How to Make Paper Envelopes
If you are an avid fan of stamping and card making, you may have encountered times when the pile of envelopes you thought you had on hand is no longer anywhere in sight. You can still get those cards tucked safely into envelopes and into the hands of their intended recipients without a last minute trip to the craft supply store for a new pack of envelopes. With very little effort, you can custom make your own paper envelopes. Give it a try--you'll find it convenient, affordable and enjoyable
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Things You'll Need
- Old envelopes in various sizes
- Letter opener or similar tool
- Pen or pencil
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Paper
- Glue stick
Instructions
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1
Determine what size envelope you would like to make. Take a look at various old envelopes and see which one most closely matches the size you think you'll need.
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2
Take the envelope apart. Use the letter opener to gently pry apart the seams. If you find that they are firmly stuck, it may help to hold the envelope over a steaming tea kettle to help loosen the glue. Just be careful as steam burns can be serious.
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3
Stretch the envelope out flat once you've opened all of the seams. Place it on top of a piece of cardboard and trace the shape onto the cardboard.
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4
Cut the cardboard along the lines you've just traced to make a template for the paper envelope you'd like to make.
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5
Use your cardboard template to trace the shape of the envelope onto the paper you've chosen to use for the envelope you want to make.
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6
Trim the envelope shape from the paper and fold appropriately. Use the dismantled envelope as a guide for where the folds should be if you are unsure.
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7
Use the glue stick to attach the sides of the envelope as needed. Just be careful not to get glue on the opening where you will insert the contents.
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8
Let the paper envelope dry before using. Once you have filled the envelope, use the glue stick to seal the final flap.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different materials when you make paper envelopes. Colored cardstock, decorative scrapbooking paper and even wrapping paper can all be used to make attractive paper envelopes.
Make envelopes that coordinate with your own handmade cards to really surprise the people on your Christmas card list.
Attach a decorative paper to the back side of the paper you will use to make your envelope to make beautifully lined envelopes.
