DIY Envelopes: Pretty on the Inside and Out

Halloween has only just passed, but retailers are already stringing lights and hanging garlands. That's right, folks, 'tis definitely the season.  Before long, it will be time to put those Christmas cards in the mail. And what better way to make them even more special than by lining your envelopes in pretty paper?

As a calligrapher, it my job to prettify the outsides of envelopes with loops and swirls and curlicues, of course.  But my latest project involved making the insides of envelopes just as pretty as their hand-scripted outsides.

Lining your own envelopes can easily be done with some paper, scissor, a glue stick and some patience.  To make it virtually fool-proof, pre-cut liner templates can be used to trace the shape on the liner paper

I used variety of patterns and textures to match my envelopes. I simply selected the corresponding liner template to match the envelope size. Then all I had to do was trace, cut, slip the liner inside and glue.

Because just like your mom always told you, it's what's inside that counts.

The finished product - a beautiful little surprise when opened.

  I purchased these liner templates from Paper Source. The kit comes with templates for a variety of envelope sizes.

I used a variety of papers - from gift wrapper to scrapbooking. Just trace the template on the back of your paper and cut.

Use your imagination....envelope liners can range from elegant and opulent to fierce or festive.