If you are one of the 14 million Americans who loves handmade card making, according to 2010 statistics from the Craft and Hobby Association, you are probably familiar with the benefits in making your own greeting card envelopes. Making custom envelopes gives you the freedom to craft embellished envelopes that coordinate with a handmade greeting card. The standard 5-by-7-inch greeting card (Size A7) is one of the most common sizes.
Things You'll Need
11-inch square piece of scrapbooking paper
Ruler
Bone folder
Scissors
Glue, glue stick or double-sided tape
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Instructions
Step 1: Select a piece of scrapbook paper and cut it down to an 11-inch square.
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Step 2: Place the piece of paper on a table, wrong-side face up. The side facing up will become the inside of the finished envelope.
Step 3: Measure 1 7/8 inches in from the left-hand edge and create a vertical score line with the bone folder that runs the entire length of the paper. Repeat this step, measuring in from the left side as well.
Step 4: Measure 1 3/4 inches down from the top edge and create a horizontal score line that runs the entire width of the paper.
Step 5: Measure 4 inches up from the bottom edge of the paper and create a horizontal score line that runs the width of the paper.
Step 6: Each corner of the paper will have a rectangular shape where the score lines intercept. Cut along the two intercepting lines to cut those small rectangles away from the main square of your paper.
Step 7: Fold the right and left flaps in toward the center of the paper, using the score lines as guides. Fold the bottom flap up as well. Run a small line of glue on the inside of the bottom flap on both the left and right edges to adhere it to the left and right flaps of your envelope.
Warning
Make sure to use a thin bead of glue. You do not want it to ooze out the sides.
Step 8. Once the glue dries, insert your handmade card; fold down the top flap, and glue closed.
Step 9: Address your envelope as usual and add correct postage.
Finished Envelope
The finished envelope measures 5 1/4 by 7 1/4 inches. The extra 1/4 inch allows room for the 5-by-7-inch greeting card to easily slide inside the envelope. Using this as your guide, try changing the paper types and adding embellishments to create different finished looks.