Envelopes of the Decades

This year we travel back in time, exploring popular colors of prominent art and design movements! Read on to match significant eras with exquisite envelopes.

An Edwardian Envelope engages with nature.

1900s

During The Edwardian Era (1901 to 1910), The Arts and Crafts Movement was flourishing in The United States. This movement emerged in Europe in the 1880s as a reaction against factory production. The Arts and Crafts Movement elevated the designer as a unique craftsman, who was connected with nature.

Organic colors – like deep forest green, dark reds, and browns – were commonly used in early 1900s decor, evoking colors of earth and foliage. Interior designers worked with woodwork and sunlight.

Fashion colors during The Edwardian Era included fresh blue pastels, natural whites, floral hues, dark reds, and greens. Middle-class women wore large hats with natural-colored feathers and flowers. The obnoxiously large Merry Widow Hat caused visual obstructions at the theatre. Shirts were usually cream or white, made of cotton. Because the Edwardian Era was short-lived and sandwiched between two extraordinary eras (Victorian and World War I), a strong and distinct style of The Edwardian Era is challenging to identify.

Arts and Crafts Movement Envelopes: Earth Brown, Husk Genesis, Brown Kraft Paper Bag, Chocolate Brown, Ivory Wove Strathmore, White Parchment, Pumice, Talc, Baby Blue, Dark Red, Racing Green, Dark Green, Green Rainforest, Leaf Green, Olive, Sage Green, and Chartreuse.

Metallic Stardream Envelopes in an Art Deco arrangement.

1920s

During the Roaring Twenties, art and fashion revolutionized as attitudes changed, technology advanced, and products were manufactured in new ways. It was a vast, fast change from the previous era.

Flappers emerged, painting their faces with black kohl and bright red lipstick.

Airy and semi-transparent fabrics were mass-produced in delicate, light colors. Fashion palettes featured pastels, like peach, pink, pale yellow, creams, and light grey. Black onyx was contrasted with these light colors.

Art Deco was in full swing! In contrast to The Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Deco embraced machinery. This movement promoted bold geometric patterns, polished surfaces, and stylized forms that appeared to be made by machines. Décor included high-shine metallics in chrome.

Art Deco manifested in all types of American art and design media, including fashion and home decor. It became one of the most popular architectural styles in the United States during the first half of the century.

Art Deco also inspired cinematography. The science-fiction drama film Metropolis of 1927 celebrated modernity. Metropolis presented a highly-stylized futuristic city as Utopia and — way before R2-D2 and C-3PO of Starwars — introduced Maria (a.k.a. Futura), the first major robot in film history.

Materials used in the Art Deco Movement included concrete, smooth-faced stone, steel, aluminum, ivory, jade.

1920s Envelopes: Stardream Metallic Silver, Spring Ochre Translucent Vellum, Smooth Black, and Peach.

Technicolor Envelopes stand out in this surreal still life.

1930s

While poverty of The Great Depression dominated the cultural mindset, bold and lighthearted colors lightened the mood.

While people worried about money, prominent colors included purple, which is associated with royalty and wealth. Maybe because of The Dust Bowl, dusty versions of purple, like lavender and lilac, were popular.  

Mint, emerald, and jadeite greens were also fashionable.

Green’s hue intensified and its fame grew with the 1939 release of The Wizard of Oz in Technicolor, which featured the another version of Utopia: the radiant Emerald City. Books about The Wizard of Oz describe this luminous city as being constructed of green glass and emeralds. Art Deco — still a prominent style of architecture that featured bold geometric shapes of cityscapes — influenced the design of The Emerald City.

Technicolor changed cinematography forever with bright colors and eye-popping visuals.

Some filmmakers asserted that they could use color as a new narrative device. Yet many studios protested, insisting black-and-white was best.

The studios' concerns were valid. To use Technicolor in a film, the production team was under Technicolor’s controlling thumb. Technicolor only had three laboratories (in New Jersey, California, and England) that featured special printers, cameras, and other equipment that studios had to rent. Technicolor even advised filmmakers on colors of costumes and cosmetics. Many filmmakers felt Technicolor was too restrictive and expensive.

While Technicolor’s technology was evolving, colors could appear unnatural and overly-saturated. The visuals were so drenched with color that they could appear surreal.

Although many filmmakers argued all films should be made in black-and-white, Technicolor made the world realize that:

We’re off to see the…COLOR.

1930s Envelopes: Green Recycled Bright Hue, Ultra Lime Green Recycled Bright Hue, Green Foil, Light Purple, Wisteria Purple Translucent Vellum.

The Evolution of Envelopes: Envelopes of the Decades


Envelopes have been an essential part of communication for centuries, and their design and functionality have evolved significantly over the decades. From the traditional plain white envelopes to the modern colorful and patterned ones, envelopes have come a long way in terms of style and purpose. Envelopes of the decades have not only served as a means of protecting and transporting documents, but they have also become a form of self-expression and branding for individuals and businesses. The history of envelopes is a fascinating journey that reflects the changes in technology, design trends, and cultural influences.


The Benefits of Using Envelopes of the Decades


Envelopes of the decades offer a range of benefits, from adding a personal touch to your correspondence to creating a lasting impression on the recipient. The variety of designs and materials available in modern envelopes allow for customization and creativity, making them a versatile tool for marketing and communication. Additionally, envelopes of the decades are not only functional but also serve as a reflection of the sender's personality and style. Whether it's for personal or professional use, envelopes of the decades can elevate the presentation of your mail and make it stand out.


Use Cases for Envelopes of the Decades


Envelopes of the decades can be used in a multitude of scenarios, including sending invitations for special events, mailing marketing materials, or simply adding a touch of flair to everyday correspondence. The diverse range of designs and sizes available makes it easy to find the perfect envelope for any occasion. Whether it's a vintage-inspired design for a themed party or a sleek and modern envelope for business purposes, envelopes of the decades offer endless possibilities for creative expression.


Alternatives to Traditional Envelopes


While traditional envelopes have their charm, there are also alternative options that can add a unique twist to your mailings. For example, padded envelopes provide extra protection for delicate items, while window envelopes offer a convenient way to display the address without the need for labeling. Additionally, custom-printed envelopes can be a great alternative for businesses looking to enhance their branding and create a professional image.


Tips for Using Envelopes of the Decades


When using envelopes of the decades, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic and purpose of your mailing. Pay attention to the design, color, and size of the envelope to ensure it complements the contents and conveys the intended message. Additionally, experimenting with different styles and materials can help you discover unique ways to make your mailings more memorable and impactful. Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to using envelopes of the decades to make a lasting impression.


Embracing the Timeless Appeal of Envelopes of the Decades


Despite the advancements in digital communication, envelopes of the decades continue to hold a timeless appeal that adds a personal and tangible element to correspondence. Whether it's the classic elegance of vintage envelopes or the modern vibrancy of contemporary designs, envelopes of the decades offer a nostalgic charm that resonates with recipients. Embracing the art of envelope selection and customization allows individuals and businesses to create meaningful connections and leave a lasting impression through the power of traditional mail.


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