When I made my Superhero Newspaper Birthday Invitations, I had a hard time finding envelopes
in both the color and size that I wanted.
So I decided to modify what I could find and make them work for me!
Let me show you how…
I really wanted some black envelopes to go with my invitations, and I found these rectangular ones
at Hobby Lobby.
Once I printed out all of my invites, I realized my envelopes were going to be ridiculously long.
My invites would get lost in there!
I didn’t want our guests having to fish around trying to find out what was inside their envelope.
I started by measuring how long I wanted my envelope to be.
My invitations are 5.25″ wide, so I measured and marked the back of the envelope to be 6 inches tall with a pencil.
The next step might take a little practice on some scrap paper…
The envelopes are about the same weight as regular printer paper so they are pretty thin.
Using a ruler to keep a straight line, very lightly cut the top layer on the back of the envelope with an X-acto knife.
If you did this step correctly, then you successfully cut through the back layer of the envelope.
And the front of the envelope should have a slight score line but is not cut.
Its hard to see in my photo above, but the score line is parallel to the red line, and you can just barely make it out where the white arrows is located.
Now take a pair of scissors and cut off the top back of the envelope.
Now we need to make a new flap on the front of the envelope.
Find something with a slight oval shape that you can use as a template. Round will work, too!
The red line above indicates the scored straight line. Be sure your flap is cut above the line.
After drawing your flap, cut it out with an X-acto or scissors.
Since there is no adhesive on the new envelope flap, I used some decorative washi tape to seal the deal.
And that, my friends, is how you shorten an envelope!
I link to these fun parties!
Katie Drane
Monday 27th of August 2012
I'm so glad that I'm following you! What a clever idea. Thanks for posting on COM link party!
Katiewww.funhomethings.com
Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate
Saturday 25th of August 2012
This is a wonderful tip Michele. So clever and love the washi tape on the back.
nest of posies
Tuesday 21st of August 2012
a girl after my own heart.always have good stationary (and correct size ;) for any given moment! ;)
great tip.
Amanda @ Serenity Now
Tuesday 21st of August 2012
Ditto what Bev said. Clever! Why didn't I think of that? ;) Thanks for sharing...I love a good tip.
bev
Monday 20th of August 2012
This is seriously so clever Michele!! I really would never have thought about cutting down an envelope but it looks so easy!! Thanks!