Unsent Letters: Art Book Pages

Explorations in Art Journals and Altered Books

Jan 29, 2008 Jenn Greenleaf

The art of the unsent letter has, without a doubt, been a successful therapeutic practice for years. Let's spin it into some therapeutic art.

There's a time in everyone's life where the need to reach out, cleanse, or release something is very important. Often times, these actions need to be directed at a particular person, group of people, or cause. When the words can't be spoken, or the fear of how they'll be received is present, an unsent letter is very useful.

What is an unsent letter?

An unsent letter is a tool used to express feelings that otherwise couldn't be expressed verbally or in a sent letter. These communications are typically written without the recipient's knowledge, allowing for the writer to purge feelings, emotions, and thoughts freely. Unsent letters are also useful when people want to resolve a situation or seek closure when it wouldn't necessarily be appropriate.

For this unsent letter project, the following materials are needed:

  • an art journal or altered book

  • paper and writing instruments for the letter (this can be any color, style, shape, or size

  • blank envelope

  • glue stick (or adhesive of choice)

  • ephemera

  • letter writing themed decorative paper

  • letter writing themed stickers, rubber stamps, or other embellishments

  • black sharpieStep one: Prepare the surfaceOpen the altered book or art journal to a blank page spread. Cover it over with the letter writing themed decorative paper. Be sure all the corners of the paper are secured firmly to the page spread.Note: For an aged appearance, created deckled edges on the papers and rub lightly with walnut distress ink.Step two: Write the letterTake some time with this step. The letter can be as long (several pages) or as short (one or two sentences) as needed to completely express the feeling properly. Continue writing until a sense of closure is reached, and then place the letter into the blank envelope.Step three: Make some choicesThis step doesn't involve any art, but it does require some choices. Is it necessary to seal the envelope before moving on to the next step? Would it be better to leave the envelope open for later reflection? There's no right or wrong answer to these questions, only what's right for you.Step four: Art up the envelopeAffix the envelope securely to the page spread, and then art it up. Use the letter writing themed embellishments to cover the envelope, as well as the rest of the page, so it blends together.Note: To achieve the same aged appearance that may have been accomplished in step one, crumple the envelope up and distress the edges (as well as the wrinkles) with walnut distress ink.Step five: Finish it offUsing the black sharpie, journal all over the page spread (including over the envelope) any thoughts (or use quotations) that come up during the process of this project. Write as large or as small as desired. Play with fonts, use block print, or however else.Some additional projects about Unsent Letters:

  • Unsent Letter Project

  • Writing The Journey: Unsent Letter Exercise

  • SelfGrowth.com: Article

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