Envelopes.

They're an often overlooked aspect of card making... why oh why? I'm not much of a card maker, to be sure. But the cards I gravitate towards are simple in design. So when I'm finished with a card, I usually feel like... now what? That's it?! Until my little cousin, Rachel, told me about how she makes her own envelopes. Genius! This is something I'm sure is not new to you wise readers, but oh wow, it's like a whole new world I've discovered! :)

For any of you who have never used any Hambly products, you just don't know how exquisite the paper is until you hold it in your hand. So silky and scrumptious! Perfect for upping the ante in card giving.

And speaking of giving... my lovely friend Kara sent me a gift in the mail this week. Totally brightened up this dismal time of due dates and final exams. Not just lovely art and goodies, but a gift card to my fave! Urban Outfitters. She's the sweetest. And whenever she sends me something in the mail, she addresses the package to "Mandi Pants." So now and forever, Phil calls me Mandi pants.

Comments

[tara pollard pakosta]

thanks for the comment on my blog!!
I LOVe the envelope! you could do stamping on envelopes too, that would be cooL! love your card!
tara

[gigi]

such a pretty card & envelope...so much better than ripped out notebook paper & the "scrunch" it up method i usually use :)

happy week to you!

gi

[sasha farina]

so gonna make my own envelopes!! gorgeousness...

[lilith]

what a fantastic gift, it is such a delignt to open an envelop with these goodies inside!

[Creole Wisdom]

Hi! I found you through my google reader feed, and I wanted to say that I like your blog!

I am a huge stationary addict, and would love to learn how to make my own envelopes, since I already do all my own party invitations, announcements etc... : )

-Katie @ Creole Wisdom

[Vanessa]

oh phil! what a cutie

and kara is so sweet! that package looks fabulous!

looove the card!

[Kara]

The envelope idea is perfection! Gotta love that Hambly. ;)

And I'm glad you liked it, I had fun putting it together. Happy day, lovely! :)

Kara

[jess]

another envelope idea would be fun to make one out of an atlas, or something of sorts, to recycle. Love the Hambly one too, their prints are so fun! Nice present too, that would brighten my week too :))

jess s//hippiefroufrou

[Brooke]

That card is so pretty! And what a fun package to receive!

[kim smith]

[: aw. that package is the cutest thing ever!

that envelope rocks! i wish we could have an envelope-making party! and i do think we should live in wooden houses and forts in this crafty land you speak of. :D

kimxo

[Studio M.M.E.]

As an envelope maker, I'm so happy you featured a post like this! Thanks so much! I invite you to come look at my store. I make everything from recycled children's books or magazines. www.studiomme.etsy.com

[dani]

Aw, that Kara is the best.

I seriously used to not be a fan of cards and the making of cards at all BUT I'm slowly being won over as I start playing with making them. LOVE the envelope, I hadn't even thought about those....!

[mandi]

I've been in love with envelope making for about 10 years and you're right... it's the icing on the cake, the cherry on top... etc. When I was serving in Bolivia my sister sent me a letter in a envelope made out of paper with just chocolate chip cookies all over it. So cute, but also so mean... there are no beautifully homemade chocolate chip cookies to be had in Bolivia. It is one of their downfalls.

And... quality of paper is important in envelope making. I sent a few to my family that they received in post office issue envelopes and the envelope I made was inside in pieces. The paper wasn't tough enough for their machines (cute as it was). Anyways, just thought I'd share.

The Mandi Pants thing is awesome!

[heather]

fun! mandipants. love it since i tend to add "pants" on to the end of so many things. heh. love that card/env!

[Sarita]

Lovely envelopes! I have never made one, I will take one apart and use it as a pattern. I really enjoyed reading your blog, I shall return often to read your very interesting posts.
Greetings from Mexico!