Everything about envelopes for cards - Where to buy & How to make

[@doreencogar1400]

I use paper that is white on one side with a pattern on the other side. If I mail it, I fold it with the pattern in the inside. If I give the card in person, I fold it with the pattern on the outside. Kristina LOVE your mail art!

[@barbaradunlop6444]

Kristina, you are an excellent teacher from a retired teacher! Sending love.

[@AprilRoseNW]

I must say …. Listening to you is such a nice experience! You have such a gentle, calming voice it relaxes me . Learning from you is a pleasure . Thank you 😊

[@dianewilley9024]

I often make envelopes from patterned paper. When I add the adhesive I put it on the lower edges of the l side flaps. That way you don’t need to measure to avoid getting too much tape.

[@ElizabethSulaven]

Me too!! So much more easier and lesser guess work. 27:07 28:17 for this, I make score lines on the side flaps using the bottom flap as a guide. This basically marks out up till where (on the side flap) the bottom flap overlaps. And that gives me an idea as to how thick my tape should be or how close to the edge I should stick my tape. This problem will happen either way, actually. What if you put the tape a little too away on the edge on the bottom flap. Then when you put in your card it will stick to that tape on the inside. So score lines on the side flap are the best choice.

[@kirriesummers5219]

I rarely need to make an envelope and I can see why I would like to do so. So much more variety and truly beautiful envelopes. Thank you so much for sharing. 🌷🇨🇦🌷

[@leeminer1939]

Excellent video. Back in the day I used to have a template set for various sizes of envelopes, cut out of a clear thick plastic. I could scoot it around on calendar pages or magazine glossy covers to get the prettiest part, use a pen that could work on shiny paper, then cut out my drawn lines and put together the envelopes. Loved using them, lost the templates, haven't been able to find them since. It was a perfect TV viewing mindless project with a fab result.

[@mpbailey18]

I have that set of similar envelope templates...think it's called something silly like "Green Sneakers". VERY clever idea as I put a template down on my paper, and tear around it. Have made many fun envelopes that way! Quick, easy and fun!

[@CHICHISWEETS]

I have some of those! 📬

[@karenlusby6230]

This was a wonderful video full of very useful information! I first became interested in envelope art some 45 years ago. As a teen, I collected stamps. Then as a young adult, I got hooked on calligraphy. There were calligraphers who shared the same passions and created amazing envelopes for first day of issue stamp mailings. Your envelope art reminds me so much of the beautiful art those folks created! Thank you so much!

[@sharonwhite1619]

I love my envelope punch board! I like making envelopes from patterned paper, it’s a great way to bust through my stash of the 12 x 12 paper. If I’m making a card I use the leftover from the parts I’ve cut down to use to coordinate and decorate the card front (or inside!). I also make a bunch of envelopes for Mailing bill payments. I live in a smaller town so there are also drop boxes for local businesses. Makes bill paying less boring!

[@JenniferSKinney]

Thank you for covering how to make your own envelopes. I’ve been at a loss to find mini slimline envelopes that fit the 3.5 x 6” cards. And you helped me remember I have this punch board in my drawer of rarely used tools. Not any more! Now I can make my own! Looking forward to the video on how to determine postage. I need more knowledge on that part.

[@bethjeans3780]

Fun video, thank you! I use a lot of patterned paper for envelopes. Hint: for the Envelope or 1-2-3 Punch Board, I think stressing that measuring is only done one time is key to eliminate confusion. So many people think the punch board ruler is used for each side of the envelope, so they’re making it more confusing than it is. IOW we measure the paper against the ruler, then punch, and there is *no more measuring,* just lining up the paper and punching. That’s been the biggest stumbling block for people during card making classes I’ve attended in real life.

[@deejohnson827]

Yep, that tripped me up for a while until I stumbled across a video that explained it perfectly. So glad I own an envelope punch board now!

[@corinarazo1404]

I'm loving the love you are giving to your mail art series!

