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project: handmade painted envelope

Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Yesterday I shared some little printable Valentines, and today I'll show you one way you can make an envelope for them. This envelope could be made for lots of other purposes too, in different sizes and made with other materials. I love projects that can be changed in many ways, and this is one of them.

Here's what you need:
Clear vinyl (the kind on the big rolls...I used a medium weight)
Acrylic paint
Plain fabric
Embroidery floss
Envelope Template PDF
(plus paint brush, scissors, needle)

Vinyl Valentine Envelope
Vinyl Valentine Envelope
Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Begin by painting on the vinyl. Hearts are good for this time of year, but there are lots of ways to do this. My little sister wanted to give it a try too...her painting is the bottom photo, but I haven't made it into an envelope yet.

Let the paint dry for AT LEAST an hour. Once it's dry, you can proceed, or add another layer of paint and let it dry.

Vinyl Valentine Envelope
Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Use the template pieces and cut out the vinyl. Cut a second set of pieces from the plain fabric.

Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Cut a slit as shown on the template into the back piece of the vinyl. Do not cut this slit in the fabric.

Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Lay the painted side of the vinyl DOWN (against the fabric). This will prevent the paint from scratching off.

Start with the back piece, and stitch the vinyl to the fabric along the concave curve. DON'T pin the pieces together, because it will leave holes in the vinyl. You just need to hold them as tightly as possible. Clothespins or other clips may help if it's still slipping as you sew.

Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Now, add the front piece, and stitch around the bottom of the envelope. Continue around the top flap, then secure with a knot. (You may notice that I opted to cut the little tab off of the fabric, and leave it only on the vinyl. This is up to you.)

Vinyl Valentine Envelope

Your envelope is all finished and ready for a Valentine! Just tuck the tab into the slit to hold it closed.

Vinyl Valentine Envelope
Vinyl Valentine Envelope
Vinyl Valentine Envelope

What are some other ways you might consider using an envelope like this? How about other ways you could try using painted vinyl?

8 comments:

  1. So nice! :) Good idea for a great Valentine's detail!

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  2. What a cute idea! Love it!

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  3. Anonymous12:35 PM

    Mollie,

    I said before and I'll say it again - YOU COME UP WITH THE GREATEST IDEAS!!! (That's me yelling it this time.) Not just Valentines but any holiday or birthday. Gift card holders, small candies, gift certificates, un-blown up balloons, confetti etc... Hey, what about your mini books? Vinyl decorated with Christmas trees, snowflakes, Easter eggs, flowers, shamrocks, flags, jack-o-lanterns, apples, glitter, cutouts, confetti etc...

    Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this idea! I think I might just try this... :)

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  5. Too cute!! (:
    Thanks for sharing! :D

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. this is TOO cute!

    grace
    http://herumbrella.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Handmade Gift Card envelopes are easy to manage as you have all the stuff on hand..I wish to use it for my own.

    ReplyDelete

I often reply to comments in the comments...check back if you have a question!