Snail Mail & Crafting Glossary

A must-have tool for creating sharp, clean creases in paper and cardstock, essential in bookbinding and card making.

A small hand roller designed to evenly spread ink, paint, or adhesive across a surface, making it ideal for printmaking and other crafts.

A versatile tool that rounds the corners of paper or other materials, offering different sizes for a polished look.

A precision blade tool used to cut intricate shapes from various materials, perfect for detailed work in paper crafts.

A protective mat that serves as a cutting surface, typically self-healing, ensuring both your work and tools are protected.

An electronic or manual machine that cuts shapes, letters, and designs from paper, vinyl, and other materials using digital or physical dies. Popular brands include Cricut, Silhouette, and Sizzix.

A plastic folder with a textured pattern inside that, when run through a die-cut machine, imprints a raised or recessed design onto cardstock or paper.

A fine powder used with sticky ink and heat to create raised, textured designs on paper, adding dimension and shine.

Adhesive-backed foam pieces used to lift elements off the surface, creating a three-dimensional effect in crafts.

A thick, spongy tape that adds height and dimension to elements on your craft projects, perfect for creating 3D effects.

A reusable gelatine-like printing plate used to create one-of-a-kind monoprints with paint or ink. Textures, stencils, and found objects are pressed into the surface to create layered, painterly backgrounds.

A tool that emits hot air, used to set embossing powders, dry inks, or cure paints quickly and efficiently.

A liquid used to block off areas of a surface from paint or ink, which can be removed later to reveal untouched areas.

A multi-purpose adhesive that also works as a sealer and finish, ideal for decoupage and other mixed media projects.

A block wrapped in sandpaper, used to distress or smooth surfaces, adding a vintage or worn look to your projects.

A tool that helps create straight, even fold lines in paper and cardstock, making it easier to fold precisely.

A tool that allows you to precisely place a stamp on a surface before inking, ensuring accurate and repeatable placement.

A decorative, repositionable tape made from traditional Japanese paper, used to add patterns, colors, and texture to various projects.

Refers to materials that do not contain acid, preventing deterioration and ensuring longevity in archival projects.

A coarse fabric often used in rustic-themed crafts, providing a natural, textured look.

A sturdy, cardboard-like material used to add structure and depth to craft projects, particularly in scrapbooking.

A primer applied to surfaces to prepare them for painting or other media, giving a slightly textured base.

A spray that adds a shimmering or glittery finish to your projects, enhancing the overall visual effect.

A semi-transparent paper that adds a delicate, soft overlay to scrapbook pages, cards, and other paper crafts.

A heavy, stiff paper used as the base for cards, book covers, and other sturdy paper crafts. Available in a vast range of weights, textures, and colors.

A sturdy brown paper with a natural, earthy look, often used for packaging, tags, and rustic-style projects. It takes stamps and inks well and pairs beautifully with white or gold pens.

Pre-printed decorative paper featuring patterns, illustrations, or themed designs. A staple of scrapbooking and card making, often sold in coordinating collections.

A lightweight, semi-see-through paper used for layering and creating soft, dreamy effects — distinct from vellum in its thinner weight.

A heavy, textured paper designed to absorb and hold water-based media without warping or buckling. Also popular for ink blending and distress techniques.

A synthetic, non-porous paper that resists water absorption, making it ideal for alcohol inks and fluid art techniques that require ink to stay on the surface.

Fast-drying and vibrant, this ink works best on non-porous surfaces.Best on: Yupo paper, glossy paper, metal, glass, and plastic. Ideal for creating fluid designs.

Fade-resistant and waterproof, this ink is designed to last.Best on: Paper, photos, and mixed media. Ideal for projects needing durability, like scrapbooking.

A special dye ink that stays wet longer, making it perfect for blending and creating aged effects.Best on: Cardstock and watercolor paper. Great for vintage looks and water-reactive techniques.

A hybrid ink combining reactive dye and pigment that reacts with water to create an oxidized, chalky finish. It produces unique, mottled backgrounds and is popular for mixed media and vintage effects.Best on: Cardstock and watercolor paper.

Water-based and quick-drying, this ink absorbs into the paper, resulting in a more transparent look.Best on: Light-colored paper and regular cardstock. May fade or bleed on textured papers.

Waterproof and long-lasting, this ink adheres well to various surfaces.Best on: Metal, plastic, and glass. Perfect for durable projects and labeling.

Thick and opaque, this ink sits on the surface of the paper, offering vibrant colors.Best on: Smooth paper, vellum, dark cardstock. Needs heat-setting on glossy surfaces.

