Making your own envelopes out of glossy magazine ads/layouts, wallpaper, etc. is becoming increasingly popular with mail artists. The simplest way is to just make a cardboard or plastic template (open an envelope the size you want and trace around it), then overlay the template on the envelope paper, trace around it and cut out your envelope. You can assemble your envelope with Miracle Tape or a permanent glue. Purists may want to make their own envelope glue for the flaps.
MAKING ENVELOPE GLUE
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons white vinegar
4 1 oz. packets unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or any flavor that you like)
Bring vinegar to a boil in a small pan. Add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Add extract and stir until mixed. Brush on thin layer onto back of an envelope flap. Let dry. Moisten to apply.
Store excess glue in a sealed container and melt again for future use by putting in a pan of warm water.
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