Handmade Envelopes - #2

My first handmade envelope swap had a great turnout with 36 participants; that’s 36 people who are now hopefully brightening up the postal systems throughout the world with colorful envelopes.

Envelopes are so fun and super easy to make! Plus, we all use them in the swaps we send.

Templates: There are all sorts of ways to get them, but I’ll share my favorite: Take an envelope you already own and carefully take it apart. Trace it onto a piece of cardstock, cardboard, etc., cut it out, and now you are ready to make envelopes! I’m sure once you try this method, you’ll start looking all envelopes in a new way.

What to make envelopes out of: my favorites include pretty scrapbook paper and calendar pages. (Note: If you make them out of a paper that’s really thin, you might want to glue that paper to another piece before you trace/cut your envelope. This will allow it to withstand the postal system.) When mailing my envelopes, I usually add some clear packing tape to reinforce the sides.

Swap details:

• You will make and send 5 envelopes to each of your 3 partners. The envelopes should be no smaller than the minimum allowed by United States Postal System (5” long X 3 1/2” high). Other than that, you can make them as large as you want to.

• Please add a note card or letter to one of the envelopes, telling them a bit about you and/or your day. This card can be handmade or store-bought. Do not seal this envelope so your partner can use still use it.

• Sender’s choice on envelope colors/patterns/designs.