[@carolbatchelor5855]

Hi, Kristina! I hope you and your family are doing well. I really enjoyed watching this video. I have an envelope punch board, and I think it's a great tool for making envelopes. I'm so glad that I bought it years ago. I'm loving your theme for the month! You are so helpful to your fans. Thank you so much!! 💜

[@carriejones5776]

Really loving this series. Very informative and just plain fun. Thank you

[@connielee3386]

Love the mail art!! Thanks for sharing.

[@dskpetersen]

The envelop for Penny is just gorgeous! Your talent is amazing!!

[@renatebaumgartner2921]

All of Christina's decorated envelopes are incredible. She is a true artist.

[@bugaboo32010]

You can use the envelope tear guides, from We are Memory Keepers, to make envelopes using wrapping paper and you can also trace the guides on card stock to make envelopes.

[@cindyellis765]

Great informative video. I have shied away from making DIY envelopes because there are so many sizes and post office rules. You have really helped dispel that “fear”. Thanks,

[@sharontrabbic30]

Wonderful Kristina!! Love your guidelines and beautiful art! The daisy flowers on the demo one were absolutely stunning!

[@whichwitchhazel]

We R memory keepers have there own app to calculate paper sizes and score lines for envelopes. Great series Kristina and I love your mail art xx

[@joiinbody8274]

Hazel could you give us the exact name of the app? I haven't been able to find it in the app store. Thanks so much

[@deborahclay7532]

The name of the app is Punch Board Calculator. It costs 99 cents for the app.

[@RachelsCraftyCoop]

For postage on the inside envelope: if you do put your postage on the envelope before the bag, just take it to the post office and have them hand cancel the inside postage and then you can seal it in the sleeve with your printed address labels. Many times I have stamped letters that we end up mailing in a priority sleeve after we have put stamps on them and as long as its not sealed and they can see the postage through the plastic and it its able to be canceled, you are good to go. The canceled postage has to be visible though you cant cover it up afterwards.

[@renatebaumgartner2921]

Rachel Waddle: Thanks for that very helpful information. I usually get all of my handmade cards hand cancelled. There have been times when my handmade cards arrived at their destination torn, obviously damaged by the machines.

[@barbaraedmondson1596]

Another helpful video. This "mail art" series is a wonderful idea, Kristina! Your letteting & painting of daisies in envelopes is beautiful!

[@lookup8297]

I get my envelopes from Gina K and Card & Pockets. I bought small sample colors and put them on big 2" binder rings so I can reference colors when I want a special color. I LOVE your envelope art, you are so talented! blessings, t

[@happychaps507]

… I use a decorative Corner Punch (like a Rosette) on the “V” that sticks out above the 2 bottom flaps. It dresses it up a bit…

[@claudiaehmann9338]

Love your mail art themed videos! Thank you for lots of inspiration!

[@maryjones3369]

Loved your envelope demo…you are always so thorough! Thank you❤️❤️

[@renatebaumgartner2921]

I buy A9 and A7 envelopes and cut them down to smaller sizes to fit my hand-made cards which are usually never standard because when I make a card I chose a size which works best for the layout and design of that card. Sometimes, especially when I'm making box-type envelopes for dimensional cards, I use the Martha Steward score board, which works pretty well too.

[@marylehett1127]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on envelopes. I’m saving this for future reference. You’ve inspired me.

[@Peggy2316]

Thank you Kristina for such an informative video!! I love your beautiful artwork on the envelopes!! ❤

[@bimmermom]

Great video … I have one of the older envelope punch boards and used to make my own envelopes all the time then discovered Stampin’ Up sells ready made but I am now inspired to make my own again

[@annemoloney7935]

Hi Kristina, I adhere my envelopes differently- instead of marking the bottom flap to indicate where the adhesive should be located I place the tape on the two side flaps at the bottom edge and it works perfectly every time.

[@ValleyOakPaper]

That's what I do too, except I use wet glue. AFAIK none have arrived damaged so far.

