TUESDAY TIPS - Lined Envelopes

I'm sure you've seen those classy envelopes that match the card or stationery. You know the kind - the envelope is lined with the same designer paper. Well, at last week's Stamp Camp we learned how to make those envelopes. And the best thing about it is......it's soooo easy.

Choose designer paper to use as your envelope "lining" - it's a great idea to use whatever paper you use on your card so they both match. The paper needs to be about 1/4" narrower than your envelope. How long should the paper be? There's no exact science here, but the length should go from just below the envelope's GUMMED area to about an inch or two below where the envelope would get sealed. The idea is to see the lining, but not to be able to see where the lining stops.

• Line up the top of the envelope flap with the top edge of the designer paper. Since the paper is just a smidge narrower than the envelope, you'll have to center the envelope evenly over the paper.
  



• Trace the flap onto the dsp, so you now have a "template". Most envelope flaps are rounded or pointed or have sloped sides - you want your lining to look uniform like the flap itself.
  



• Cut on the pencil lines of the designer paper - you'll have an exact duplicate of the flap (with extra length below).
  



• Place dsp lining inside the envelope, with the top edge of the lining at just below the gummed area.
  



• Crease/fold the spot where the liner will fold when you close the envelope.


• Apply adhesive on the liner just below gummed area on the envelope. If you apply adhesive further down, the liner may look "bubbled" when the envelope gets closed.

Now you can have professional looking envelopes to match your cards!

Linda :)