Envelopes for Swapping

Well, yes.  I did make the envelope that I sent your swap block in.

I like doing my own envelopes because, well, it saves some money, I can make them whatever size I need and whatever color I want too.  They're just fun!

Here's my simple method for making envelopes.

I've been using up old 12x12 scrapbook paper that I have sitting around because, well, I'm not a scrapper.  I've made these with old calendars too. Or even from fun magazine pages (obviously not as big).

For a template, I took a piece of thin cardboard and cut it to the size I wanted.  You can cut it to any size you want to use.  Mine is 5x8" which is about the size of a large greeting card.

First, on the back of your paper, place the template so it is about 1.5" from the top and about 2" from each side.  I just eyeball this.  It doesn't have to be exact.  So if you use a papersize different from mine, just make sure you place it something like the photo below.

Use a pencil and make a dot by each corner of the template.

Now, move your template to the edge of the paper. Keep it straight and between the dots.  Make a mark about a 1/2 inch in from the corner of the template.  Once again, I eyeball it.  Do this to the other corner of the template too.  You will do this on all four side of the paper.

Use your nifty template as a straight edge and connect the dots.

You should have lines drawn something like this:

Next, use some paper scissors and cut on those lines you just drew.  This is where I get a bit efficient and stack 3 or 4 papers and cut them all at the same time.

Fold in the side flaps like so:

Fold up the large flap at the bottom and the unfold it.  Smear some craft glue just where it will overlap the side flaps and fold it back up.

It should look like this now.

Fold the top flap down and there's your fantastic envelope!

Just add an address lable and a stamp and it's off!

Pretty easy, huh!

Enjoy!