Handmade Envelopes

So yesterday I started making some envelopes.  I honestly don't know why I hadn't thought of it before, as I absolutely love sending letters and this is like the simplest paper craft ever.  All you will need is some pretty paper (I used some from a scrapbook stack that I've had laying around for a long time), some glue and double-sided sticky tape.  Okay, actually I didn't use glue as I couldn't find it in amongst the boxes so you can leave that one out if you don't have it (though I would definitely recommend it).

First, I cut out a template.  There are plenty of free ones online, I won't point you in the direction of the one I used as it was actually badly sized meaning that the front and back weren't the same size (I improvised on that bit) or you could probably create one using word or publisher or something (don't ask me, I'm rubbish when it comes to something other than writing or googling!)

Once you've got the template, use it to create your envelopes.  I literally just drew around it and then cut them out.  Make sure you fold in all the right places - it's pretty self-explanatry.

Glue (or sticky-tape) the inside folds, then match it up with what will become the back of the evelope.  This stage is the trickiest which is why I would advise using glue as you will then have a few seconds to readjust if you get it wrong.

Then put a line of double-sided sticky tape across the flap.  Don't pull off the top protective layer until your letter is inside.  And ta-da - envelopes:

As you can see, some of my envelopes are a little dark and I was worried that the addresses wouldn't be easily seen.  So on a couple of them I placed a little address box.  I found these cute 'hello!' ones here.

Hope you enjoyed this quick and easy craft.  Let me know if you try it and feel free to link to any pictures of your creations.  You could always add some patterned paper to the insides to make them extra special or simply draw your own.