Handmade Envelopes

[CraigR]

I have noticed recently that a few pieces of correspondence have been inside envelopes that look like they were handmade. Although I am not really an arts and crafty guy, I would be interested in making a few envelopes for my notes and letters. Maybe a little more on the masculine side.

 

Any one on the forum who makes their own? If so, how do you do it and are there instructions available? Thanks!

[Chrissy]

I make my own envelopes. Envelope templates are available, in different sizes, as is an envelope making kit from Hobby Lobby. They also sell fabulous books of papers that are ideal for making envelopes from. Whenever I visit Florida, a trip to Hobby Lobby is always high on my agenda.

 

What I tend to do is to very carefully take really nice envelopes apart, and draw around them onto a piece of card to make my own templates.

 

I bet there are plenty of instructions available online too.

[CraigR]

I make my own envelopes. Envelope templates are available, in different sizes, as is an envelope making kit from Hobby Lobby. They also sell fabulous books of papers that are ideal for making envelopes from. Whenever I visit Florida, a trip to Hobby Lobby is always high on my agenda.

 

What I tend to do is to very carefully take really nice envelopes apart, and draw around them onto a piece of card to make my own templates.

 

I bet there are plenty of instructions available online too.

That is great, Thanks!

[Chrissy]

There are some envelope templates available on ebay, but perhaps you should first decide on what size template you need, because you don't want to get one that's too small.

 

So it depends on what size paper you usually use, and how you want to fold your sheets.

[dcwaites]

Alternatively, make a letter into its own envelope ...

 

http://www.instructables.com/id/Envelope-free-letter-sending-Snail-Mail-origami/

[thudthwacker]

There are also a lot of free printable envelope templates around online -- just print, cut on the lines, fold, glue. Of course, once you have one, you can embellish it with whatever kind of artwork you like.

 

One that the excellent folks at the Letter Writers Alliance recently shared is this one. While it sounds like it might not suit your personal style, it makes for a good starting point:

 

http://thepostmansknock.com/catalog/block-printed-envelope-template/

[CraigR]

There are also a lot of free printable envelope templates around online -- just print, cut on the lines, fold, glue. Of course, once you have one, you can embellish it with whatever kind of artwork you like.

 

One that the excellent folks at the Letter Writers Alliance recently shared is this one. While it sounds like it might not suit your personal style, it makes for a good starting point:

 

http://thepostmansknock.com/catalog/block-printed-envelope-template/

Thanks! I have been to her site before but missed the envelope making. Aside from the decoration, I like the design and instructions.

[Tweel]

I've made envelopes in various ways, but currently use a Memory Keepers envelope-making jig, as demonstrated here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFR8_I8NNS4

[Ted A]

I've made envelopes in various ways, but currently use a Memory Keepers envelope-making jig, as demonstrated here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFR8_I8NNS4

I picked one of those up at Joann Fabrics about a week ago on sale for 40% off

[Runnin_Ute]

I have a little home made envelope making kit. A cousin (may he rest in peace) made it for me in the 70's. He had done one for himself by taking envelopes apart, tracing on a file folder and cutting and marking. I haven't used it in a while, but I know that there are three different sizes-fat standard (102 x 150 mm), small standard (92 x 166 mm), and thank you (83 x 109 mm). I could do up a couple of other sizes I use commonly (110 x 145 mm) and #10 (105 x 240 mm) These are sizes NOT counting the flaps on all four sides.