I have to admit - most of the time I just grab a generic white (or off-white) A-2 envelope. What do you do if you have a very special card, or an odd sized card you need to dress?

Here is what you need to make your own handmade envelopes:

• Iron

• Ironing board

• Reynold's Freezer Paper (Not wax paper)

• Tissue paper

• Adhesive of your choice

• Envelope template (I love the Kreate-a-lope from Green Sneakers)

1. Place your tissue paper print side down on your ironing board.

2. Place a sheet of freezer paper the same size as your tissue paper shiny side down on top of your tissue paper.

3. Fuse the two pieces of paper together by ironing on medium heat (I use perm-press). If the pieces are not fusing together, increase the heat on your iron.

4. Now that the pieces are fused together, the tissue paper is strong enough to make an envelope!

5. Follow the directions on the envelope template for trimming, scoring, and folding your envelope.

6. Using the adhesive of your choice, glue the permanent flaps down.

7. You can make a batch of lickable envelope glue for the flap, or just use permanent adhesive at the time you mail your letter.
   

A recipe for homemade lickable envelope adhesive:

• 1 Tablespoon white glue

• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 drop of peppermint (or any flavor) extract
  

1. Mix together and brush envelope flap with mixture.

2. Let dry.

3. When you are ready to use the envelope, lick the flap and adhere.

4. Store leftover glue.
   

A couple of envelope making tips:

• I do not like to use my clothes iron for crafts. (Not that I ever iron my clothes, mind you - but just in case!). You can purchase small sized craft irons at the craft store, or come spring you can watch yard sales for irons. I got my small travel sized one at a yard sale for just $3!!!!

• For the same reason (just in case) I cover my ironing board with a thin flour sack towel. you never know if a paper is going to bleed, or something may stick to the board. I would hate to get that on my clothing!

• When mailing colored or printed envelopes - the post office really likes it if you do your addressing on a white label.

• Self-stick stamps and labels work the best on these types of envelopes (they tend to be shiny and textured).

• You can purchase a small plastic container with a sponge tip at any office supply store in the mailing section for storage and application of the lickable glue mixture.

• You can get creative and try this technique with fabric, wallpaper samples (no need to iron the freezer paper in this case!), wrapping paper, handmade papers, etc.

• This technique with tissue paper makes the envelope textured (or wrinkly, if you will). You can accent this by using ink and direct to paper method to age and distress the envelope. (make sure you use permanent ink such as Staz-on if you are working with a glossy tissue paper).

• If you do not want to purchase an envelope template, you can take apart an envelope and make your own template by using a piece of chipboard (empty pop case works great).

Check out our guide on choosing the correct envelope size
for your greeting card and postal requirements for mailing