Hi There! It’s Lynda from Scrapbook with Lynda here to share some die cutting tips with you. This month I’ll be working with these fun supplies from Graphic 45, with a focus on various ways to use the policy envelope die set.
This post contains step by step instructions for assembling the policy envelope and ways to decorate it. In future posts we’ll look at some fun variations that can be made with this die and ways to use other dies in this set.
Die Cutting the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope
The first thing to consider when using the policy envelope die is what will show when the envelope is folded.
In my case the policy envelope will be a tuck spot in a junk journal, so the back will not be seen. That means I only need to focus the images showing on each flap.
My die cutting machine has a 6” opening, so I cut the paper 6” wide.
I like the green perfume bottle on this Graphic 45 paper, so I position the die with them showing on the flaps. To keep the die from moving I adhered it to the paper with washi tape.
For best results have the print you want on the outside of the envelope facing you and run it through a die cutting machine.
Next it’s time to cut out 4 of the small circles. They can be cut from the scraps left from cutting the envelope, but for this one I used a contrasting paper.
I like how this dark green looks with the bottle paper, so I cut the circles from it.
Adding Eyelets to the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope
For added strength I layered two of the circles together.
This is what the string will wrap around, so I want them to be very sturdy.
This step is optional, but I like how they look with dark brown ink applies to their edges.
Add an eyelet to the center of each circle, then using a crop-a-dile tool set an eyelet in the holes made by the die.
Some people assemble the envelope prior to adding the eyelets, but it’s to much easier to do when the envelope is flat.
Assembling the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope
Inking the flaps prior to assembling the policy envelope.
Inking around the policy envelope is optional, but I like how the brown ink edges look.
Fold on the dotted lines, then run a bone folder around the edges of the policy envelope to get a crisp crease.
Ink around the outside of the policy envelope with brown ink.
Add two lines of glue to the policy envelope. One along the edge of the inner flap, then another along the edge of the inside flap with the eyelet. Close the flaps, then hold in place until the glue sets.
Now, run a bead of glue along the bottom flap, then fold it up to close the bottom of the policy envelope.
Add the Closure String
Policy envelopes are classically closed with a string that wraps around the two circles.
I tied white bakers twine around the eyelet on the top flap.
Wrap the twine around the two circles, then cut to length. You can leave the twine like this, but I decided to add a bit more detail.
Cut a 1/2” circle from contrasting Graphic 45 paper with a circle punch.
Ink the edge to cover the white core.
Add glue to the circle, then place the end of the twine on it.
A small round sticker from the collection completes the look.
Here’s what it looks like with the twine wrapped around the closure. This policy envelope is pretty as it is, but I decided to dress mine up a bit.
Decorating the Policy Envelope
Added a bit of inked book page behind a sticker, then glue it on two sides to create a tuck spot.
Make a tiny tag from a bit of scrap paper from the collection.
On the flip side I added some blank paper, so I can write on this tag.
Here’s how the policy envelope looks with the tag in place.
Policy Envelope Tag Insert
The policy envelope need to hold something, so I created this tag from the collection to go inside.
Cut one of the 3x4 pocket cards a bit smaller, so it would fit inside the policy envelope. Cut a piece of blank paper for the back, then ink them both with brown ink.
Glue the blank paper to the back of the tag, then slip it inside the policy envelope and you are done!
A Look at the Completed Policy Envelope
Here’s what the policy envelope looks like on the outside.
It has a tuck spot that holds a tag.
The tag on the front is removable and you can journal on the back.
Open the policy envelope to find the journal card inside.
Policy Envelope Decoration Alternatives
The above example is a vertical policy envelope, but you can make horizontal ones too.
This policy envelope will make a great tuck spot in my junk journal.
The beautiful lady is attached on 2 sides, so it forms a tuck spot for a small tag.
Inside is another 3x4 pocket card that I cut down a bit, so it would fit inside the policy envelope.
Here’s another example of a vertical policy envelope. The framed portrait of a lady is attached on 2 sides, to it too is a tuck spot for a small tag.
Inside the policy envelope is a 3x4 pocket card cut down to fit. And on this one I decorated the inside of the flap with inked book page and a strip of pattern paper.
These three policy envelopes all started with the same policy envelope die, but their decoration makes each one unique. They will all be added to my junk journal, but you can use them to hold gift cards or special messages.
I’ll be back again soon to show you some other things you can do with this versatile die set. In the meantime, stop by my blog to see some of my other creations. You can also find some of my paper crafting on Instagram and Facebook.
Happy Scrapping!
Lynda
@scrapbookwithlynda