WIYM: Handmade Envelopes - Edited

Edited on 6/9/13 - you may now use different papers besides scrapbook papers. See new write-up below.

Envelopes are so fun and super easy to make! Plus, we all use them for the swaps we send.

Templates: There are all sorts of ways to get them, but one of the simplest ways is to grab an envelope you already own and carefully take it apart. Trace it onto a piece of heavy card stock or lightweight cardboard (cereal boxes work great), cut it out, and now you have your very own template and are ready to make envelopes! I’m sure once you try this method, you’ll start looking all envelopes in a new way. Recently I purchased a Martha Stewart scoring board. This tool is so very cool for making envelopes, I highly recommend it; it saves you lots of cutting.

You can find templates online too, or you may already have a special scoring board just to make envelopes with. Martha Stewart makes a pretty neat one, and I must admit, I bought myself one of these last year and it is even easier now to make envelopes because all I have to do is cut the paper square and then use the special scoring tool that came with the scoring board and fold, glue & they are done. It is less cutting this way. But the first technique I told you about is the best way to get started if you don't have the money to get the scoring board.

So, what do you make envelopes out of? All sorts of papers (decorative, scrapbook, calendars, book pages, wallpaper, maps, etc.) Please stay away from using paper that is too thin as it might rip or tear in the mail. I have found that magazine covers work better than the pages.

Fine Details:

You will have 2 partners. You will make and send each partner 3 envelopes.

The envelopes should be no smaller than the minimum allowed by United States Postal Service (5” x 3 1/2” = 8.89 cm x 12.7 cm). Other than that, you can make them as large as you want to. It's optional to put a double-sided peel off tape strip on your envelopes.

It's also optional to include mailing labels (sometimes I use labels and sometimes I write directly on the envelope with a Sharpie marker).

This swap is sender's choice.

Have fun!