Tutorial: Handmade Envelopes

It has been a while since I've done a tutorial or craft project here, so I figured I'd try something relatively simple but really cute.

I wanted to make my own envelope to send as part of my ATC swap. So I looked at the USPS size charts to see what sizes are legal for mailing. The smallest size was 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches.

So, I got to work, painting a full sheet of watercolor paper.

To be fair, you can paint, draw, or use decorator paper, but I really wanted to paint yesterday!

Then I got to my pattern on a piece of cardstock. I started with a 3 1/2" by 5 1/2" rectangle. I made the bottom flap by drawing 2 3/4ths" lines and making a new rectangle. The top flap was 2" tall and then made another rectangle. The side flaps are 1" long.

Cut out your template.

Trace the template onto your fancy paper!

Then cut that out!

Fold the flaps. (fancy folk have bone folders, but I had a mail opener handy!)

I also angled the edges a bit to make it look "fancier".

And there you go!!! Your own handmade envelope!