[@sped17373]

After watching the whole video I saw how you made the envelope from bristol board...I did this one time but used it as a template to make more from other paper...thought bristol was much too heavy/thick to be an envelope. I've had success painting on normal envelopes bought on Amazon--but using airbrushes to paint in layers so there's little to no buckling. Though it's a challenge, I really like painting on black envelopes and cardstock.

[@ValleyOakPaper]

I got the 1-2-3 punch board on your recommendation and I've used it lots. It's so fun to create envelopes out of pretty scrapbook paper. You just have to keep in mind that the pattern is going diagonally across the front of the envelope. I write the address with my typewriter on a white label, so it's easy to read for the sorting machines.

[@fionnawheatley9095]

Me too! Shame Christina doesn’t get a commission!

[@judycosler8584]

typewriter. from the Smithsonium?? 🤣

[@ValleyOakPaper]

@@judycosler8584 LOL You're behind the times. Typewriters are back in style. They go with the retro fashions from mid-century modern to 80s style.

[@judycosler8584]

@@ValleyOakPaper thanks ☺

[@tammyb6497]

Great tutorial for the punch board! The supplier I used for envelopes here in Canada went out of business.😢 They sold every colour under the rainbow, metallic, vellum and almost every size. I know that greeting card stores (if there are any left!) usually end up with an excess amount of envelopes because some people leave them behind and give cards without them. Sometimes they will sell or give away the envelopes if you ask.

[@kathymcconnell6852]

Great information, Kristina!! I’m inspired to try making an envelope or two. Once again 😂

[@7WordsWorth]

I was glad you mentioned Paper Source envelopes cause they are amazing! We had a store near us and I was able to customize my wedding invitations and save the date cards with a great textured envelope from them. Their colors are incredible! I also have a stash of Kraft envelopes from Hobby Lobby. Thanks for the video!

[@mrsmcphate]

Thanks for sharing all this info! Great tips and inspiration! FYI for those who want to buy a 1-2-3 Punch Board. I got mine from Michaels using a coupon. It made it much more affordable!

[@ConfederateDixieDarling]

Wow, that was a great educational video. I have the punch board and have made my own envelopes, but I still learned a great deal from this one. Thank you for taking the time to slowly explain “how to”. I hope you will continue to make more how to videos like this one. There is some many ways to make cards regardless of how long you had been making cards, you still learn. Have a great week! Lisa

[@honestly8015]

Kristina, thank you for these great sources and ideas. For me, the best idea was the cellophane sleeves. I like to use dark colored envelopes sometimes and never want to put a generic white label on them. I never thought about mailing the card in the cellophane. I've added all sizes (couldn't find mini slimline) to my Amazon cart so I'm good to go. Thanks so much. Have a great new year.

[@dianalama1591]

Very helpful info!!!THankYou for sharing.

[@CHICHISWEETS]

❤ I love envelope videos! I make a lot of cards for charity, in many different sizes. Mostly, I use regular computer paper & stamp, color, or stencil the envelopes. Also, I buy 12x12 scrapbook paper pad (not cardstock). It’s inexpensive, & you can get it at Walmart or amazon. -For watercolor 💦, I buy the 90lb parent sheet from Hobbylobby. It’s $1.99/sheet, & you can make quite a few enves. w/ it, & card fronts too. It doesn’t make the card bulky.

[@tonimcdaniel5388]

I've never heard of a parent sheet. What exactly is that?

[@CHICHISWEETS]

@@tonimcdaniel5388 Parent sheets are large cuts of different types of paper. I get Canson 90 lb watercolor paper for $1.99 in the art supply section at Hobbylobby. It’s 22” x 30”, roughly the size of poster board.

[@tonimcdaniel5388]

@@CHICHISWEETS Ok, thanks. This may be something I need to look into. I didn't know they sold it by the sheet.

[@kristinal.5934]

Seriously, you are the best! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@belindawallace5203]

I bought my envelope punch board after going on a workshop where we used it to make Christmas crackers, I learned how to make envelopes with it on my own later. Oddly the measurements on my board are slightly different to yours but I love that you can use yours for bows and boxes too.

[@guypicard2262]

Would love to see you do a video on square envelopes odd sizes. Thank you for a great video, it helped me a lot.

