Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Good morning, Crafters! This is Gloria Stengel with you again. I know that I used the Refreshed Collection for my last project, but I have so much of it that I wanted to use more of it up! This time I used mostly the Refreshed Bundle 6x6 Paper Pad. The small prints in the 6x6 pad are wonderful for cardmaking! 

I created a fun 6" x 6" card, and then I made a matching envelope! I love having a fun envelope for special cards. Envelopes are easy to make and fun to decorate.

The card is a great 6"x 6" size, with alternating prints. I simply cut the paper to size and then divided it in half to make triangles. If you use paper with a directional print like I did, make sure your print is right-side up!

I used one of the cut-apart images from the 12" x 12" paper for the center of the card. I kept the card flat, so that it would fit into my envelope without me having to do extra math to figure out how to make a box-style envelope. {lazy much?!}

I added some of the scraps of paper to the inside of the card. I also found a stamp set all about rainbows in my stash! Happy find!

I used one sheet of the 12" x 12" paper to create the envelope. Since my card is a larger size, the print for the envelope is "sideways." If that bothers you, try a print that is not directional.

I used the We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board to make my envelope. It is easy to use as the directions are printed right on the tool. I folded my envelope to make sure it looked the way I wanted, but did not glue it together yet. Some of the umbrellas are going to be upside down, but I am fine with that.

I wanted to create a string closure for my envelope, so I used a 1/2" circle punch to punch out six (6) circles from a scrap of paper. I also found two eyelets (purple) and my anywhere eyelet setter.

I glued three of the circles together to make one thick circle. I did the same with the other three circles. I punched a hole into the center of each circle stack.

Then, I unfolded the envelope and attached one circle stack to the flap with an eyelet, making sure the back of the eyelet is on the inside of the envelope.

This is what it looks like so far. Once my circle and eyelet were attached, I glued the envelope together.

I threaded the bit of string through the hole in the remaining circle stack and then placed the eyelet into the hole.

I then attached the eyelet to the top envelope flap. The string is sandwiched under the eyelet and held in place now that the eyelet has been set.

You simply wind the string around the two circle stacks to close the envelope! No messy glue or tape needed!

Now we can decorate the envelope. If you plan to decorate your envelope the way I did, you will need a box or padded mailer in order to mail your card. I do this sort of decorating when I am hand-delivering something, or if it is for a special occasion and I want to "splurge" on extra postage.

I found this cute umbrella die in my stash. (I think it may be a retired one from My Favorite Things.) I cut the base of the umbrella out of Blue Linen Artisan Cardstock, then I cut the umbrella panels from various paper scraps from the Refreshed Bundle 6x6 Paper Pad.

I assembled the little umbrella. So cute! {Sorry, so blurry!}

I stamped a little greeting onto Cream Linen Artisan Cardstock and attached it to the envelope front, then added my little umbrella. (And yes, it bothers the stuffing out of me that my umbrella handle is going the opposite way as all the printed umbrella handles!)

I then added some flowers and a pretty ribbon bow to the envelope. So pretty and full of spring colors and uplifting messages!

Tuck the card into the envelope, tie it closed and...

Send it off to make someone's day! Thank  you so much for looking!

Gloria Stengel: Scraps of Life

Authentique Supplies Used:
Refreshed 12" x 12" paper
Refreshed Bundle 6x6 Paper Pad
Artisan Cardstock: Blue Linen, Cream Linen

Additional Supplies: stamped sentiments, various die cuts, black ink, pre-made flowers, eyelets, string, various adhesives, envelope punch board