I always do this… pick a card to send to someone (in this case Christmas cards), grab an A2 envelope (the type made to fit a 4-1/4” x 5 1/2” card), and then as I’m going to stuff the envelope realize that I’m mailing out 4×6 cards… which doesn’t fit in the envelope!

This year, however, I was motivated and determined and so I grabbed my Simply Scored and Diagonal Scoring Plate and decided I was going to figure out making my own envelopes this year.  Plus it was a good way to use up some really old 12×12 scrapbooking paper that I bought when I first got started and didn’t realize the difference in quality between the different companies.

Anyway, so I thought I would share with you some tips I learned while running this experiment!

1.  First, grab some of that cheap scrapbook paper that is printed on one side and white on the other (or if you want to match your project, grab some nice 12×12 designer paper and I recommend at least one side be pale or very small patterned so you can have that as your outside to write your address on.

2. Next, cut your paper to size.  I found a great measurement list from Jackie Topa that I used to determine that I needed an 8” x 8” square.  I scored at 3-1/8”, rotated and scored at 4-1/2”, rotate and score at 3-1/8”, and then finally rotate and score at 4-1/2”.  She lists another measurement but I didn’t understand what it was for so I skipped that one!

Tip: When you are using the lightweight or “cheap” paper, I recommend using the fatter tip of your stylus for scoring.  I found that the skinnier tip made me nervous about tearing the paper since it had so much pressure in a tiny spot.

3. Your score lines will cross each other near the edges of your paper.  Trim out the triangles where they cross each other.

Now, as you look at the picture above, you may notice something funny going on.

That is right!  I was trying to use paper that had text on it and cut my 8×8” piece for the envelope, only to discover that once I scored the paper that the text was now going to be going at an angle!

So if you care about orientation of the pattern on your envelope, take into consideration your preferred final layout before scoring.  In fact, if you can cut your paper down so that the words/pattern is going at an angle on your 8”x8” square, than you will be in great shape when you start scoring.

4.  Fold over the flaps and glue one big flap to two of the little-side flaps.  Once you stuff your envelope, you can adhere the last side.

Tip:  If you want to make your envelopes in advance and be all ready to go.  Put some sticky strip on the last flaps of your envelopes.  You can leave the tape covering on the exposed side so that it will be adhered to you envelope but doesn’t stick to anything else until you are ready to mail the envelope and you peel off that red backing!

5.  Stuff your envelopes and you are ready to go!

I just thought I would show you what I ended up with for now.  The dark and busy patterns I used as insides for my envelopes while the paler and more solid patterns I used for the outside of my envelopes.

So I hope that was helpful to you and that you will have lots of fun experimenting and creating your own custom envelopes!

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