Transparent stamps that need to be used with an acrylic block, allowing you to position them accurately on your project due to their see-through nature.

Rubber stamps with a cling backing so they stick to an acrylic block without being permanently attached. They offer the quality of rubber stamps with the versatility of clear stamps.

Digital files that can be printed and used in crafting. They offer the flexibility to resize and reuse the designs as needed.

Lightweight stamps made from foam, perfect for bold designs, especially when creating backgrounds or larger, simpler images.

Stamps that contain ink within themselves, producing clean and detailed images without the need for a separate ink pad.

Made from rubber and usually attached to a wooden or acrylic block. Known for creating detailed, sharp impressions.

Stamps with a built-in ink pad that re-inks the stamp after each impression, making them great for repetitive tasks.

A creative technique where various materials such as paper, fabric, photographs, and other found objects are assembled and glued onto a surface to create a unified composition.

The art of decorating surfaces by gluing cut-out paper images onto them, then sealing with varnish or Mod Podge for a smooth, layered finish.

A technique where a design is pressed into paper without heat, creating a raised effect that adds texture.

The process of applying fine fibers to a surface to achieve a soft, velvety texture, often used in paper crafts.

A process that applies metallic foil to a design using heat or adhesive, creating a shiny, reflective effect.

Carefully cutting out specific shapes or images from patterned paper to use as detailed embellishments in your projects.

A method where embossing powder is heated to create raised, glossy designs on paper.

Using a blending tool (foam dauber, sponge, or brush) to apply ink in a soft, graduated way across a surface, often with multiple ink colours fading into each other. A popular technique for creating backgrounds and sky effects.

Stacking different elements like papers, embellishments, or fabrics to add depth and interest to your craft projects.

Framing a photo or artwork with a layer of cardstock or paper to emphasize it and create depth on your page.

An art technique that involves combining different materials and mediums—such as paint, ink, paper, fabric, and found objects—into a single artwork.

Creating a pattern by piercing small holes in paper, adding texture and intricate detail to your design.

Rolling narrow strips of paper into shapes and arranging them to form intricate designs, often used in decorative projects.

The act of pressing an inked stamp onto a surface to transfer a design. Covers a wide range of techniques including resist stamping, direct-to-paper, and multi-step stamping.

The use of a template made from plastic or metal to apply a pattern or design onto a surface by brushing, sponging, or spraying over the stencil.

A technique where small dots or short strokes are used to create texture or shading, applied with pens, markers, or brushes.

Using watercolour paints or watercolour pencils to add soft washes of colour to stamped images, paper, or mixed media backgrounds.

A fastener with prongs used to attach materials together, commonly used as a decorative element in scrapbooking and other crafts.

Shapes or designs cut from paper, cardstock, or other materials using a die and die-cut machine. Can be purchased pre-made or cut at home.

Adding freehand designs or illustrations directly onto your craft project, providing a personal and creative touch.

A decorative item like stickers, sequins, beads, or ribbons added to craft projects to enhance their visual appeal.

Small, glossy dots used to add a colorful, raised embellishment to your craft projects.

Rings inserted into holes in materials to reinforce them or for decorative purposes, often used to thread ribbons or cords.

A clear, dimensional adhesive that creates a glossy, raised finish on projects. It adds shine and texture, and can also be used to secure small embellishments.

Small flat discs or shapes used loose inside shaker cards or glued as flat embellishments. They add sparkle and movement.

Natural or fabric cord used to tie, wrap, or embellish projects. Baker's twine (a twisted two-color cotton twine) is especially popular in snail mail and happy mail.

The art of decorative handwriting using specialized pens, nibs, or brushes. Popular styles include copperplate, modern brush calligraphy, and Spencerian. Often used to address envelopes or add elegant lettering to projects.

A writing instrument consisting of a holder and a replaceable metal nib, dipped into ink to write. Favored for calligraphy, hand lettering, and adding elegant script to letters.

A small, interactive book made up of folded pages or pockets, to share letters, photos, stickers, and other small items. Each “flip” reveals different contents or decorative elements, making it a fun and creative way to send happy mail or gifts.

A refillable writing pen with an internal ink reservoir and a metal nib. Beloved by pen pals and letter writers for the smooth, expressive writing experience it provides. Pairs with bottled ink in hundreds of colors.

A decorated or carefully curated piece of mail — an envelope, parcel, or letter — sent with the specific intention of delighting and cheering up the recipient.

A coordinated set of writing paper and matching envelopes, often decorated with illustrations or patterns. A popular item to collect, trade, and use in snail mail.

