Custom Envelopes

This month we are doing custom envelopes and even decent tasting envelope glue!

For the envelope

Patterned tissue paper
Freezer paper (near the wax paper in the grocery store)
Iron
Envelope template
(works for any size, as long as the freezer paper is wide enough)

Supplies for the Envelope

Step 1
Place the BACK side of the tissue paper to the SHINY side of the freezer paper.

Step 2
Carefully iron them together.  I only had my iron set at the highest non-steam setting.  Careful not to leave the iron in one place to long or it will burn the paper.

Tissue Paper fused to Freezer Paper

The tissue paper fuses to the freezer paper and makes them sturdy enough to use as envelopes.

Step 3
Using your envelope template, trace it onto the envelope paper you just made, cut it out and assemble it.

Another option you can try is to crumple the tissue paper and smooth it back out before ironing it to the freezer paper. The crinkles add another dimension to your envelope. You can also make enough to use as gift wrap! It always makes your gift extra special when the envelope and gift wrap coordinate!

For the glue

1 package unflavored gelatin

1 Tablespoon Cold water

3 Tablespoons boiling water

½ Teaspoon corn syrup or sugar

½ Teaspoon vanilla, lemon, or your favorite flavor of extract

Supplies for the Envelope Glue

Step 1

In a small bowl sprinkle the gelatin over the Cold water and let soften for 5 minutes.

Gelatin dissolving in water

Step 2
Pour in the boiling water and mix until dissolved. Add in the corn syrup/sugar and extract, mix well.  If you would like a slightly stronger flavor, you can use about another 1/4 teaspoon or so of extract.

Completed Glue

Step 3

Brush a thin coat on the flap of the envelope and allow to dry completely.  Once the glue is dry you, lick it just like you would a regular envelope, just without the yucky face!

The glue can be stored in the refrigerator, in an air tight container. When you are ready to use again, microwave for 20 seconds on high and mix well. Make sure that it is a uniform consistency, and brushable.

Please try this and let me know what you think!  Post pics of your envelopes for others to see!