CM #136 - Fast and Easy Gift Envelopes for Stamps, Gift Cards, etc.

Hello and Welcome :)

I am posting this a bit late for 2010, but maybe in 2011 someone will find this idea helpful.

This project makes a gift envelope for a set of stamps, or a gift card. These gift envelopes will fit into standard small business size envelopes Size 6 ¾. The small business size envelopes are widely available (Wal Mart, Target, Dollar Tree, etc.).

I have more about small business envelopes on my non-CM craft blog here and posted here:
http://cropwithlisa.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-make-cards-that-fit-envelopes...

For this project:

If you start with a 12x12 piece of cardstock, it will make 2 gift envelopes. Each envelope is 6" wide. I made my envelopes 3.5" tall, because my decorations are sleek. If you like "chunky" decoration, follow the directions to make a 3.25" tall envelope. The extra ¼" will help it fit into the standard size envelopes.

Here are the steps I used to make this gift stamp envelope:

1) Start with a 12x12 piece of cardstock. Medium to light weight cardstock is best.

2) Cut the paper to be 8" x 12" by cutting off a 4" strip. (This 4" x 12" strip can be cut to 4" x 11" and made into a card very close to the A2 size card).

(I am using my Creative Memories rotary trimmer to cut all the paper. I use the straight blade for the envelope, and the wavy blade for the envelope lables later on.)

3) Cut the 8" x 12" paper in half so you have 2 pieces that are 8" x 6". Now you have the start of 2 envelopes.

4) Find your favorite scoring tool. I like my Martha Stewart score board because it holds paper snuggly on 2 sides, but for storage space this tool is a luxury. You can use the scoring blade on your rotary trimmer instead. Or use a bone folder and your trimmer.

5) Place the 8" side on the tool as the side you want to score. You want to score at 2" and 5.5" if your envelope decorations are "sleek". If you want to decorate "chunky" style -- score at 5.25" instead of 5.5". It will help the envelope fit into the standard size outer small business envelope.

6) Fold at the score marks so the folds overlap each other. The shorter 2" fold will hold the stamps or gift card. The overlap 2.5" flap will be the envelope flap.

7) Use a sturdy glue on the 2" flap to secure it in place. I recommend ATG tape or a very strong tape. Focus on staying close to the paper edges.

8) Check to make sure your gift fits inside the flap.

9) Use a corner rounder to make the edges of the envelope flap look polished.

10) Decorate the front of the envelope -- Scrap your Stash!

11) I used my Creative Memories Black and White Power Palette paper -- Storybox collection. This was left from the beautiful Valentines Day Card project 2010. You can see an example from the Valentine's Day Project here:

http://lisalovestoscrapbook.blogspot.com/2010/02/be-my-valentine-card-32-love...

12) To make the front pattern paper decoration rectangles -- start with a CM storybox photomat which is 4.5" x 6.5". Cut the mat down to 3" x 6.5". Cut this piece again in half. You will have 2 rectangles that are 3" x 3.25".

13) Use a corner rounder to shape 2 or all paper edges. I chose to round 2 of the 4 edges, I picked 2 diagonal edges.

14) I also used self adhesive rhinestones I had left over from this year's projects. Be creative and clear out your scrapbook junk drawer!

15) You can secure the gift envelope closed. Maybe use a decorated punched circle, or square that is edged like the front of the envelope. Or just leave it open, for easy re-gifting.

16) Address the outer envelope with "to" and "from". I am sharing my envelope labels. I made them with CM Storybook Creator Software and the CM Frost Digital Kit. I colored in the ornament with my CM Silver pen and filled in the inside of the ornament with Red Stickles.

You can link to copy the page to print here:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h19/mtarot/CM-SBC-Frost-Joy-EnvelopeLabels2...

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season 2010 and beyond!
Lisa
www.LisaLovesToScrapbook.blogspot.com

Category:

Howto & Style

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[LindaDiva43]

Hi, I love your work... What kind of paper trimmer is that? I mean what brand? I really like the color :0)

[cropwithLisa]

@LindaDiva43 Hi Linda, Thank You for the comment! It's the Creative Memories trimmer. it has interchangable blades. it is on the creative memories website. Utube doesn't allow links in comments, I can message you a pointer link. Thanks for asking. Lisa

[racken00]

Lisa Thank you so much for sharing this! I am going to go make some right now for my boring gift card I bought~! Eva

[cropwithLisa]

@racken00 Yeah I am glad this isn't too late for someone. Thank you for watching and Happy Holidays!

[TheCatlover90]

very elegant!! <3

[cropwithLisa]

@TheCatlover90 Thank you Cat Lover! Happy Holidays to you :)

[haltamirano1]

This is a great video. I love your tools!

[Pages4theAges]

I like your idea! Great tutorial! Thanks!

[messageinafold]

Good idea, and it looks fantastic.

Leslie