Junk Mail Greetings

It’s All in the Fold: QUICK & EASY WRAPPED ENVELOPES

BY FRANCES PEETS These days there are all sizes and shapes of tools to make handmade envelopes. I know this because I have a few lying around. And that’s exactly what they do, just lie around my studio because I haven’t carved out the time to figure out how to use them. Any tool that competes with my crafting time is disregarded. I know these tools are supposed to make my life easier and I am certain they will one day, but in the meantime I have two tools that are often forgotten as part of my talent toolbox — my hands.

When the next party or family gathering is upon me, and I am running out the door with gift in hand and card ready on the sidelines, I often find I am sans envelope. I love to find creative ways to make gift wrap part of the present. For example, a tea towel as wrapping, accompanying a kitchen gift, can make a lasting impression. As for my cards and envelopes, I like to create them by hand, using upcycled materials. When I think about what will happen to the outside wrapping of a gift and its consumer packaging, I resort immediately to reusing as an artful option.

Sometimes my card is the star attraction of the gift giving, and in many cases it is the gift.

What better way to stand out from the crowd of well-wishers than to create, wrap, and decorate a very unique, handmade card with an equally starstudded envelope that just happens to be upcycled.

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Adhesive/Materials for closure

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Bonefolder/Ruler

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Magazine

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I knew if I was going to create upcycled envelopes, it had to be fool proof and easy for me to accomplish quickly, providing me the reward of artistic satisfaction. When I started creating, I couldn’t stop. An envelope can be made from virtually any material: paper, fabric, plastic, acetate, shopping bags, etc. I have experimented with most materials, but my go-to quick fix, both creatively and in the interest of saving time, are magazines which are always available and within reach around my home.

First, I audition a few pages of a magazine for potential star candidacy before tearing them out. By flipping through the pages to see which images catch my eye, I begin to narrow down what is appealing. I look for pages with some white space or empty space for times when I can’t find or make a label (for the sending and return address). Auditioning pages can save time in the long run, and with practice I can spot a page with star potential as my next envelope in seconds. I want to know if the image placement looks good and is appealing and interesting for the front of my envelope. The back isn’t as important, but most often is just as stunning.

Next, I create a mockup around images and advertising with soft bends and folds.

Sometimes I make the envelope just because it is a fun thing to do. Other times I want it to fit perfectly to a card. Whether for fun or precision, folding a piece of paper as I would fold wrap around a gift is by far the easiest envelopemaking technique. The most important element, prior to folding, is composition. Making sure the image on the front ultimately is upright. I have learned through trial and error that the front of the envelope should have everything rightside up for the receiver. Having finished several envelopes only to have them upside-down or without space for the address has taught me the anatomy of an envelope. By positioning the card on the “wrong side” (inside of envelope) of my magazine page of choice, I simply begin to fold. Down one long side, and then down the opposite long side, creating what is known as the two shoulders or side folds of an envelope.

Next, I fold the bottom or back flap up over the shoulders. And lastly, fold the seal flap. It’s a wrap! ◆

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All my envelopes have made it to their destination despite being decorative. I make sure to carefully label with thick permanent markers noting “To” and “From” clearly. They still hand-cancel mail; be sure to cover up any confusing information with tape, paint, or a sticker.

Surprising supplies can be a magazine advertisement, paper grocery bag, book page, old map, or that roll of wrapping paper you’ve had hanging around for ages. These materials can be very forgiving, so get artsy and don’t feel it must be shaped perfect. Enjoy the creative process as it envelopes you!

When closing or sealing an envelope, make sure to only put glue sparingly at the edges. Using too much glue will cause a messy seeping effect. Use glue sparingly at the bottom edge of the flap of the envelope. If you don’t have glue, use a ribbon and tie it around the envelope like a gift.

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Dedicate an afternoon to making envelopes to have extras on hand to showcase at your next event.

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To make your own homemade glue, mix together 1 teaspoon of white craft glue, ½ teaspoon of white vinegar, and 2 drops of mint.

Frances Peets is a self-taught mixed-media (mostly green) artist. Her process as a practice is spontaneous: responding to ideas in the moment around her studio. When working in the moment, she uses only what is in front of her, exercising and stretching her creative imagination so there is minimal waste.

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