TUTORIAL ALERT!
Last week I posted the link to a web site with all sorts of wonderful templates, including a paper doll template. I happened to have last year's photo issue from a Montana publication (couldn't bear to throw it away, the pictures are too wonderful), so I decided to try my hand at making some envelopes. After spending an hour figuring out how NOT to use a printed out template, I'd made a bunch of envelopes that fit either a 4x6 or 5x7 photo, since when I actually write a real letter, I love to include a family picture. THIS IS MY PROCESS - I hope it's helpful....
I found that both sizes, 4x6 and 5x7, can be made with a regular sized magazine page.
Start by folding the page - bringing the bottom half up. In the case of a 5x7 photo size, fold up 5.5 inches, and for a 4x6, fold up 4.5 inches (give or take a fraction of an inch!) From the bit of paper that isn't hidden under the fold, you'll make the flap that folds to close the top of the envelope. I'm working with a 5x7 photo at this point. TIP - if you start with the page upside down, then when you fold it, the picture facing you is right side up. These first few pictures were my first envelopes and I hadn't visualized the final result.
Center the photo in the fold and with your fingernail, crease where the edges are.
Cut OUTSIDE of the creases - allowing a bit of extra space in the final envelope to accomodate more than a photo. You know, the letter you're going to write and include?
After cutting out the tabs, you refold the page and mark where the top flap will fold and trim the corners to make the flap.
With or without the photo laying in the page, fold the side tabs then assemble the envelope with the tabs on the outside and with the adhesive of your choice, (I used double sided tape) seal the edges.
As you can see, I didn't bother trimming the torn edge (created when I tore the page from the magazine. It looks kind of funky and creative in my opinion.)
