“Getting mail used to be fun, and I wanted to bring that fun of tearing open an envelope back to the mailbox.”
That’s how artist Kristen Becker describes the idea behind her Mail Club, a monthly subscription that delivers curated art and stationery pieces to members’ mailboxes.
For International Print Day 2026, whose #PrintWorks theme celebrates how print creates opportunities, builds connections, and brings ideas to life, we talked with Kristen about her creative journey, why printed materials still matter, and how Packola custom tissue paper adds to the Mail Club experience.
From Wedding Stationery to Fine Art
Kristen, a multidisciplinary artist whose current work centers on fine art, has had a relationship with print for most of her career.
"I'm a fine artist with an extensive print design and production background. My corporate work was mostly in publishing — books, magazines, and newspapers."
After leaving corporate, she spent more than 15 years designing custom wedding stationery and event experiences. Over time, she began working more of her own artwork into those projects, which reignited her passion for fine art. She explains:
"I really loved the hands-on process of the event world. I loved building an experience for guests that was thoughtful, intentional, and personal to the couple."
That focus on the guest experience eventually shaped her next venture: the Mail Club.
In the event world, every detail contributed to a memorable moment, and the freedom to design them left a lasting impression.
“I loved creating visuals that captured an overall vision through paper and stationery. The details and the client experience offered a level of creative freedom that some designers don't get in their work. The Mail Club is the perfect personal creative project.”
Why Print Still Matters in a Digital World
In an era of screens and instant messages, Kristen deliberately built something tactile. For her, print is about more than aesthetics. It’s a way to slow down and connect with people more personally.
"I started the Mail Club for a few reasons. One, namely, was to get back to an analog life. I grew up with pen pals, and in a life that is heavily reliant on digital, the personal connection that pen-to-paper creates is special."
With her print and production background, Kristen is selective about materials, and she brought the same standards she held for her wedding stationery to the Mail Club.
"It was important that my members felt considered, and each piece included each month was useful and beautifully crafted."
Custom Tissue Paper That Sets the Scene
One Packola product plays a starring role in that experience: custom tissue paper.
The tissue protects the artwork inside each mailing, and it doubles as part of the presentation.
"The tissue currently holds the prints in my mail club and provides a creatively designed barrier from the envelope that can be reused."
#PrintWorks Through Experience
International Print Day's 2026 theme, #PrintWorks, shows how print can create real value. For Kristen, that value comes through experience, attention to detail, and moments recipients remember.
"The custom tissue helps heighten the experience. It would be easy to use plain, generic tissue to save money, but custom allows me to expand on both the theme of the month and the experience for the recipient."
It’s a small detail that turns an ordinary package into something intentional.
Kristen also values a reliable print partner.
"The few times I've needed to contact customer service, they've answered promptly, helped correct the issue professionally, and been very receptive to feedback." "For me, it's important that the vendors and services I use are prompt and courteous, and I've found that to be true with Packola."
Celebrating the Power of Print
While digital channels move fast, printed pieces give people something to hold, display, and share. Through her art and thoughtful design, Kristen is bringing a little more creativity, connection, and fun to everyday mail, one envelope at a time.
Want to get in on the Mail Club fun?
Visit Kristen-Becker.com to learn more and follow
Kristen on Instagram @studio_kristenbecker to see what’s next.
