1,000 patterns is crazy. We’ve been at this for a while. Each step up for the collection has involved the coordinated many people. This update is no different, I have got the pleasure to work with and meet a handful of new envelope collectors. Even got our first trade with someone overseas which is something I have been wanting to do for a long time.
This website got some new traffic due to online articles being written on security envelope patterns. Some have even reached out to me for comment, how exciting! It’s nice to see these articles being written on a topic that has never gotten a lot of attention.
I published some of my research back in 2023. At the time I wasn’t sure if this was a smart decision. But it looks like this research may have helped aid some of these recent articles that are now being written years later. Pretty cool.
Still no Wikipedia article but I’d say we are heading in that direction. I think there is A LOT still to be uncovered on the topic of security envelope patterns.
Do you work for a business that creates their own custom security envelope pattern? Or maybe you know someone who does?
I collect security envelope patterns. I’ve had the help of many incredible people. Some of those people I know personally and some I have never met. It’s all very overwhelming when I think of the support I have received.
Most of these patterns are patterns and shapes. Some of the most common patterns are confetti, linen, burlap, lines, crosshatch and so forth.
A smaller portion of the collection is unique patterns made by businesses such as Chase, ADP, Citibank who make branded a custom security envelope pattern. Here is a list of companies who are represented in the security envelope pattern collection. Some companies have many unique patterns that they have used over the years. One unique pattern is cool, more then that… well that is just stylin’ in my book.
I’m almost certain that I’m missing a ton of companies still. Regional/local, local banks, utility companies in different states, companies that have gone out of business, companies that don’t send out mail to the public but still have their own security envelopes, B2B companies, Fortune 500 companies and so forth.
If you’d like your company to be added to this list and the Security Envelope Pattern Collection please contact me. If you are already on the list but want to make sure I have all the patterns that you do, contact me. If your business is no longer operating but you have older and more historical envelope patterns I’d love those as well.
2023 Security Envelope Collection totals (current as of 10/26/23)
Company
Patterns
407 Express Toll Route
1
ADP
3
Allianz
3
Ally Bank
1
Altec
1
American Express
5
American Funds
1
Ameriprise
1
Banana Republic
1
Bankcard Services
1
Blue Shield of California
1
Capital One
4
CCB-T
1
Chase
1
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
1
Citibank
3
Con Edison
1
Credit One Bank
1
Davis Bancorp
1
Discover
4
FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
1
Fidelity Investments
1
Fido
1
First Hawaiian Bank
1
First Primier Bank
1
ForwardLine Financial
1
franklintempleton
3
Genworth Financial
1
Hillsdale Collge
1
Hudson’s Bay
1
Hughes Net
1
Huntington
3
Ivy Funds
2
Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago
1
Kohl’s
2
Lucent-Technologies-Bell-Labs-innovations
1
Mackenzie
1
Neiman Marcus
2
Nordstrom
3
Old Navy
1
OneMain Financial
1
Paralyzed Veterans of America
1
Paychex
2
Pharmacy
2
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
1
Prudential Financial
5
Safeco
1
Sears/Kmart
1
splendoress
1
Staples
1
State Farm
1
Target
3
TCF Bank
1
The Salvation Army
1
Topform Data Inc.
1
Toronto Revenue Services
1
Turner Vision
1
United Freedom Benefits Department
1
United Healthcare
2
Vanguard
3
Vista Print
1
Waste Management
1
Wells Fargo
3
Wildeboer Dellelce LLP
1
Ways to get in touch: Instagram: @abstract_collage Contact form: Contact
Here are some security envelope project ideas. I have searched the web and selected some of the best tutorials and project ideas that I could find.
You may be looking for things to do if you are currently experiencing a stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic. I find that creative projects, specifically physical ones, can be very meditative and soothing. As many of you know, I am obsessed with security envelopes and I am always looking for new ways to use their beautiful patterns.
If you try any of security envelope project ideas, give me a shout on Instagram (@abstract_collage)… I’d love to see your work!
The Sweetie Pie Press has some sweet sweet security envelope inspired DIY projects. Looks like the creator, Becky Johnson has been making security envelope inspired art since at least 2008. That is so cool!
tired of feeling like installations are only for bank lobbies and boutique hotels? want some thing small for your walls that lives in three dimensions and exalts the mundane? want it to be relative easy?
…then the sweetie pie press do-it-yourself security envelope installation kit is for you!
I’m looking forward to meeting more people that have been inspired by security envelopes. The amazing patterns, the collectable nature, the subtlety. If you know of someone who’s work has been directly or indirectly influenced by security envelopes, please get in touch with me here: abstractcollage.com/contact/
The UglyKittyReDeux uses security envelopes in functional and fabulous jewelry! Security Envelope Fashion is a great idea. I’ve always known how much I like the security envelope patterns but I never considered being able to wear them as a necklace, ring, or earrings. Shop Owner Renee Lavinsky has figured out a way to offer these great patterns in a functional way. Here is one of her product descriptions:
A conversation-starting pendant necklace made with sterling silver, resin, and a recycled security envelope.
The oval pendant measures 1 (25 mm) inch by 0.75 (9 mm) inches and is about 1/8-inch (4 mm) thick and comes with an 18 inch sterling silver chain.
Check out these Recycled Security Envelope Flowers made by Joey Ramone. He uses a traditional Japanese Kusudama flower technique using recycled envelopes. Very fun and what a wonderful combination!
I made these flowers using 2-inch paper squares (each flower needs five squares) cut from security envelopes (the sort which you tend to get bills and stuff in from companies, and it has a pattern printed on the inside, usually in blue or grey). I used this wonderful tutorial from Folding Trees: foldingtrees.com/2008/11/kusudama-tutorial-part-1/ They’re so easy to make and I think they’re really effective!
These Kusudama flowers would not qualify as origami because they are made with cuts and glue. Techniques using cuts and glue are categorized as kirigami which is an origami variation. Kirigami is made out of single piece of paper.
Recycled Security Envelope Assorted
These assorted flowers are displayed wonderfully. I like the paper that is they are featured on. The interior and exterior shadows on the flowers are also interesting. I wonder how they would look backlit?
Recycled Security Envelope Red
Do you notice that the flower pedals are two layers thick? Did you notice how there is a sliver of red pattern around the outsides of the pedals? Can you see through the white parts of the envelope to the subtle patterns beneath?
Bonus points for anyone who can find a picture of this original red envelope! I find this one very interesting because there was obviously some sort of advertising or instructions on the envelope. This text becomes completely illegible in the flower and adds a element of flair.
