Just like making my own greeting cards, I also like making and designing my own envelopes. There’s just something unique about personalizing snail mail.
Yes, it does take more time, but it also completes the sentiment. In my mind, the envelope is like the accent wall. It’s eye catching. When a loved one grabs the mail, a hand designed envelope will likely stand out among the white envelopes and the paper fliers. Right?
A personalized envelope can be designed in all sorts of different ways. Consider these options:
- Use bright colored cardstock.
- Use scrapbook paper (there’s so many designs, textures, and finishes).
- Rubber stamps.
- Draw and color with markers or color pencils.
- Add washi tape
- Watercolors
One of my favorite ways to design an envelope is with stencils. Check out one of the designs I’m using for some of my Valentine’s envelopes.
Supplies
- Stencil 1 Leopard Print Stencil
- Black Distress Ink
- Ink Application Tool
- Envelope Punch Board
- Washi Tape
- Tombow Dual Brush Pen
- White Paint Pen
- Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue
Step One
To start, I placed a leopard print stencil (from Stencil 1) on pink cardstock. Then I applied black Distress Ink on an ink application tool and colored right on top of the stencil with light/medium pressure. I didn’t want dark black stencil markings because the mailing information needs to be visible for the mail carrier. After creating the pink version, I made another version on kraft colored cardstock. Now I don’t know which one I should go with. Which envelope works best with the Fringed Valentine’s card (see that tutorial here)?
Step Two
Next, I used an envelope punch board to create the envelope. I love this punch board. It allows me to create envelopes of all sorts of sizes.
Step Three
After creating the envelope, I lettered the recipient’s name with a black Tombow Dual Brush Pen and added a bit of
design with a white paint pen.
Step Four
Last, I used liquid glue to put the envelope together and then sealed it with Valentine designed washi tape. All I need now is a heart themed stamp and it’s ready for mailing.
