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Envelopes







Envelopes are a staple for lots of paper crafts. If you make cards, of course you need envelopes to put them in. They can be used in scrapbooking to hid some extra journaling, Think about junk journals for a minute. Do you know that you can make entire junk journals from envelopes.

Envelopes can be made from white paper, colored paper or printed paper. They can be lined or not. If you use printed paper, you will need some stickers to address your card if you are mailing it.

You can use a template to create envelopes. You can also use tools like an envelope punch board. Your electronic cutting machine, like a Cricut will often have envelopes as images that you can cut out.


If you need a quick envelope, here are some quick tips to help you find the envelope you need.

Envelope Sizes Most Often Used By Card Makers

Envelope Type             Envelope Dimensions       
    A2                             4 3/8" X 5 3/4"                    
    A6                             4 3/4" X 6 1/2"                     
    A7                             5 1/4" X 7 1/4"                     
    A8                             5 1/2"  X 8 1/8 "
    A9                          5 3/4 " X 8 3/4"
    A10                        6 "X 9 1/2"

Envelope Tips

  • Use at least 60-70 lb paper weight to make your envelopes
  • Use double sided paper to create your envelopes. Use the white or solid color for the outside. Your envelope will be decorated with the printed side.
  • If you use card stock, you will pay extra for postage
  • School glue and glue sticks are fine to seal envelopes that are not going to be mailed.
  • Tape runners and double sided tape are the perfect seal for envelopes that will be mailed
  • Use an envelope addressing guide to keep lines straight when addressing your envelopes

Envelope Punch Board

I could not live without my envelope punch board. It has been a time saver ever since I purchased it. I use it all the time. It is especially handy when I have odd sized greeting cards, when I make money envelopes or when I make mini envelopes. I use it for my scrapbook pages, my greeting cards and in my journals.

You punch and score in four easy steps, It is so simple to use. Printed on the punch board are a variety of cards sizes, paper sizes, and the score lines. This package contains one 6-3/4×10-1/2 inch score board, 2- way envelope punch, bone folder and measurement chart.

What Else You Can Do With An Envelope Punch Board

Beyond envelopes there are a lot of things that you can do with an envelope punch board:

DIY Envelope Glue

You can make your own envelope glue with just a few things around your home. Rather than using double sided tape, you cam use this glue. Make sure to store it in a airtight container. I use a large pilee bottle that has been washed and dried.


Supplies

  • 3 TBSP (45 ML) White vinegar
  • 1 package plain granulated gelatin
  • 1 tsp (5 ML0 vanilla
  • 1 tsp (5 ML) white sugar
  1. First, put the vinegar in a small container and microwave it until it’s hot, about 30 seconds.
  2. Then, pour the gelatin into the hot vinegar and stir up the mixture until the gelatin has dissolved.
  3. Next, add in your sugar and stir to combine.
  4. Apply to the inside flap on your envelope
  5. Mix it all together and store in an airtight container

Lining An Envelope

Buying lined envelopes can really add up. If you make your own envelopes , you ,may want to consider adding some color to your mail by adding some color inside. 

Supplies

  • Large piece of cardboard or chipboard
  • Paper-you can use wrapping paper, lightweight cardstock, or vellum
  • Scissors or x-acto knife
  • Envelope
  • Double sided tape
  • Cutting mat or something to protect work surface
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  1. Trace your envelope including the flap onto the piece of cardboard or chipboard with the pencil.
  2. Cut the envelope shape out using the knife or scissors, If you are using a knife, use the ruler along the lines to get a more accurate shape
  3. Cut 3/4 inch off the bottom of your template, and 1/8 inch from each side. This will allow the liners to slide in easily.
  4. Trace the template onto your envelope liner papers. Be sure to trace onto the back of the patterned side of your paper.
  5. Cut out your liners. 
  6. Next, you can insert the liners into your envelopes. Fold down your envelope flap with the liner inside before you secure the liner with adhesive.
  7. Use a tape runner or double sided tape to secure the liner to the flap.
  8. Keep the template for future use.


Decorating An Envelope-Envelope Art


Deco Art Envelope :Art Deco Envelope Art Tutorial – The Postman's Knock (thepostmansknock.com)


Add some design to the outside of your envelope. No more naked envelopes ! Envelope art is a way to add deign and interest to the outside of your envelopes.


Decorate The Front Of An Envelope


Here are a few ideas
  • Stamp a decoration on the envelope
  • If you are going to color the stamped image, place a piece of scrap paper on the inside of your envelope so that the color does not go through
  • Colored pencils can be used to color with out bleeding to the other side of the envelope
  • Use a corner stamp to add a small touch on all of your envelope corners
  • Use a script stamp set to do the address
  • Use a strip of designer paper, attached to the bottom of your envelop with double sided tape
  • Use a printer to copy a tag onto the paper using light colors. Make the tag big enough for the address.
  • Use a strip of washi tape along the left side of the envelope



Decorate The Back Of An Envelope

  1. Stamp the entire back of the flap on your envelope
  2. Emboss the back flap of your envelope with an embossing folder
  3. Use washi tape 



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