My daughter’s birthday is coming up and we always enjoy doing something personal with her invitations, such as tucking in an inexpensive favor. This year, she chose a solar system theme for her birthday, so we thought making some space-themed DIY Artwork Envelopes would be a fun way to add that crafty, personal touch she loves. And who doesn’t love getting something fun in the mail, right?
This tutorial is so easy and uses my favorite new gadget: the 1-2-3 Punch Board Party Collection! If you love party crafting as much as I do, it is indispensable. It makes envelopes and envelope liners, paper bows, gift boxes, file folders, and several styles of banners in minutes. You need this in your life. Trust!
So let’s make some DIY Artwork Envelopes!
You need just a few supplies
- We R Memory Keepers’ 1-2-3 Punch Board
- 12×12″ sheets of scrapbook paper/artwork*
- Scissors
- Adhesive
* We chose scrapbook paper in a fun geometric pattern that matched the invitation’s colors and was blank on the back. Then my daughter added her solar system-themed sketches using colored pencils (as pictured above). Other homemade artwork or papers may be substituted.
Step 1. Select your card size. Our invitation (card) is 5×7″, so a quick peek at the 1-2-3 Punch Board let me know that I need to trim my artwork down to a 9 7/8″ square.
Notice how everything is color coded? All of the measurements and guides that apply to making envelopes on the 1-2-3 Punch Board are in blue, as well as instructions. It even shows you how your envelope will look once scored and punched. So helpful to refer to once you begin and your 5 year old distracts you by asking for a snack for the umpteenth time this morning and you forget what step you were on. That happens in your house too, right? And if you need more help, the idea book also contains step-by-step instructions with illustrations to help you along the way. And keep in mind, we’re talking like four steps here. So easy!
Step 2. Once your artwork is trimmed, align the left edge to the punch guide measurement, which was 4 1/8″ for my envelope. This is where the magic all begins. Punch by pressing on the white punch (this eliminates corner overlap when you fold), and then score lightly along Line A on the right with your bone folder tool. Be sure to not press too hard. Too rough, and you’ll rip your paper when you fold. Each score becomes your fold line later.
Step 3. After the first scoring is done, rotate the paper 90 degrees counter-clockwise. See that score line going through Jupiter’s red eye from the first pass? Line that up with the Envelope Score Groove on the left, and then score on the right again like before.
Step 4. Repeat Step 3 for all four sides (lining up the score line, punching, scoring, and rotating) until you are done. Then round off the edges using the punch board’s corner rounder at the top of the punch board. Now you are ready to assemble your DIY Artwork Envelope.
Step 5. Grab your scissors and adhesive. Fold all of the flaps in except the top. See how pretty that geometric pattern is with the art? Such a fun pop of color when guests open their invitation! Now, add some adhesive along the lower edge of the side flaps, and press the bottom flap down so it covers the side flaps and grabs the adhesive. Then use your scissors to snip off the top corner of the bottom flap.
Step 5. Now tuck in your invitation or card. We also added some gold confetti stars for a fun surprise. And that’s it! This punch board makes it so easy, and you can create one envelope in just a few minutes. So easy!
And think beyond birthday invitations. This is such a great way to re-purpose all of the artwork and coloring pages your kids bring home from school. Wouldn’t it be fun to send cards to grandparents and friends using your child’s artwork?
Another thing I love about this 1-2-3 Punch Board Party Collection is that it also comes with this huge roll of wrap-around mailing label packaging tape we’re using for our addresses. So fun, right?
The 1-2-3 Punch Board Party Collection includes everything you see pictured above: 1-2-3 Punch Board, Banner Punch Board, 12×12 paper pad, packaging tape, baker’s twine, and an idea book. It will be available as part of a one-time “Today’s Special” on HSN in a bundled party pack for a fraction of regular retail pricing on Tuesday, March 24th. The 1-2-3 Punch Board and Banner Punch Board are currently ONLY available on HSN as a part of the party pack. Limited quantities are available, so set a reminder on your phone and mark your calendars as this is something you need in your craft stash!
For more paper crafting inspiration and to find out more about the 1-2-3 Punch Board and Banner Punch Board, follow We R Memory Keepers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also follow HSN on Facebook and Instagram.
I love this!!! And I so need to get one of those!! I can’t wait to see the rest of her party!
You would love it, Jessica! We could do so many things with the gift boxes!!!
Yes! What a great idea! I save all my kiddos art work too. Now I know what to do with some of it.
Me too, Toni! And they get so sad when we have to get rid of some. This is a great way to use it without hurting their feelings while sending something fun to grandma & grandpa!
I love this idea, I can’t wait to get my hands on this new product and let me daughter turn her doodles into cute little envelopes to send letters to family in!
Oh, I’d love to see her artwork! Our girls should be pen pals!
So CUTE! I do not have the patience for this!! LOL
Thanks, Brittany! You totally do! And if not, I would be happy to make them for you. 😉
Love this idea and I really need to get a punch board!
Thanks, Michelle! It is really fun. Mark your calendar!
These are fabulous! What a clever idea. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
SERIOUSLY????? I need one – I mean, I don’t…..but…..I do. Love the punch boards!!!
I completely understand. But you totally do, Keisha! 😉
This is such a great idea! I love it!
I miss paper crafting. I used to create for hours a day. The tools are way more sophisticated now. Thanks!
Great job, they are really cute.
http://www.nellecreations.com
What a neat tool! May have to add it to my crafting supplies. I miss working with paper!
Super Cute!
Oh man, I want one of those gadgets SO MUCH! How cool.