Finding the right size envelope can really be a pain, and finding a cute one is impossible. So? Make your own.
1. Take apart a store-bought envelope so you have a pattern.
2. Trace the envelope onto a piece of patterned paper and cut out.
3. Score where the folds will be, fold down, and glue.
I got this idea from a friend who said she used to make her own envelopes out of magazines in high school. So you can use anything for your paper – a magazine, newspaper, a page out of a book, wrapping paper, children’s artwork, a photo…anything! Now you can create customized cards AND envelopes.
Be careful about making your own envelope completely from scratch – apparently envelopes have to be certain sizes to require only 1 stamp for mailing purposes. I made a little square envelope to fit a card I made for my Grandma and it came back to me. It was smaller than this standard size envelope here, so you’d think it would be okay, but it wasn’t. So stick with standard sizes or check with the post office.
This envelope took me about 3 minutes to make and it’s so much more fun than plain white!
{Photos taken with a Canon Rebel XSi}
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this idea especially when you make your own gift cards for someone special. A special envelope just tops it off right!
I make my own envelopes regularly! I use the Enveloper to do it so it is super fast and super easy and I can choose any size I need! I love making use of catalog pages and other throw-away items!!!
I LOVE this idea! Thank You!!
I agree, it’s all about presentation. It would be so exciting to receive that beautiful envelope in the mail rather that the plain old white envelope. thank you for the inspiration.
This is great! I’m always looking for cute envelopes that fit cards just right.
this is fun, love the idea !
I love hand-made envelopes, too. Sometimes I need something on the larger (5×7) side to send photos and art projects to grandparents. Magazines look great, but I’d love a suggestion for something sturdier. Any ideas?
This is such a good idea! I sometimes go to card exchanges and don’t always get envelopes so then I am stuck without the right size envelope. Now I know what to do with that whole stack of cards I haven’t been sending because I don’t have the envelopes. thanks!
Usually I stick with standard invitation size cards because the envelopes are readily available and to save on time but for a special card this is a great idea. Another tip I have seen to make regular envelopes special is to make an envelope liner to match your card.
This is a great idea! I haven’t made my own envelopes before because I thought I would need special templates. It didn’t occur to me to trace a regular envelope, doh! I will have to give this a try the next time I make a special card.
I have wanted to make some pretty envelopes like this but never had the moxy to try it. You make it sound so easy so maybe I will now. Thanks.