Diagonal Plate—Make-Your-Own Envelopes!

The amazing new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate allows you to quickly and easily create envelopes of any size.  When you purchase one, you'll receive a cheat sheet reference guide of measurements for several of the most common sizes of envelopes.  And, you may have seen Donna Griffith's demonstration for how to create an envelope for the standard 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card.  If you haven't, be sure to check it out!

But, you can do SO MUCH MORE!  You can make custom envelopes for ANY size cards and notes that you desire! 

Make-Your-Own Custom Envelopes

Creating envelopes of any size uses the same simple formula…just change out the size of the paper and the measurements for the diagonal score lines:

1. Cut a square of paper or card stock. 
2. Score the two "A" measurement score lines.
3. Turn the sheet 90°, then score the two "B" measurement score lines.
4. Snip out the triangles on each side where the two score lines intersect.  I use my 1" Square punch for a true right angle snip (as shown to the right).
5. Fold and adhere.

That's the basic recipe to follow every time.  Now, we just need the measurements! 

But, How Do I Know All The Measurements?

Lucky for us, fellow demonstrator Jackie Topa has put together a FABULOUS envelope resource on her Addicted To Stamping blog.  It's a reference guide for creating envelopes for 28 different sizes of cards!  She includes envelopes for gift cards, invitations, thank you notes, and much more!  Awesome!

Here is the handy Diagonal Score Plate Envelopes PDF!  Plus, you can see a quick video on how to put several different ones together on her Make-Your-Own Envelopes post. 

I had fun trying out LOTS of her envelopes sizes with the Everyday Enchantment Sale-A-Bration paper.  She has measurements for just about any size, rectangular or square, that you will ever need! 

This one is sized for a standard gift card!  Paper is 4-1/2" square, "A" lines 2-5/8", "B" lines 1-5/8".

This open-ended envelope is perfect for holding money!  Paper is 7-3/4" square, "A" lines 4-7/8", "B" lines 2-1/2".

Jackie even has figured out the measurements for envelopes that fit all of the sizes of the Framelit die-cuts!  Here are the large scalloped Heart Framelit, and one of the smaller sizes, too!

And, here is the largest and smallest Labels Framelits envelopes!  How cute is that tiny one!  Adorable!

I Feel Free!

Knowing that I can easily create any size envelope gives me a lot more creative freedom when I'm making my cards!  No limitations, no restrictions!  Anything I make can be easily wrapped in a customized package!  I can have cute and coordinated envelopes for all my gift tags, notes and more!  Love it! 

More Custom Envelopes Tips

Plain White Envelopes: While the coordination decorative paper looks absolutely gorgeous with hand-made cards, remember that you can also create "post office friendly" plain envelopes with heavy bond copy paper. 

Post Office Envelope Requirements: Speaking of "post office friendly," please be aware that the USPS has minimum and maximum "machinable" requirements for a mailable letter to be sent with first-class postage. You can find complete details at the USPS site, but here are the basics:

• Piece must be rectangle.
• Height minimum is 3-1/2", maximum is 6-1/8"
• Length minimum is 5", maximum is 11-1/2"

Postage For Square & Odd Size Envelopes: If your envelope does not meet the requirements for a machinable first class letter, you will have to add extra postage.  All square envelopes need extra postage.

Sealing Your Envelopes: Jackie Topa gives a great tip on how to seal your envelopes, so they won't be damaged upon opening. <<<Reusable!

She saves her left over Glue Dots paper and creates her own temporary glue dots from the Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive. You could also use wax paper.  Dab on a bunch of dots (or short lines), then let them dry overnight.  Use to temporarily seal envelopes that you are hand-delivering. It works!  (If you're mailing them, you'll still need to use an adhesive that is more secure.)  

Thanks so much to Jackie Topa for sharing her envelope guide and sealing tips with all of us!  What a time-saver!

Are you getting excited about this fabulous new tool?  I sure am!  I'll have more Diagonal Plate project ideas coming your way very soon, so get ready and order it today! 

You can find the Diagonal Plate at my Online Store!  Remember that you need the original Simply Scored tool; the Diagonal Plate will work in combination with it.

Angie