Hand-made envelopes

[migo984]

Have been having fun making envelopes (C6) from some lovely decorative papers. As they don't actually weigh too much, I'll be using these to send letters to some of my pen pals.

I'm making a few more, to offer as a PIF, which I'll post later today.

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[Laura N]

That's a nice idea. Do you have a template you use?

[migo984]

That's a nice idea. Do you have a template you use?

Hi Laura - yes I have a very simple plastic template that cost me about £2 from an eBay seller. It only makes 1 size. You can get much more expensive templates that can be used to make various sizes, but it's just as easy to use an existing envelope & unstick it to make act as a make-do template.

[Crazyorange]

Where do you get the colored paper from?

[Dreck]

I get mine from United Art & Education http://www.unitednow.com

Archiver's Annex has some good stuff, too. http://www.archiversannex.com

[Chrissy]

It's great making your own envelopes. I love it and I also bought a template on ebay. It only makes C6 sized envelopes though. That's about as big as you can get with A4 paper.

Once you find an envelope you like, you can not only unstick it, but then you can make a cardboard template from it. If you use wrapping paper, you don't have the A4 width limit problem.

I even bought a fantastic Japanese gadget that cuts 3 different sizes of rounded corners.

[fncll]

I've deconstructed various envelopes and made vinyl/plastic templates from them, cut from vinyl/plastic file folders. They last forever. I also have a few commercial templates from Ebay and a little envelope score-board thing that works pretty well...but I keep going back to my handmade templates!

[cwent2]

I was using the same concept as fncll, cept with regular file folders - plastic file folders sound like they would hold up longer

Think outside the box

Thanks fncll

[caribbean_skye]

fncll and cwent2 are being fancy, i just use cereal boxes to create my template

[mrcharlie]

I've also used paperboard boxes such as cereal boxes. I also used the thick cover of a large calendar for one. Any thin sheet of plastic sounds like a win though.

I'll add a plug for some US Letter sized envelope templates I made and are available for printing (PDFs) or modification (original open office draw files). They include templates for A-6, C6 (euro size), 6-Baronial, #10 (works best when used on larger than USLetter sized paper with slightly larger flaps). Also A-1 standard size and a slightly larger than A-1 that can be cut from a 6x9 page.

Any can be printed and transferred to a paperboard or plastic sheet for a quick template. The ready made stencil templates I've seen that you can buy are pretty cool though.

[VertOlive]

I find nice papers while wandering craft stores in the scrapbook and origami sections. Or interesting calendars. Or glossy magazine covers. Or sheet music...

Part of the fun is finding the paper in un-looked for places!

[MelanieWI]

I have the plastic version that's sold at craft stores. So far I've only had success with it when I've used cardstock or other heavier papers. I'd love to use things like magazine pages--any tips to keep them from tearing?

[migo984]

Been lining a few envelopes to add more structure to flimsier papers. It's fun mixing and matching.

[Dreck]

I have the plastic version that's sold at craft stores. So far I've only had success with it when I've used cardstock or other heavier papers. I'd love to use things like magazine pages--any tips to keep them from tearing?

You could reinforce the inside folds with tape; either packing tape or Scotch tape.

What is this about templates? I just fold the would-be envelope around my letter; kind of like gift-wrapping it.

[Chrissy]

I use magazine papers, and have had much success with recycling old Montblanc catalogues. You can also recycle old maps to make envelopes from. They look fabulous with a map on the inside, and they often have plain backs that are a good surface to write on!

I don't feel there is any problem with the weight of most papers. If you look at normal envelopes they aren't particularly thick. If the paper is a bit see through, you can always line them. For that you need to make a slightly smaller template.

Attachment 15608

[phonelady61]

I use old paper maps for envelopes and everyone loves them that I send them too they are so much fun .

[MelanieWI]

Thanks, all...I'll try the lining idea. What I have found with the plastic template/punch machine thingy is that when I try to score the paper, it tears when I use the plastic scoring tool. But I haven't played with it all that much, so I'll keep experimenting.

[migo984]

Thanks, all...I'll try the lining idea. What I have found with the plastic template/punch machine thingy is that when I try to score the paper, it tears when I use the plastic scoring tool. But I haven't played with it all that much, so I'll keep experimenting.

I always use a very sharp bladed craft knife or scalpel, such as X-acto, and a metal safety ruler, to cut paper & card. Renew the blade regularly (paper takes the edge off blades surprisingly quickly) and you'll be able to cut flimsy/soft paper without a problem.

[fncll]

Thanks, all...I'll try the lining idea. What I have found with the plastic template/punch machine thingy is that when I try to score the paper, it tears when I use the plastic scoring tool. But I haven't played with it all that much, so I'll keep experimenting.

My advice: don't use the scoring tool that comes with the kit--it was too sharp edged; I just use a regular paper folder/creasing tool available at any craft store--or use a really light touch. With many thin/fragile papers the score line is mostly there for you to know where to fold, scoring not really necessary to making a good fold.

[Jon Szanto]

Been lining a few envelopes to add more structure to flimsier papers. It's fun mixing and matching.

Boy, that makes me want to write YOU a letter!