How to Alter Envelopes for Unique Sized Cards

The Nature Walk stamp set is definitely my favorite from the Occassions Mini Catalog!  I’m sure those of you that have been following the projects I’ve created can tell by now! *smile* Just a reminder that April 30th will be the last day to order from the Occasions Mini.  For this project, I used just a sweet and simple layout.  I’ve used this card size in the past and I really love it…It is rather unique and we don’t always tend to think of changing the size of our cards from the standard greeting card or A2.  These are small notes to show your appreciation. Of course, you can change the phrasing and these would be great for any occasion.  I sent some of these out a couple of weeks ago.  Were you on my list to receive one?  

The finished card size is 2-3/4” x 5-1/2”.  You are able to make 3 card bases from one piece of cardstock. Now the problem that some of you might encounter is what kind of envelope can you put this in.  Well the answer is quite simple…you can place it in a standard A2 envelope if you’d like…but I thought I would show you how to alter that A2 envelope so it looks like it was made for the unique card size!  **I actually mailed one of these cards to a special friend in the accompanying envelope.  It cost a bit more to send but she received it! On a side note, remember hand delivery is FREE!

How did I  make that envelope? Gather the following tools: a standard A2 envelope, Paper snips and a bone folder, and a paper cutter with a scoring blade.  First you’ll be cutting the bottom edge off your envelope.  Place the envelope into the cutter and line up the top edge to the 4” mark and cut off the bottom or 3/8” off the bottom.   Next, you will move the envelope to the 3” mark and score along the bottom edge this will create a 1” score along the bottom edge of your envelope. Take your paper snips and snip a small triangle from the bottom edge to the score mark on each bottom edge as shown.  With the back flap of the envelope facing you, cut along the  1” score line along the bottom.  CUT ONLY the top section…NOT the bottom section. The bottom will be your new bottom flap.  Punch the bottom flap with a scallop punch and fold up  to create your bottom flap.  It is easier to fold after you punch the edge. Secure with your desired adhesive. 

My finished project includes 6 cards with the custom envelopes in a mini lunch bag with a card front on the bag so you know what is inside.  The scallop on the envelopes was intended to match the scallops on the bag so change your envelope edges to meet your needs.  A cute gift project for anyone!  The bag can be used as a mini gift bag when all the cards are used up.  Nice, right? The gift that keeps on giving!

Stamps:   Nature Walk, Fresh Cuts
Papers:   Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Sahara Sand, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories:  Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Mini Lunch Sacks (Retired)
Tools: Bone Folder, Paper Snips, Scallop Border Punch, Rounded Corner Punch
Techniques Used: Altered Envelope

Thanks for visiting!  Enjoy!