[@giselled.4149]

Thank you so much for sharing the ruler portion. As a Canadian, I learned the metric system so imperial measurements can be a bit confusing. You simplified it perfectly!

[@sharonmeredith4321]

I cannot thank you enough for doing this video. I have a board and have not quite gathered how to use it. Can’t wait to try to give it another whirl!

[@delinaquilter1418]

Glad to hear your suggestions for the holo envelopes. My PO said don't even try to use them because they will go into the dead letter file there!

[@loriprince3342]

Thank you for the envelope calculator website!

[@cynthiatuczynski9491]

Lots of great information. Thank you for sharing 😊🤗

[@bethl999]

Thank you. You gave excellent instructions on the measurements and how to use the 123 punch board. Thanks for the links to the other ready made envelopes. I have made slimline cards and mini slimline cards that I had a problem finding envelopes for because each company seems to have their own standard measurements for dies and stamps.

[@cptdebbie]

I am loving this month’s theme. You’ve inspired me to renew my lettering skills and up my envelope game ❤❤

[@andrealavigne7824]

Thank you for such an informative video, Kristina! I used to get the cellophane envelopes from Clearbags.com, but their shipping rates got kind of out-of-hand in my opinion. I found a great alternate source is eBay. You can go to ebay.com, & just type "cellophane bags" or "cellophane envelopes" into the search bar. This will bring up multiple sellers, some of whom even offer free shipping and sometimes free returns. The prices for the bags/envelopes are usually really reasonable as well. I don't know how good a source this would be for those who live outside the U.S., as I've never looked into that. But I'm pretty sure that eBay does have international sites for individual sellers, so I think it should be pretty easy to source items within different countries. The only "downside," is that you do have to have an account at eBay to shop through there. But I have absolutely no problem with that, with the money I can save on even new items! Also, when I make my own envelopes with the 1-2-3 punch board, if I'm using a thinner paper like some patterned papers, I make sure not to press too hard with the scoring tool when I score, as I've had the paper tear afterwards when I fold it. I also tend in that case just to burnish/reinforce the folds by putting the envelope on my desk & pressing along the folds with my fingers, to avoid cracking or tearing the paper. If I used a heavier-weight paper, like bristol, watercolor, etc., I do burnish the folds with a bone folder, though, as that weight of paper holds up better without tearing or cracking, in my experience. Anyway, those are my additions to your tips. Thank you for sharing. Take care, & have an awesome day! :)

[@joseeguimond4484]

Great video Kristina as always. Thank for the lnformation for the calculator, I was looking for one since the application I used to have, stopped working on my iphone! You make my day!

[@denisedudley3492]

I like to use 12x12 paper for my envelopes, but I use single side paper and fold the envelope so the pattern is on the inside and gives the look of a lined envelope leaving the outside plain, ready for me to decorate as I please.

[@ruth6511]

Am loving this month’s theme!

[@ingelagoransson3560]

I make my cards in a lot of different sizes, and been doing envelopes for them as well. But haven´t thought of using yupo paper for the envelope. Love that idea. Thanks so much for new ideas and card inspiration :)

[@susanmartin5835]

Great video. I’ve been using punch for years and found this so informative. Thanks.

[@barbaraedmondson1596]

I’ve used vellum envelopes from (Hobby Lobby) & addressed with a black Sharpee (not fine point). That way the contents can be somewhat seen, like a teaser I place a stamp on the outside. . Ive mailed stiff fabric items. They have gone through the US mail just fine

[@julieharden158]

Great video Kristina, thanks for sharing x

[@navoff1]

I have a bunch of 12x12 single sided paper from my scrapbooking days that I use when I make envelopes. I fold them with the patterned side on the inside so the outside is clean & clear to address. I'm always worried that the post office will have difficulty getting it to its final destination if I make the outside too busy. My punch board is one of the very early envelope boards by We R Memory Keepers before they came out with the 1-2-3 Punch Board.

