Today's post offers a quick and easy way to create a square envelope from a standard (5 3/4" x 4 3/8") envelope, perfect for those cute 4 x 4 cards that are all the rage. One of my virtual stamping pals, Colleen K. (an excellent resource for cool stamping ideas), directed me to Cindy Lawrence's wonderful tutorial (Cindy's one of my Great Swap Girls' pals) on an expedient way to create a dressed up 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" envie.
Using a 5 3/4" x 4 3/8" envelope, chop off one of the sides (per the photo) and adhere the flap. The top now becomes the side. TIP: The seam will be on the backside of your envelope and doesn't go straight up the middle. Both Cindy and I think it's fine "as is" but you could always cover it with Designer Paper if you prefer.
Next, cut a piece of designer paper or card stock to 3" x 4 3/8" and score at 1". The one inch side will be on the front and the remainder will be the envelope flap. Got it so far? TIP: Designer paper is a delightful option for the flap . . . however, be gentle when scoring designer paper, it can tear if you aren't careful.
I'm playing along with the Splitcoast Color Challenge CC171 (Kraft, Soft Sky and Basic Black) so I didn't have a good color option for matching Designer Paper as a flap. TIP: You can always create your own DP combining the colors you want with stamps, punches, etc. I chose Basic Black card stock, rounded the corners with a Corner Rounder Punch and bopped out some stamped images and circles using 1/2" and 3/4" Circle Punches.
The main image features Seeing Spots shapes and "thank you" round sentiment, both inked in Basic Black and stamped on Soft Sky. I then punched the images out with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and layered on a 1 3/8" Circle of Basic Black. TIP: Having both sizes of Circle Punches makes layering fast and precise (ditto on the oval and square punches).
The "thank you" circle receives the added touch of a Basic Black flower created using the Boho Blossom Punch and attached with one of the luscious over sized brads from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (exclusively offered in Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini through June 30).
The four circles were mounted on Kraft card stock and Basic Black. Inspiration for this layout was from Paperlicious, one of the most humorous stamping reads around (and, yes, pretty cards, too). Styled Silver Brads (Occasions Mini Catalog) accent the four corners and some rick rack influenced ribbon is the finishing detail (necessary to sneak in on the action for Splitcoast Stampers Ways to Use It Challenge WT171: Rick Rack Revisited).
Hugs and Pretties . . . .Mary
Stamp Set: Seeing Spots
Paper: Soft Sky, Kraft, Basic Black, Kraft Envelope
Ink: Basic Black
Cool Tools: Corner Rounder Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Boho Blossom Punch,
The Perfect Touch: Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Brads (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini), Non SU Rick Rack Black Ribbon
Beautiful card and great tutorial for the envelopes. I have done this, but yours looks so much nicer! Eeek!
LeAnne
What a fantastic design. The color combo is just stunning.
Cool looking card! The hardware really finishes it off nicely. I hope your back is feeling better!
Have a great day!
Now that is cool! I love that! And the colors are awesome!
Love the design and layout of this card! The envelope seals the deal! (ha). Hope you are walking a little taller today!
Mary, this is SUCH a beautiful card and envie set!!! Love it so much!!! Thank you SO MUCH for the shout out & link!!!! You’re a DOLL!
Perfect! I needed this a week ago so I had to figure out something for myself but now that you’ve blogged about it, I’m using your way as it’s so much easier than what I ended up doing last week! Thanks!