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Handmade Envelopes

Launch gallery slideshow

Swap Coordinator:ArtyBeth3 (contact)
Swap categories: Letters & Writing  Handmade  Card Making 
Number of people in swap:36
Location:International
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:August 4, 2010
Date items must be sent by:August 11, 2010
Number of swap partners:3
Description:

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.) I tend to add some clear packing tape to reinforce the sides before I mail any of mine.

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. Do not seal this envelope so your partner can use still use it.

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

Discussion

funkhoup 07/27/2010 #

Darn--going on vacation tomorrow-won't be back till the 12th. Hope you do this again in the near future.

atinagrace 07/27/2010 #

Thanks, I have been waiting for this kind of swap again. I have lots os envelopes that I have made from several types of paper.

CWarner 07/27/2010 #

Okay, Beth, I'm in!!!! your new buddy Carol in Colorado

ArtyBeth3 07/27/2010 #

@funkhoup don't worry, I'll host this again. I love to make envelopes! @atinagrace thanks for joining. @CWarner I'm happy you've signed up to play!!

Onyx 07/28/2010 #

Sounds like fun!

patumma 08/ 1/2010 #

cool I just made a big batch the other night of several different sizes!

institches 08/ 3/2010 #

do they have to be different styles/sizes?

HouseOfHearts 08/ 3/2010 #

Oh this is so fun. To bad I have company coming tomorrow right through till the send date. I will keep my eye out for this swap again as I LOVE making my own envelopes. Happy swapping everyone.

CraftyTweetie 08/ 4/2010 #

I'm kinda at my limit for swaps right now, but I look forward to when you host this swap again. I've been saving calendars and interesting ads for just this purpose.

CraftyTweetie 08/ 4/2010 #

BTW, can someone make some suggestions concerning how most people seal their homemade envelopes. I had bought a type of roll-on adhesive which was specifically made for this purpose, but because it's so wet, it puckered the paper. I tried putting on a lighter coat of the adhesive, but then I wasn't sure if there was enough to seal it securely. I know some people buy the plain round labels, white or clear, and use them to close their envelopes. Some people I think also decorate the labels or use store bought decorative labels. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks in advance. :)

Catalinacrafts 08/ 4/2010 #

CraftyTweetie, I purchased doubled faced Res-Q Tape (made by dritz). you can find it in the sewing section of your craft store. Its really easy to use, you just cut off a strip and attach to your envelope and then when you're ready to seal, you pull off the white paper that is attached to the tape. They sell it in all sizes :)

bruxbaby 08/ 4/2010 #

I use glue sticks - works perfectly. Glue is all you need. I would love to join this swap, but I don't want cute envelopes with huge strips of packaging tape (of any kind) on the outside. I will have to think about it.

queenelisheba 08/ 4/2010 #

make your own glue here

KarlaKC 08/ 4/2010 #

Bruxbaby, I think the reinforcing packing tape mentioned in the swap description is not added to the envelopes being sent to the swap partner, but rather to the envelopes when the recipient of the thinner papered envelopes uses it and mails to someone. In other words, I also reinforce the edges of envelopes in which I am sending a letter to someone before I mail it so that the machines won't tear my mail. Some envelopes I receive are made with stiffer papers and don't need to be reinforced before using. But for those made with thin magazine papers, I put packing tape around it after enclosing my letter and addressing the envelope. Otherwise it can be received torn or destroyed altogether because of the postal processing. I hope that better explains what the swap coordinator meant when she mentioned putting packing tape on her envelopes. I understood that she does that when she USES the premade envelopes, not that she does it to envelopes she makes and sends to a swap partner. I might have misunderstood, but this is what I do, too, so I thought that's what she meant. I love making handmade envelopes, too!

ArtyBeth3 08/ 5/2010 #

I'll try to answer some of your questions below.

@institches no they don't have to be different sizes, you can make them all one size as long as they are a minimum of 5” long X 3 1/2” high.

@CraftyTweetie as far as sealing envelopes. When I make them, I use a gluestick for the flaps. When I mail them, I add packing tape to the sides if it looks the envelope needs it. Some envelopes I've received, people have added a 3M strip of double-sided tape that has a strip ready to peel off, for sealing the top flap for mailing.

@Catalinacrafts this sounds kind of like the 3M tape I spoke about above. I may have to try to find this Res-Q Tape you talk about.

Thanks, @KarlaKC you are exactly right and explained it perfectly. We have a lot in common when it comes to making & sending handmade envelopes! (smile)

Ok, with that said, thank you all for signing up to make & send envelopes. We have 36 participants! I wish I could receive from all of you - LOL!! I'm assigning partners now.

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