Envelopes, we all use these at one time or other. They are so commonplace that no one thinks of doing something creative with them. Let’s rethink this idea! Firstly, envelopes are quick and easy to make so it doesn’t take a lot of your time. It can be a very creative process. Secondly, there are many uses for them.

Ok, so you make your own cards. But are your cards odd sizes? If so, you will need to make custom envelopes for them. Do you think of the envelope as an extension of your craft? You should. It’s going to be visible as well. And isn’t it fun to see something creative coming thru the mail? People can recognize it right away as being one of your creations. Well, you say an envelope is an envelope is an envelope. Just something to hold your creation in and then rip off and throw away. BUT, if it’s pretty, wouldn’t you take the time to take care of it and save it?

There are many ways to fold an envelope. I have included a basic envelope template here at the bottom for your personal use. You can size it up or down. It is sized for letter or A4 paper. You can use it with a printer, or you can use it with a copy machine or if you make a cardboard template off of it, you can just do it by hand, the old fashioned way. There are many other options available online for templates.

http://www.stampington.com/html/tempting_template_index.html
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm

Here are some thoughts on what to do with your envelopes. Of course, for mailing purposes. Also, you can stack and adhere them together to form a storage container of sorts for photos or documents. Martha Stewart explains how here:

http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/keepsake-envelope-folders

You can put them into your scrapbooks or altered book projects to hold important scraps. You can make a book of envelopes for a different kind of scrapbook, more of an interactive one. You can make smaller sized envelopes to hold your seed supplies if you are a gardener. Here are some already designed and ready for you to print:

http://www.theseedsite.co.uk/envelope.html

What can you use to make envelopes? Anything…even fabric which I have tried but it doesn’t go too well in the mail. I keep my fabric ones for gift items instead. If you have very nice calendars, keep the old ones. The picture part makes a nice envelope. Old or vintage catalogs make great envelopes. I have seen sheet music being sold at garage sales. These would be awesome for Christmas Card envelopes. A heavier weight paper is nicer but cardstock is too heavy to cut and fold and to go thru the mail. Take postage into consideration. Heavier weight wrapping paper is also great. If you get lots of junk mail, take care in ripping the envelopes. You might be able to use the paper to create more envelopes. And larger bill envelopes have the security design inside of it. Turn it inside out and make a smaller envelope out of it. The design makes a fun statement.

So not only is this fun and creative, it's practical. And sometimes, turning the practical item into a creative item is much more satisfying.