over Christmas, while hunting around for something small and sturdy in which to package and send out an item of art. While surveying my kitchen-come-art-studio, I picked up an empty milk carton. All of a sudden, my mind went "click!", and an idea was born. Standard milk- or fruit juice cartons are a perfect way to package and sent small items of art, and they can be turned into art objects in their own right, too!

One thing I love is making small art and craft objects. Another thing I love is sharing what I make with other artists. If you're like me, you'll know the thrill of the postman handing over an art package, the anticipation of unpacking it, and the delight at holding another artist's creation in your hands.

With all that in mind, I decided to launch "Art In A Carton" as one of my 2008 art projects. I'd like to invite you to take part. The project works like this: I kick off the project by sending out "Art In A Carton" packages to various other artists. I'll tell you further down the page how you can be one of the recipients.

What you get

When you receive your "Art In A Carton", you'll find some small art items in the box, plus a project description sheet, as a reminder, plus several address labels with the names and addresses of three artists who've done "Art In A Carton" before you. Each label will have a date on the back.
The contents of each box will vary, depending on what I feel like making or what I use from my art gift stash. Items might include mini art chests filled with artsy delights, ATC, little art journals, paper dolls, journaling , art clay faces, matchbox art, unused rubber stamps, tags, ornaments, and the like.

The important thing at this stage is to understand that you will receive art before you are asked to make and send out art of your own, so you gain, whatever happens. If everyone plays fair, you'll receive more art from artists further down the art line, too. That's what your address labels are for.

What you do to take part in "Art In A Carton"

You find three half-litre or litre (or one-pint or one quart) milk or fruit juice cartons and make sure they are clean. You decorate the outside of the cartons, then fill them with small items of your own art. See the list above for a few starter ideas.

You send one "Art In A Carton" package to the person who sent "Art In A Carton" to you.
Then you take a look at the address labels, find a label with the oldest date, and send the second "Art In A Carton" package to that person.

Send your third "Art In A Carton" package to an artist of your choice. It might be a good idea to ask the person if s/he'd like to play, that way it's more likely they will keep "Art In A Carton" moving along. For this package, choose someone whose label is not already included in the "Art In A Carton" label collection. Along with the third carton (only the third carton), you package up the project description that came in your package, the remaining artist's address labels, and pop in two labels with your own name and address. Remember to write the date on which you package up your project on the back of your labels. At some point a little further down the art line, your labels will carry the oldest date, and other artists will send "Art In A Carton" to you as a gift.

You are welcome to make and send more than three "Art In A Carton" packages if you wish. Just make sure each package that you send to a "new" artist (the third and further packages) contains a project information sheet and a set of labels with dates. Make copies of the labels if necessary. Email me if you need a fresh or additional copy of the project information sheet.

How to get an "Art In A Carton" package

I will send out 52 "Art In A Carton" packages this year. Recipient will be the first 52 artists to send their details. This project has me so excited that I'm already in production line mode, so you won't have to wait all year for your "Art In A Carton" to reach you.

If you want to be one of the receiving artists do this: send me an email with your name and mailing address and the URL of your blog or website to me at the email address in my Blogger profile. Then all you need to do is place a link from the main page of your blog to the Art In A Carton blog. Once you've done that, let me know, and I'll send out your package and list you here on this blog as a participant, so everyone can see who is taking part.

Tracking "Art In A Carton"

It's going to be great fun to see what you make, where the packages go, and what other artists include in packages they send to you. So, when you send out and receive "Art In A Carton", tell us about it on your blog. You are also welcome to leave a message about art sent and received on the "Art In A Carton" blog. Include a link to the post you make on your own blog, so other artists can visit and see what you received.

Above all, have fun!
Susan (Artangel)

11 comments:

Unknown said...

i would love to do this project with you....peace laura.. ifunkyluke@yahoo.com

Patricia J. Mosca said...

I am going to try the e mail...but I would also love to do this...way to much fun!! I came here via: Chantal!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Sherry said...

I love this idea!! Just read about it on Chantal's blog!

Lubna said...

Hi Susan
I originally heard about this project through Jill who invited me to take part and she sent me a carton contining some lovely gifts. I in return have decorated my cartons and made my gifts and everything is ready for posting, but i find I'm left with one carton that I don't know who to send to. I was wondering if you had anyone on your list who would like to receive it. You can see pics of my cartons on my Flickr site at: www.flickr.com/Lubsy1/photos
Many thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi.....I just found your ArtinaCarton site, and it sounds like FUN ! May I join you ?
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Hi I came by your link from Marilyn at the gluebots group. I'd like to join in if there is still room. Thanks, Mollye
http://shezadoozey.com/

Susanne Gerdom said...

This project sounds so wonderful - and I would love to join it ... if and if european members are wanted for this. I'm living in Germany and the shipping to here may be too expensive?!

*sigh*

Hugs

Susanne

rivergardenstudio said...

I just emailed you, but just in case, I would love to be part of this project! I discovered your at celestinemusings. Yours, Roxanne

L's eyes said...

I would love to try my hand at Art in a carton! I need to do more of my art & branch out into newer stuff so I guess this is the best way...dive it head first!
Create to Live!!!!
L

thegirlwhowasacat said...

Hey!!!
I received my carton today!!!

I was so excited to open it, and I wasn´t dissapointed at all, it was like a treasure box, I loved everything, specially the antique picture thingie and the mini accordeon book.
<3

The only thing I would advice to everybody is to get a sturdy carton since mine got all bumped and crashed because of the careless postmen.

I am starting on mine now :)
My sites are:

http://myspace.com/LaeticiaCouture
http://creamtart.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/creamtart

Much love,
Laeticia

Unknown said...

- Attn: Mr. / Mrs.


Please accept our sincere invitation to visit our company website
www.leatherjournal.co.in for quality products.
Our company develops and manufactures the variety of products such as
Photo albums, note book of recycle paper, variety of stone dairies,
Stitching journals, embroider journals, telephone journals, file folder,
Envelope in paper, traditional leather belts, paper bags, friendship belt
(Leather), wrist band, letter pad, day / month/ year planner, wine box,
Traditional pens, passport cover, business card holder, coasters cover,
Book mark, mane more product in leather we also make our valued product in
SILK SAREES as per specific requirement. For more details about our
Company history and our products, please visit our website.
We believe our quality of service and efficiency in work.
We are appreciated your valuable time and we are looking forward to serve
Not – all leather journal and photo album we can make in Celtic design also
Yours truly,

Best Regards
SALIM HUSSIEN

Mo.+919352717845