Making own envelopes

[dizzy]

I was just wondering what type of paper everyone uses when making envelopes. If I need to make one I tend to use cardstock, but that can be pricey and I don't like using it for that purpose. Any suggestions? I have been looking for plain white paper in 12x12 but not able to find any in bulk.
Thanks for any help,
Kim

[Robn C]

I use old Calender pages because they are big and pretty and usually very thick paper. But if you want plain I have but 12 X 12 paper in white at Walmart before.

[pennyd]

Hi Kim,

I tend to use patterned paper with the white side as the outside. I have gathered a collection of papers that I know I won't use for cards/pages in one place so when I need to make an envelope, I can pick one that sort of "goes" with what I am sending.

I've seen the clear envelopes which I think are really cool, but they are also an added cost.

I have the crafter's companion boards and the envelope template - both which I got through HOTP; I've never needed an envelope size that one of those tools can't provide.

Hope this helps,
Penny

[AmzdByHsGrace]

You know, I had a thought. You know the Freezer Paper that comes on a roll from Reynolds? You could make the envelope from that, putting the "wax" side on the inside and it would even be weather proof!!!!
I have made them... the only problem is they are kinda 'see through'...
Wouldn't hurt to try them.... and you can tear off the size you need!
May God bless
Nyoka

[Mrscleanhead]

Great idea Nyoka! - It would also give a clean "canvass" to stamp, color, etc for the outside . . .

[dizzy]

I hadn't thought of using the patterened paper with the white out, great idea. I definitely have some of that I could use. I don't have to make them often, but once in awhile I make one that is odd shaped.
I do have the enveloper as well and it has been quite handy at times.

[Jan D. in Jax, FL]

Using inexpensive plain paper works well and then you could line your envelopes with smaller pieces of your fancier paper.

I also have used plain paper and then stamped or used other embellishments like Dazzles or other stickers on the envelope to dress it up.

[Cheryl]

I like to make my cards the size of the older PW cards -- 4 1/2" x 6 1/4". Then I can use regular letter-sized paper for envelopes. I have a bunch of letter-sized paper in different colors, including marbled effects, that works great for envelopes. I just made one with red paper that I stamped with the Versamark ink for a very nice look.

For the larger size envelopes, I have some paper I bought that was 11" x 17" that works well for most things. That "trick" of using patterned paper with the white side out is a good idea, too. I bet I have some paper with weird patterns that I'll never use. Thanks for the tip!

[Heather]

I've only made a few, and those were out of cardstock. I wasn't happy with them, as they seemed to crease funny. I think it was due to the fact it's so thick. Will be trying out some of these suggestions. Thanks for posting this question!

[SamB]

Great ideas; I have the enveloper thingy but have yet to actually USE it! But I know I have some paper I liked when I bought it but can't ever seem to find anything to use it for...maybe it'll become envelopes now.