USAPC: 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 take 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 at all envelopes in a new way. :)

As far as an adhesive for the flaps, I use double-sided tape, but a good glue stick will work too.

You can also find free templates online, or you may already have a special scoring board just to make envelopes with. I have the Martha Stewart scoreboard and it definitely saves time because you don't have to trace or cut. You just use your paper cutter to cut squares, score, fold, glue/tape and you're done. 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. Plus, I still use it especially when I find a unique sized envelope I want to make a template for.

For this swap, we will make our envelopes out pretty craft papers. I love to get the 12x12 scrapbooking pads when on sale and "go to town" making envelopes out of all the pretty papers.

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”). Other than that, you can make them as large as you want to.

Optional

• add a double-sided peel off tape strip on your envelopes.
• include mailing labels (sometimes I use labels and sometimes I write directly on the envelope with a Sharpie marker).