TUESDAY'S Tips: Envelopes

A question about envelopes - what do you use and where do you buy them - was asked at a recent class.

From my experience, envelopes can be made of any type of paper, color or weight of paper, or size.

The WEIGHT of paper matters - will it tear easily, will it protect your card in mailing?  Is it too thick, will your card get stuck in the postage meter, or will the thickness of the envelope or the card add more postage. Any bump on the card - ribbon knot, sequin, jewel, or dimensional - may add extra postage costs or need "Non-Machinable" printed on the front of the card.

I've used old calendar pages because I love the colors and prints - make sure the paper isn't too thin and that you use a white address label so your addressee is visible.

I've also used 65 lb. paper - not quite the weight of cardstock, but heavier than copy paper - because no extra layer to cover most embellishments is needed.

I use an envelope punch board, a retired Stampin' Up! product, but currently available at most craft stores or online. 

The A2 size Envelope - 4 3/8 x 5 3/4" -  considered an invitation or greeting card size and most often made with 24 lb. paper -  is the size we use for cards that are 1/2 of an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper/cardstock.  

You can find Stampin' Up! envelopes for A2 cards here.

A 5x7 card is considered a "large card", and usually is first class for mailing.

Slimline cards and Mini Slimline cards fit in the envelopes most people keep for their own use:  

A #10 - Business Envelope for a Slimline card

  A 6.75 x 3.75" letter envelope for a Mini Slimline card

Slimline cards are found here.  You can use any Designer Series Papers, and mail it in a #10 envelope.

Mini Slimlines are found here with Karen Titus and can be mailed in a Letter size envelope. 

The A2, #10 and Letter envelopes mentioned in this post are for U.S. and Canada.  

There are many sizes of envelopes used for a variety of mailings. If you are hand delivering your card, you have options of decorating your envelope or using cards that are embellished and folded.

 There is much more information on the internet, by country, too.

Thanks for stopping by for Tuesdays: Tips. I'm always available for questions or comments.  Be Blessed!  sb

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3.625 inches by 6.5 inches

Basic Cards with Stampin' Up

 Sometimes starting a new hobby seems daunting when you look at how others thrive at it.  But don't let that stop you from being part of the community of card makers!  Making a card is a past time, a hobby that is enjoyable.  Whether you are a master artist or a lover of color or simple art, cardmaking is for you.

Here are three cards that demonstrate how simple yet beautiful a card is.  

The first card (top left) has a tag with background stamp, sentiment and twine.  The texture of the basic white cardstock sold by Stampin' Up is quite smooth.  You could assemble this card in a short time, have several on hand, and be prepared to send a note of encouragement or a "hello" at any time.

The second card (top right) has a colored base card, and texture is added by the use of an embossing folder. The same tag is used with the same sentiment, though a piece of ribbon replaces the twine.  

The third card's design includes more components: a stamped image in coordinating colors, two colors of twine resulting in more texture. The tag is punched with a tag punch and popped up with dimensionals.

Here's the link to my online store where you'll see these products and more ideas, check out the calendar for events and be inspired.

 Www.susanboback.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by!  Be blessed!  sb