💌 Mailbox Friends

A little piece of art, sent the old-fashioned way.

Mailbox Friends is my monthly snail mail subscription from Mel Painted That—created for anyone who misses the feeling of opening the mailbox and finding something that was actually made to make you smile.

Each month, I create something new inspired by whatever is happening in my little art world. Some months you might meet a ridiculously lovable animal character. Other months may feature florals, seasonal artwork, or something pulled straight from what I’m feeling and creating at the time.

The point is that you never quite know what’s coming. 💌

Every Mailbox Friends package is designed and put together by me and mailed directly to you. You'll receive an art print featuring that month's creation along with a rotating assortment of small surprises—stickers, character goodies, little pieces of encouragement, seasonal extras, or whatever else I've dreamed up that month.

This isn't about mass-produced perfection. It's about art, connection, creativity, and getting something happy in the mail.

And because my daughter Amy has become such a big part of my creative world—often choosing animals for me to turn into wonderfully ridiculous characters—you may occasionally see a little bit of her influence tucked into your envelope too. 🎨

Welcome to Mailbox Friends. I can't wait to see who—or what—shows up in your mailbox next.

✨ What Might Be Inside?

Each month's envelope is a little different, but Mailbox Friends may include an exclusive art print, stickers, character cards or stories, vinyl quotes, magnets, seasonal goodies and other lightweight surprises inspired by that month's artwork.

The surprise is part of the fun.

💌 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mailbox Friends?
Mailbox Friends is a monthly snail mail art subscription created by Mel Painted That. Each month, subscribers receive a physical envelope filled with artwork and a few fun surprises centered around that month's creation.

Will every month feature an animal character?
No! Animals and quirky characters are a big part of my art, but I don't want Mailbox Friends—or my creativity—boxed into one subject. You may receive florals, seasonal pieces, expressive artwork, characters or something completely unexpected.

Is the artwork original?
The artwork featured in Mailbox Friends begins with artwork created by me. Your envelope will typically contain a printed reproduction of my original artwork, rather than the original physical painting itself.

Will I know what I'm getting beforehand?
Not necessarily! I may share sneak peeks on Instagram, but I want opening your envelope to feel like a genuine piece of happy mail. Some surprises will stay surprises. 👀

Are the extras the same every month?
No. That's part of Mailbox Friends. The contents can change depending on the month's artwork, theme and whatever I'm inspired to create.

Is Mailbox Friends for kids or adults?
Both! My work tends to be colorful, playful and family-friendly. Kids may fall in love with the characters, while adults can enjoy the artwork, humor and story behind each piece.

When will my Mailbox Friends envelope ship?
Each month's mailing schedule will be posted when subscriptions are available. Because I personally create and assemble these packages, shipping dates may vary slightly from month to month.

Is shipping included?
Add your specific shipping policy here—for example: “Yes! U.S. shipping is included in your monthly subscription price.”

Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. You can cancel your subscription before your next renewal. Cancellation stops future renewals and does not retroactively cancel an envelope that has already been processed or mailed.

Can I give Mailbox Friends as a gift?
Absolutely. Just make sure the recipient's name and mailing address are entered correctly when ordering. It makes a particularly fun gift for someone who loves art—or simply loves getting something besides bills in their mailbox. 😂

Will past Mailbox Friends prints be available later?
Some artwork may eventually become available as prints through Mel Painted That, while certain goodies or versions may remain exclusive to Mailbox Friends.

What if my envelope doesn't arrive?
Postal delays happen occasionally. If your Mailbox Friends envelope hasn't arrived within a reasonable amount of time after shipment, contact me and I'll help figure out what happened.

📬 Your mailbox could use a friend.

A little art. A few surprises. A reason to actually look forward to checking the mail.

Welcome to Mailbox Friends by Mel Painted That. 💌🎨