THE ART HABIT MAIL CLUB - FAQS
Still on the fence? Everything you need to know before you subscribe.
THINGS YOU'RE WONDERING BUT HAVEN'T ASKED YET
I don’t think I’m creative. Is this for me?
It’s especially for you! The Art Habit is built on the belief that creativity is reserved for some people. The creative prompts give you a starting point so you never face a blank page alone, and the ephemera gives you something beautiful to work with before you’ve made a single decision.
No experience needed. Not even a little bit.Â
Will I actually use this, or will it pile up?
Everything in the envelope is designed to be used in one sitting. There’s no project to “finish later.” You open it, you make something small and imperfect, you feel good, and there’s no project to finish later.
There is zero pressure. If a month gets away from you, everything inside is small and can be used next time.
How much time does this actually take?
As much or as little as you want. Some people spend 15 minutes, and others will lose an hour. The materials are designed to work either way. You might do a quick collage on a Tuesday night or create a slow Sunday afternoon ritual around it.
What if I don’t like what I make?
That’s kind of the whole point. Making imperfect things on purpose is the practice. The creative prompts encourage experimentation and improvisation, which means there’s no wrong answer, and sometimes things don’t look how we imagine.
Handmade > perfect.
WHAT'S INSIDE?
What comes in each envelope?
- A letter from me, your newest pen pal, with a monthly art prompt to spark new ideas.
- A collection of vintage and newer ephemera to use with the prompts or save for later.
- Pattern paper to cut up and collage.
- A blank card to use for your own piece of art.
The ephemera changes each month and could include items such as vintage magazine ads, playing cards, tickets, stamps, children’s book pages, or comics.
How does the monthly art prompt work?
You’ll receive a monthly prompt or challenge, printed in your letter. You may get a couple of simple constraints, such as “include triangles” and “add drips of paint,” or a challenge like building a mixed media artwork based on a theme. You’ll use the prompts as loose inspiration, not strict rules.
What’s in the ephemera pack?
Every month is a surprise, and each envelope is unique, which is part of the fun. I’m an avid collector of beautiful and interesting papers, so you can expect to have a range of materials such as vintage map fragments, sheet music scraps, decorative paper, tissue paper, paper doilies, ticket stubs, and other collage-ready treasures. Each pack is curated to work alongside the monthly prompt. I’ll also include bonus patterns in my personal letter, printed on heavy paper.
Do I need extra supplies?
A glue stick and scissors are all you really need. The envelope contains everything else. If you have washi tape, markers, or other art supplies lying around, they play nicely with the materials, but nothing is required.
THE PRACTICAL STUFF
When will I get my first envelope?
Envelopes ship around the 1st of each month. U.S. members should receive theirs within 5–10 business days. International shipping takes 2–3 weeks.
The post can be finicky. If your envelope hasn’t arrived in 3 weeks, email us at support@tinkerlab.com
Join by the 25th of the month to receive the next envelope. If you sign up after the 25th, your first envelope ships the following month.
Example: Sign up by January 25 → receive the February mailer. Sign up January 26st → receive the March mailer.
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely. At checkout, enter the recipient’s shipping address. Then email support@tinkerlab.com with your gift message, and I’ll tuck a handwritten note inside their first envelope. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who has ever said, “I wish I were more creative.”
Can I track my envelope?
I don’t add tracking because it would meaningfully increase the subscription cost, and I’d rather put that money into better ephemera. If your envelope hasn’t arrived within 3 weeks of the ship date, email us at support@tinkerlab.com, and we’ll sort it out.
Can I cancel or change my address?
Access your payment portal to cancel or update your billing information. Anything else, email support@tinkerlab.com.
Please reach out before the 25th so we can update your address before the next month’s envelope ships.
What’s your refund policy?
If your first envelope doesn’t spark something, email us within 30 days of placing your order, and we’ll refund your payment.
Is shipping included?
Yes! Shipping is included in the price. No additional fees!
GOOD TO KNOW
What’s your privacy policy?
We use your email and address to send you envelopes and the occasional update. That’s it. We don’t sell your data or share it with third parties.
Can I share what I make?
Please do! Tag me on Instagram @tinkerlab or @or email photos to support@tinkerlab.com. Seeing what people make with the same materials, and how different each piece is, is one of my favorite things.
Can I write you back or send you mail art?
Eek! I’d love that. As a lifelong penpaller and mail artist, I would be thrilled to hear from you or receive one of your creations. My return address will be included in your mail.
What if I get addicted to mail art?
Honestly, it could happen. There are worse things to be obsessed with than beautiful paper and the thrill of a full mailbox.
