Atlas Envelopes

On a recent trip to Out of the Closet, I found a huge world atlas for only $3.00.  Published in 1968, it has the "latest and most authentic geographical and statistical information".  The book contains nearly four hundred pages of detailed colored maps, many of which are delightfully outdated.

Normally just the thought of tearing pages out of a book makes me die a little inside.  However, I couldn't resist using some of these maps for the Mail Art Across the World project.  After skimming through the atlast, I decided it would be most appropriate to pick pages from my own country.

I unfolded and flattened a junk envelope and used it as a template over the page:

 

When working on the California map, I made sure to line up the template so I could pay homage to the San Francisco Bay Area.   I may live in Los Angeles, but my roots will forever be in Northern California.  :-)  Using the DirectTV envelope as my guide, I folded up the new envelope and sealed the flaps with PVA.

  

Here is the back...

And the front:

And another envelope that highlights the index:

I'm going to give it a day or so before moving on to the lettering and choosing stamps.  More to come!