[@cathymorris8072]

Kristina, I am loving all this information about mail art! I bought a smaller version of the envelope maker years ago. It is a bit frustrating. I'll be saving up for one like yours! Thanks for all your hard work!

[@suesommerville7022]

I love watching your videos. I love making my envelopes

[@laurabush9812]

I’ve made envelopes using the Envelope Punch Board, but you offered some great tips that I suspect will mean my envelopes come out more consistently perfect! Thanks a bunch.❤

[@gobarb26]

I have the envelope punch board and haven't used it in a while. I tried to make ATC size (2 ½ X 3 ½ ) but for some reason it didn't work out. With your explanation, I think I will try it again. Thank you for your great video! Very helpful...

[@Denise11Schultz]

Wow, thank you, what a wonderful demo, and meticulous resources. •A while ago, I saw a video that included altering a large envelope to a smaller/custom size. If someone has a link to that video, I’m pretty sure it would be on this channel. •I’m a beginner, so I study all over, hard to remember where I saw it. •Also I would love to see this device used for box making. I will search your channel, in case it is already posted. •I especially appreciate that you present the steps at a speed that a beginner can comprehend. With some videos I have to turn off the sound, turn on the auto-translate captions (the only caption that matches the pace of the visuals), and set the playback speed to 0.75 or 0.50. It is so nice that I can just watch your demo as is, without all that adaptation. 🙏☺️💙

[@ruth6511]

I also enjoy putting my cards in clear envelopes from Clear Bags. That way the recipient sees the beautiful card right away. If putting it in the mail, needs double postage. People love receiving them, so worth it, plus I cannot do mail art like Kristina! .

[@kwernerdesign]

That's a great idea!

[@ginasobania8135]

Thank you for this month of envelopes and envelope art. Do you have any suggestions on guides to hand lettering? There are lots of books, but wonder if you have some other resource(s). Thank you. 💜💜

[@fionnawheatley9095]

Also, I bought the envelope die’s from Simon says stamp and I love them!

[@ThankfulNanaDiane]

One thing I did with my 123 Punch Board… I made envelopes the colors of the rainbow (plus others like white, brown, black, glitter, etc.) out of sturdy cardstock. I keep these in a container near my die cutting machine. In each envelope, I keep scraps of that color for when I just need a little piece for die cutting. I also cut the flaps off each envelope, so it’s easy to just reach inside. 😊

[@TexasMom68]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@littlewingfire1741]

Hi Kristina, I really appreciate this video giving us a step by step walk through - thank you. Quick question - I was intrigued by the sewing you recently posted on Instagram and wondered if you’d ever consider doing some sewing videos? Thank you! ❤

[@kathy1821]

Loved this video! Do you have any suggestions about making envelopes with square flaps instead of the pointed flap? Is there some system for making those?

[@alexandraklijn5406]

I put the card in the envelope first, then glue is shut. Because if the card is a thicker, is will fit in the envelope.

[@trudievick2359]

Thank you very much for making this video.

[@alenabudiman694]

Clear Bags also has envelopes, as does Jam Paper. I’ve had good experiences with both companies.

[@sherryhearington9027]

Love your video!

[@maggiedonaldson8432]

I make a lot of envelopes like this. I’ve never been able to figure out how to line an envelope. Some guidance on that would be great! Thank you

[@yensidw100]

Love my 1-2-3 Punch board! Thanks for sharing the calculator. Always frustrated me when I couldn't find the exact size I wanted.

[@lisak2575]

Thank you! I have the old punch board without the extension. I do find 5X7 envelopes difficult to make as the board does not continue like yours does. I may ask for the newer model sometime.

[@katecresse881]

My first time to see envelopes being made.

[@karenlusby6230]

One request . . . Would you please share how to do a lightweight liner for commercial envelopes? I feel like I reinvent the wheel every time I try to do this!

