Designer Jone Hallmark shares her technique for creating custom envelopes.

1. To create your own template, gently open an envelope at the seams and spread flat. Or consider purchasing a template, or using the one below.

2. Choose coordinating papers and place template on papers -- if purchasing a template, try to select a clear plastic one, or consider transferring the template to vellum first.

3. Carefully trace around the template and cut paper. A ruler or straight-edge can guide the folds as you turn sides inward, then bottom and top flaps.

4. Before gluing folds into place, use an envelope to trace and cut a lining on coordinating paper. Create a lining template if you plan to make more than one envelope of this style.

5. Glue folds in place. Then, glue lining to envelope only on top flap. The bottom of the lining that sits inside the envelope needs to be free when the top flap is opened and closed. It may to necessary to trim around the edges of the top flap where the two papers are glued together.

Create your own envelopes (complete with coordinating liner paper) with the use of templates you create yourself.

PDF Click here for a small envelope template.

PDF Click here to download a large envelope template.

RESOURCES :
Handmade Gift Cards: 20 Original Designs for All Occasions
Model: 0715311778
Author: Cheryl Owen

Handmade Greeting Cards
Model: 0806983272
Author: Maureen Crawford

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Creative Greeting Cards: Personalized Projects for All Occasions (Reader's Digest)
Model: 0895779838
Author: Caroline Green
(October, 1997)

Reader's Digest Adult

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

500 Great Heartwarming Expressions for Scrapbooking and Cards
ISBN: 0968664814
Author: Sandy Redburn
(2001) Crafty Secrets Publications
Website: www.craftysecrets.com/aboutus.htm

Making Cards in a Weekend: Inspirational Ideas and Practical Projects
Model: 1581800800
Author: Jain Suckling
(September 2000)

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

North Light Books (F & W Publications)
Website: www.fwpublications.com

GUESTS :

Jone Hallmark
Illustrator/Designer
Creative Imaginations
Huntington Beach, CA
Website: www.cigift.com
Website: www.joneinc.com