Monday, October 1, 2012

Looking for tips... making envelopes

Hello everyone,

I've been busy with work and school, but I'm also (slowly) catching up on my mail pile!  As I was responding to one of my pen pals yesterday (shout out to Meg!) I was thinking about making envelopes.  As some of you may know, I don't usually make my own envelopes.  Occasionally I use bags from Starbucks, but I've only ever made one envelope.  It arrived at its destination safely, but I covered it in tape just to be sure. 

So, the question is... what are your tips for making envelopes?  Is it just about practicing? 

I was looking online, and Paper Source has templates that look useful.. I also remember seeing a wooden one somewhere online, but I'm not sure where. 

For the one and only envelope I made, I just unfolded an envelope I already had, and traced around that.  Of course, it was sort of sloppy and then I wasn't too successful at folding the sides over.  Perhaps lesson #1 is to use a ruler? 

Any tips and tricks are appreciated.  I'm hoping to make some fun envelopes for the holidays - time to start practicing!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and happy crafting!

~ Anne

10 comments:

  1. I found a blog that has links to a LOT of envelope templates, some of which you can print on the paper and just cut them out. Yes, a ruler is a good idea :-) http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2008/07/5-12-inch-square-envelope-template-lots.html

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  2. I just unfold and trace an already established envelope. :) I do like to use sturdy papers like magazine covers or thicker paper to make envelopes, because I've found that the thinner ones sometimes get torn when they're sorted or whatever.

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  3. I just basically describe it as wrapping a present (since that's essentially what you're doing anyway). If you fold it around your letter like that, and THEN cut out the corners, it makes your life a lot easier, I've found.

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  4. I just use an old envelope and trace around it (I've a tutorial on my blog: http://sorcha-sidhe.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/monday-mail-out-envelope-tutorial.html). The best thing about making your own envelopes is that they don't need to be perfect: Their oddities makes every one all the more original and quirky, and that's the fun of it. :)
    ~S.

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  5. I'd avoid really shiny paper - postage stamps that are licked could come off.

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  6. I often only fold some paper twice and glue the sides with tape and put some decorative tape over it. It is a really fast way to make envelopes and I get to use my deco tapes :-) I'll send my next letter in an envie like that, as I know my statement of "folding the paper twice" might not be really helpful ^^

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  7. Hi, Anne! About making your own envelopes, I recommend that you always tape them. A few times I got envelopes made with book pages that were ripped on the bottom; it was a miracle that the contents were still in there! I've discovered that the best tape to "laminate" is Scotch's packing HEAVY DUTY tape; it's thicker, less prone to create bubbles and brighter (also, more expensive :/, but it's worth it). Also, I've told at the post office to always cover bar codes if any (I usually send Splenda boxes, for instance, without wrapping). Other than that, USPS is very efficient and flexible, so you should have no trouble ;).

    Hope you're having a great week! ;D

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  8. I agree with Marian, Melissa, and Pocci. Calendars and chinese menus also work well. I have also used brochures and boxes. There's no reall science to it and I usually just use a good glue. I have have no problems sending them even internationally.

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  9. Hi Anne!
    I have a wonderful envelope kit called "createalope" put out by www.greensneakers.com! The templates are made of a semi stout plastic and there are several different sizes available! I bought my kit through QVC several years ago and is no longer available but you can surely visit the website and check them out!
    Shannon

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  10. I've only done this a few times, so don't have much to add. Some I just traced an envelope, and once I needed an odd size, so figured out the center size I needed, then used a math compass (with a little help from my dad who's better with it than me) to make it have half-circle flaps. To be on the safe side, I glue them with Elmer's glue-all (R) than tape over the seams on the inside. When I used thinner paper I also put tape along the creases before I built it to add strength. Also, once I used a large mailing label to cover all the seams and put the address on that, leaving the photo on the back clear and safely sealing it. I guess the only real hint I have is that to get a good, flat crease I use a pen or highlighter to make it flat instead of my finger-it works better and saves your finger (I learned that hint doing mailings for my church).

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