[@kirstencorby8465]

Very informative. TFS

[@suesommerville7022]

So very informative. Thank you

[@VickiTheCraftAttic]

My first few times trying to use my punch-board were disastrous as I kept missing that I was supposed to use a different measurement on the first turn (punch guide) so I kept making square envelopes over and over. It was definitely one of those WHAT AM I DOING WRONG kinda moment 😱😤😩🤬🤪

[@fionnawheatley9095]

I love Gina k envelopes and matching card stock! I’m a matchy matchy kinda gal!

[@heidik146]

Most of my Envelopes are made by my self. I have a Punch board for it. Also the Envelopes for the Slimline. I have a List of the measurement, i need. Lovely Greetings from Berlin Germany

[@claudiaehmann9338]

Hellofrom Stuttgart! I do the same. Made it just folding any paper around a postcard, but now I have a punchboard and it is so easy! Think I am addicted... Do you know it is allowed to put a cellophan bag around an envie in germany?

[@debbiepiccolo7846]

Thank you for the great video.

[@Taikoviewer]

I recently purchased envelopes from Honey Bee Stamps and they're great quality.

[@pmacorky]

I have used that web page for a long time and it is great

[@Moni-dr1bz]

I like using up my older scrapbooking 12x12 sheets that I just couldn’t use in scrapbooking to make envelopes. Usually they are only printed on one side and white in the other side. I try to find something close to my cards coloring and then make my card so the print side acts like a liner coloring and the address side is white. Uses a lot of otherwise useless paper.

[@deejohnson827]

Great video, Kristina! I usually make envelopes for my cards that are bigger than A2 size. I love using patterned paper for them! Since I only have single sided 12x12 paper, I usually make them with the pattern inside. Love the tip about finding the groove and using it as the guide for the second scoring. I've always just eyeballed it. 😉 Question...do you ever use glue as your adhesive?

[@lissettelong5077]

Great video Kristina. I make my envelopes especially at Christmas because my cards have many layers. I have used my Cricut for this and have a template but this year they were too snug. Do you suggest going to a punch board and using a larger size? For example if my card measures A2 but I have many layers, I would step up the envelope size so its not too snug? Sorry for typos but I had eye surgery yesterday and have one good eye riht mow.

[@christineb6524]

I appreciate these very informative videos you have been making…Thank You! Very helpful! P.S. I loved looking at your stamp set..I have one also (for mailing cards too), but it is not as big as yours 😉✌🏽

[@guypicard2262]

Loved your video using the punch board for envelopes. Just bought this to make wedding invitation envelopes to hold bifold invitations 110 lb paper from Michaels. Can you advise what paper weight the envelope should be? Thank you.

[@SandyWilliams-nz3pd]

Great info! I have the same Simon holographic envelopes and was wondering if I could just put them in a clear sleeve with postage on the sleeve and not cause a problem for USPS to process them.

[@juliekennedy7464]

Thanks for the video! I love my punchboard. Does anyone know the mathematical formula used to calculate the envelope sizes (the ones the apps use)? I use those calculators all the time, and several times the apps have gone away and I've had to find new ones... so I'd like to be able to figure it out myself if I ever need to.

[@MoTurner96]

If you cut that "V" flap off between the tick marks, then you never have to worry about extending the adhesive too far and accidentally sealing the envelope closed. 🙂

[@lkhorvath4]

QUESTION With vintage stamps with old glue, could you run them through a xyron machine to make it stick again? Or use Un-do to help reactivate the stick?

[@TheBhaktadash]

thank you for a very useful tutorial, just curious if you make boxed envelopes using the 123 board for more dimentional cards ..

[@rozib1616]

Great information! Thanks for sharing. Question- how do you store your envelopes? I’ve found myself purchasing different sizes and they are just stacking up. 😬

[@lkhorvath4]

When searching Amazon for envelopes, be sure they have either glue or tape closure. There are some out there that do not have anything to close them

[@tammyb6497]

Those envelopes are generally used for wedding invitations. The invitation, rsvp card, etc., go into that envelope, which then goes into another envelope for mailing. If the outer envelope gets mucked up, there is still a pretty one on the inside to keep all the things together. They are still useable, you just have to add your own adhesive.

[@j9cardstock354]

Thanks so much for the gret tutorial. Jeannine