Anyone know how to make envelopes from scratch?
 

Hi All -
I am new to SCS. Heard about this site from a SU demostrator. I have some odd size cards that I made that just don't fit in regular envelopes. I know archivers has a plastic envelope template that you can by to make your own just from regular card stock. I am cheap though :D and would like to know how you can do this by youself. Anyone have directions or know where I can go to find them? TIA!

find one and take it apart and make your own template.

If you are making a small 5 1/2 by 4 3/4 card (not exact measurements) you can cut and 8X8 square and place the card in the middle so you have the points facing up,down, left and right. Fold the bottom portion up first and then the two sides. Glue it together and you are done. I have the template and I use it ALL THE TIME! But if I ever misplace the template or I am somewhere else, I just cut a square and do the best I can.

I love SU!'s templates. I've bought some from other places and they're not as nice. SU!'s are nice and thick.

Envelopes
 

I believe that if you search in the forums there is also a recipe for homemade envelope glue.

Patti

I have a little formula that I like to use:

Take the width of the card and add 1-2 inches (this is for the side
flaps, usually 1/2 inch per flap is enough) and take the height of the
card, multiply times 2 and add 1 inch. Cut the rectangle. Score and
fold 1/2 inch on each side (this is for the side flaps, if you allowed for bigger flaps then score and fold appropriately). Unfold them and then measure up 3/4 the height of your card from the bottom, score and fold. Then unfold and, from THAT fold, measure up to the height of the card (you should have 1/4 the height plus the inch you allowed at the beginning leftover at the top) and score, fold and unfold there. This gives you a rectangle with all 4 sides scored and creased and your card should fit in the center. Now cut out the corners, trim the sides of your flaps so they have a bit of an angle, rounded or decorated corners, etc.. and viola. I hope this makes sense. PM me if you want some additional info. This is the method I use all the time since I tend to make cards to suit the design and not the size of my envie templates. :wink:

OK, I just read this and it might not make lots of sense. Let's say I made a card that is 5 inches high by 6 inches wide (I just did this weekend). I cut a piece of paper for the envie that is 7 inches wide and 11 inches long. Measured 1/2 inches from the longest sides, scored, creased and unfolded. I measured 4 inches (I only "eyeball" the 3/4 height thing) from the bottom, score, crease and unfold. Then I did the same thing 2 inches from the top. I cut away the 4 corners at the crease marks and trimmed all 4 flaps so they were angled and used my corner rounder to round out any visible corners.

It's much more simple than it sounds. PM me if you need any additional info.

Cheers,
Dj

Ok, now what kind of paper do you use to make them? :)

What to make the envies out of?

Whatever matches the cards. :lol:

Lately I've been using lots of printer/copy paper in bright colors or, if the card is really special or if someone has paid me to make it, I'll make the card out of decorative scrapbook paper. If I only have scraps, I'll make the envie out of typing paper and then line it with scrapbook paper to match the card. I always put a little something cute on the outside too.

I've made lots of envies out of old calendars and even some old magazines with beautiful, full page pics. These are good for notes and letters but not always with homemade cards because they don't usually match. If you go to the thrift store you can buy some old music books with very large sheets of music that can make really nice envies.

Can't wait to see what others have to say.

Dj

Oh, I always make handmade envelopes with wallpaper! Its gorgeous! You can find free wallpaper books from wallpaper stores, home improvement stores. Just call and ask. With wallpaper, I use wallpaper glue to seal them. I have not yet tried other paper but I should try!

Louise's Easy Envelope
 

I created an easy template for making coordinated envelopes for cards. At my workshops, I make one as a demonstration and give it to the hostess. I also include a printout of the directions for each of the guests.

Tried to add an attachment, but
 

I tried to add an attachment of the file, but I couldn't...I'll try again later.

I use the SU templates-you can use magazines to make envelopes if you don't want to use SU paper. National Geographics sometimes have really cool photos you can use as the envelope-add sticky labels for the address and return as well as sticker stamps. :D

Louise's Easy Envelope
 

Here is the template

I never thought about making envelopes, I have trouble enough making cards I like. Does the post office have any rules you must follow concerning size, etc? From earlier posts I guess you can use any kind of paper.