A creatively embellished, handmade envelope or bag filled with various crafting goodies such as tags, stickers, embellishments, and other small items.

A person with whom one regularly exchanges letters or creative mail, typically someone not met in person. Pen pal relationships can be found through communities, websites, and social media groups.

An organised exchange where participants send decorated or themed postcards to one another. Postcrossing is a well-known global postcard exchange platform.

Physical correspondence sent through the postal system, as opposed to electronic communication. The term affectionately references the slower pace of traditional mail delivery.

Writing materials including paper, cards, envelopes, and related supplies. In the pen pal community, stationery often refers to decorated or themed writing paper.

A decorative impression made by pressing a seal stamp into melted wax, often used to seal envelopes or add an elegant touch to letters, invitations, or packaging.

A personal journal used as a space for mixed media art, sketching, painting, stamping, and creative experimentation — less structured than a scrapbook and more process-focused.

A customisable organisational system created by Ryder Carroll, often combined with creative and decorative elements like hand lettering, doodles, and washi tape.

A handmade version of a Traveler's Notebook, typically crafted from faux leather or fabric. “Faux” + “Midori” (the original brand).

Interactive elements in a journal. Flip outs fold out from the page. Tip ins are extra pages taped to the spine edge. Pockets hold tags, letters, or ephemera.

A handmade book created from recycled and repurposed materials — old book pages, paper bags, fabric, envelopes, and ephemera — bound together into a creative journal with pockets, tags, and interactive elements.

In bookbinding, a folded group of pages sewn or glued together as a unit within a larger journal or book.

A pair of facing pages in a journal that together form one complete layout.

A leather or fabric journal cover that holds multiple slim insert notebooks, secured with elastic bands. Popularised by the Midori brand. Highly customisable with inserts for different purposes.

In crafting swaps, an Angel is someone who volunteers to send an item to a participant who did not receive theirs, ensuring that everyone is included.

A playing card that has been artistically altered while keeping one corner's number and suit visible, integrating its original features into the design.

Small, collectible pieces of art, typically 2.5" x 3.5", created to be traded between artists rather than sold.

A small, circular piece of art with a 2.5-inch diameter, designed for trading among artists. Similar to Artist Trading Cards, these coins can be created using any medium.

Collectible printed materials not originally intended to be kept long-term, like tickets and brochures, often used in scrapbooking for their nostalgic value.

Someone who fails to complete their part in a swap or trade, leaving their partner without the agreed-upon item.

A structured design where elements are arranged in a grid format, providing balance and order to a scrapbook page.

The person who organises and manages a swap or round robin, responsible for matching participants, communicating rules, and following up on flakers.

A miniature piece of art that is exactly 1" x 1", often traded like ATCs but on a smaller scale.

Used in forum posts or community groups when someone is looking for a specific item to purchase, trade, or receive.

A Japanese style characterised by cute and playful aesthetics, often featuring characters with big eyes and bright colors, popular in various crafts and stationery communities.

A small, decorative card designed to fit into a rotating MemoryDex holder, similar to a Rolodex. Often embellished with photos, journaling, and other creative elements.

A small, themed scrapbook or photo album, usually handmade, focused on a specific event or story.

The person you are matched with in a swap, who you will send to and receive from.

A community practice where someone receives something (a gift, supplies, or kindness) and passes a similar gift on to someone else, rather than paying the original giver back.

A private message exchanged on forums or swap sites, used for direct communication between participants.

A creative pen pal letter made by filling the pockets of a 9-pocket trading card sheet with themed decorations, small notes, and flat goodies.

An unexpected gift or gesture given without the expectation of anything in return, often found in crafting communities.

A group craft project where each participant takes turns adding their own work to a shared piece. The project is passed from one person to the next until everyone in the group has contributed.

An envelope pre-addressed to yourself and already stamped, included in outgoing mail so the recipient can easily reply or return something to you without needing to pay postage.

A type of greeting card featuring a clear, sealed compartment filled with small, movable elements like sequins or glitter. When shaken, these elements move around, creating an interactive effect.

A collaborative traveling journal project in which each participant sends their own journal into a fixed mailing circle. Each person adds creative spreads and notes before passing it on, until all journals return home filled with shared pages.

An organised exchange between two or more people where each participant sends and receives agreed-upon items, often themed around a specific craft, aesthetic, or material.

Small artworks that measure 2" x 2", similar to ATCs but slightly larger, often created using a variety of materials and techniques.

A self-published booklet often focused on niche topics, filled with text, images, and artwork, and distributed within specific communities.