I recently received a copy of the amazing “Going Postal Gallery,” a mail art zine created by Swap-bot member TangleCrafts, and I just had to share it with you…

From the zine’s cover description: “In January 2010 TangleCrafts launched a new mail art project, inviting artists and crafters worldwide to submit a postal or mail art themed ATCs (an ATC is an Artist’s Trading Card – the only requirements for them being that they are only ever traded – never bought or sold – and that they each measure 2.5″ x 3.5″). All contributions received a free copy of a mini-zine featuring their artwork in exchange. The project drew to a close on August 31st, 2010, and this zine-shaped ‘gallery’ showcases all contributions received, plus notes on inspiration, techniques, and crafty habits from the artists. Enjoy!”

For more information about the project, check out the mail art section of TangleCraft’s blog.

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I can’t share all of the awesome ATCs included in the Going Postal zine, but here are a few examples…

The top ATC is titled “My favourite time of the day: Special Delivery” and it was created by oliviarrow using pen and watercolor.

The lower ATC by farstarr was created with upcycled materials including a cancelled fish stamp, and is titled “Fish in the Mail Make my Heart Beat Faster.”

The top card here is actually an ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) created by Hazel Fisher. It is a gouache painting of a British postbox.

The bottom ATC is a moveable collage created by TiaBel of Swap-bot. The flag can be moved and inside the tiny envelope is a personalized postmark.

All three of the ATCs seen above were created by peony. They are collages utilizing stamps, maps, envelopes, and other ephemera. I love the use of the airmail stripes!

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To see all of the submissions to the Going Postal Gallery, you can purchase a copy of the full-color, 32-page zine here. If you are looking for even more mail fun, TangleCrafts has a fabulous blog all about zines and mail art. She also has cool mail art products in her Etsy store.