End of VQR Postal Project

This blog has been active for two and half years. I have received mail art from 39 42 46 48 artists/penpals/friends and from 22 different countries. I am very grateful to everyone and I think I have answered every contribution except this one, because I still do not know the sender's address. Let me know if I owe you a letter!

The first aim of the project was to receive this. But sometimes the projects grow alone and I have got all kind of cows and cheese you can imagine: pictures, magnets, stamps, postcards, drawings, purses, dolls, paper dolls, collages, press cuttings, mail art, DIY cows, brochures, labels, stickers, tape, boxes... along these two years.

Now, as I have announced, I am closing this project. Not that I do not like cows any more. Let's say that I have got enough cows for the rest of my life. And I want to move on. Actually I have another postcard project... (I must say I will be happy to receive anything related to the vintage VQR or new round covers of cheese boxes).

So thanks again. I hope you have enjoyed the project as much as me!

PS The postcard shown was sent by Heleen (the Netherlands). Actually, it was sent for my birthday 

(with cows also on the wrapping paper). And I had received the matched cowstamp on another cover.

Deadline

This project started on May 26, 2013. I have just decided that I will close the project on May 26, 2015. Your contributions are still welcome!

Repurposing cheese paper

Where some people see garbage, some creative people see elephants. Repurposing triangle cheese paper, by Mail a Smile.

Origami Calls

New mail art calls for the VQR project in the shape of a hat and a little boat. I hope it will arrive soon and bring me answers...

VQR Postal Project Anniversary

Sent by Heleen (the Netherlands)

I started this postal project one year ago. So, if the projects have birthdays, today it is. I received this postcard for my own birthday. I can't think of a better birthday message!

By the way, it arrived with this cowstamp on the envelope:

Just pretend

Wot? No cows?

Well, when I started this project I couldn't imagine that one day I would be publishing no-VQR mail (I have another blog for that). John (the UK) send me this cowless letter with a suggestion:

Just pretend they're cows!

Ok, but look at the left stamp... Riding cows?!?

More stats

Every time I receive a new contribution to the project, I try to encourage the contributors to send more. I mean, I am happy every time someone new participates, but I also happy when people repeat because they like the project.

As you can see in the right column (Thanks to...) there are some friends who have collaborated a lot of times. I am glad they took the project so seriously but... Please, think a little in the consequences over your health and weight!

Sent by Heleen (the Netherlands)

(Or maybe the project is just a excuse to eat more cheese?!?).

Cowpostcards

Since I started the VQR Postal Project I realised that not only the Laughing Cow is everywhere but cows, in general, are everywhere. I want to show you some cowpostcards received before I started to be interested in the VQR:

Sent by Carolajn (Poland)

Sent by Corinna (Germany)

Sent by Elisa (Finland)

Sent by Heleen (the Netherlands)

The perfect snacks

Sometimes I receive not just the front but the back of the cheese boxes (or even the box itself!). Maybe you find it silly, but for me is really funny to check the differences between countries, and all these little things.

For instance, they write A LOT in the back of the boxes in USA: slogans, nutrition facts... Look at this:

Can you read it? Maybe the resolution of the picture is too low. It says:

Have you laughed today? [I love this sentence!]

Indulge in the rich creamy taste of Swiss [French] cheese, easy to spread on crackers & veggies, but also great by itself. At 50 calories, it's the perfect snack! 

50 calories par wedge? It sounds not too much. But then you go to the supermarket and find this version:

Indulge in the rich creamy taste of Mozzarella cheese, easy to spread on crackers & veggies, but also great by itself. At at 35 calories, it's the perfect snack!

And in other countries (as UK), the light triangles contained 25 calories (they say)! 

First results!

I started this project just five months ago. Maybe it is too soon... but I am proud to be able to offer you the first results in tangible figures. 

This chart arrived by snail mail, and of course I trust it 100% (why not?). I am just wondering why I am not receiving my royalties...

Sent by Heleen (the Netherlands)

Shopping

In Spain

In Morocco

VQR is everywhere!

This is one of the reasons which inspired me to start this project. In Morocco, or at least in this city, VQR is everywhere.

'The joy brings us together'
(On the wall of a hotel; BIG ad).

In every important street

Hmm... Ok, this is my desk.

First thank yous

(Etc.)

Spreading the word

I told to some friends and penpals that I started this project. I'm very happy because some of them are actually sending me postcards with the VQR!

I decided also to print the call and send it to some mail artists (and this is the excuse to make more mail art and send it..).

Zero

La vache qui rit, The Laughing Cow, De lachende koe, Die lachende Kuh, البقرة الضاحكة, Veselá kráva, Krówka Śmieszka, La vaca que ríe, A vaca que ri,Văcuța veselă, Весела Корівка, Весёлая Бурёнка, Den Skrattande Kon, Den leende ko, Η Αγελάδα που Γελά, Gülen İnek, 乐芝牛, 笑牛牌, Ilay omby vavy mifaly, ラフィングカウ, La Mucca che ride, Con Bò Cười, Sapi Ceria... Do you know her?

I like sending and getting postcards made of these little boxes of spreadable wedges of cheese. I have received only one so far. I know it is not the best cheese in the world (but it is still good). It is just... well, I confess I am in love of this cheerful bright red cow. So I would be utterly happy if you could send one of these to me, as a postcard (better) or in an envelope. I would like collect one or more than one from every country. Difficult? I hope not!

And the reward? Ok, you'd have eaten a great cheese sandwich. Isn't it enough? And you could be proud to have been so kind. And I will be grateful forever. And besides this I will send you some snail mail in return, from Morocco or from Spain. A letter, a postcard or a mail art work (as you wish). 

Please, consider have a cheese sandwich for tea today! Contact me if you want to help me in this project.