MITK: Handmade Envelopes

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.

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? For this swap, please use decorative scrapbook-type paper. Personally, I like the 12x12 scrapbook paper pads the best. One of my favorite paper brands is K&Company. Their paper is of good quality and I especially like their double-sided papers. But other brands will work fine too. If you stay away from the flimsy paper, your envelope won't get crinkled or torn up in the mail.

Fine Details:

• You will have 2 partners.
• You will make and send each partner 3 envelopes.
• You will use decorative paper.
• 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).
• Sender's choice on envelope colors/patterns/designs.

Have fun!