How to Make Envelopes for Junk Journals: Easy No-Measure Methods
How to Make Envelopes for Junk Journals: Easy No-Measure Methods 📝✉️
Ever stared at your junk journal, wondering how to add those cute envelopes you’ve seen everywhere? 🤔
I’ve been there, and I’m here to help!
Today, I’m breaking down Treasure Books Natasa’s awesome tutorial on making envelopes without any measuring.
Let’s dive in!
Why Should I Add Envelopes to My Junk Journal? 🤷♀️
Envelopes are more than just pretty additions:
- They add texture and interest to your pages
- Perfect for tucking away little treasures or notes
- Great way to use up scrap paper
- Customizable to fit your journal’s theme
- Provide interactive elements for your readers
- Can serve as mini pockets or tuck spots
- Add a vintage feel to your journal
What Will I Learn in This Tutorial? 📚
Natasa’s video covers:
- 4 main envelope styles
- No-measure, no-tool techniques
- How to use various paper types
- Quick embellishment ideas
- Bonus envelope ideas
- Tips for binding envelopes into journals
Let’s break it down!
How Do I Make Wonky Envelopes? 🌀
First up: wonky, asymmetrical envelopes.
These are super easy and fun!
- Grab any paper (book pages work great!)
- Make 4 folds (no measuring)
- Mark where folds meet
- Cut freehand around the marks
- Glue sides
- Decorate as desired
Pro tip: Leave more on the side flaps for a better seal.
Natasa mentions that these wonky envelopes look really interesting in a journal because they’re so different.
You can make them long and narrow or more square-shaped.
The key is to embrace the imperfection!
What About Symmetrical Envelopes? 📐
Same principle, different result:
- Follow steps 1-3 from wonky envelopes
- Instead of freehand cutting, just cut the corners off
- Trim edges for a neater look
- Glue and decorate
Natasa loves using tea-dyed paper for these.
So vintage! 🍵
She also suggests playing around with different closures and using punches to add interest to the flaps.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different papers – music sheets, old book pages, or even colorful scrapbook paper can work great!
How Can I Make Asymmetrical Straight-Edge Envelopes? 📏
This one’s a bit trickier, but still no measuring:
- Use A4 or any rectangular paper
- Find the middle (just fold in half quickly)
- Fold bottom up to middle, then top down
- Create small folds on sides
- Trim excess triangles
- Glue and embellish
These look super professional, especially with book pages!
Natasa points out that this style is great for creating different sizes.
By adjusting where you make your folds, you can create larger or smaller envelopes.
She also suggests using the cut-off triangles as decorative elements on other envelopes or journal pages – waste not, want not! 💡
Can I Use Square Paper for Envelopes? 🟥
Absolutely! Natasa shows two sizes:
- 12×12 inch paper
- 6×6 inch paper
Perfect for using up scrapbook paper pads!
Steps:
- Find middle
- Fold sides to middle
- Fold bottom up, top down
- Trim, glue, decorate
Pro tip: Use doilies for instant prettiness! 🌼
Natasa mentions that this is a great way to use up papers you’re not particularly fond of.
That summer-themed paper you’ll never use?
Turn it into a cute envelope!
It’s all about giving new life to your crafting stash.
How Do I Embellish My Envelopes? 🎨
Natasa’s got some great ideas:
- Use leftover paper scraps
- Add lace or doilies
- Sew around edges for texture
- Use stamps or stickers
- Add vintage elements like old buttons
- Layer different papers for depth
- Use washi tape for quick decoration
- Add tags or tuck spots to the front
Remember: There’s no “perfect” embellishment.
Use what you love!
Natasa emphasizes that embellishing is where you can really let your creativity shine.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements.
Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations turn out the best!
Any Bonus Envelope Ideas? 🎁
Natasa shares a few extra envelope styles:
- Book page + lace envelopes
- Great for a shabby chic look
- Combines the vintage feel of book pages with the delicacy of lace
- Origami-style square envelopes
- Perfect for adding an Asian-inspired touch to your journals
- Can be made from any square paper
- Flip-down journaling spaces (not quite envelopes, but close!)
- Adds interactive elements to your journal
- Great for hidden journaling or extra writing space
- Mini book page envelopes
- Adorable tiny envelopes
- Perfect for tucking small treasures or notes
These are great for adding variety to your journals.
Natasa suggests mixing and matching these styles throughout your journal for added interest.
How Do I Add Envelopes to My Journal? 📒
Good question!
Natasa suggests:
- Leave envelope open
- Bind into journal
- Once journal is complete, glue envelope shut
This way, your envelope sits perfectly in your journal.
She also mentions that you can add envelopes in different ways:
- Glue directly onto a page
- Use as a page itself
- Attach with washi tape for a removable option
- Create a flip-out by only gluing one side
Do I Need Special Tools? 🔨
Nope!
That’s the beauty of Natasa’s methods.
You’ll need:
- Paper (any kind!)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Optional: sewing machine, ink for edges
Natasa emphasizes that you don’t need any fancy tools or measurements.
It’s all about working with what you have and embracing imperfection.
Can I Really Do This as a Beginner? 🐣
Absolutely!
Natasa’s techniques are super beginner-friendly.
Remember:
- It doesn’t have to be perfect
- Practice makes progress
- Have fun with it!
Natasa encourages viewers to just dive in and start creating.
She points out that even if an envelope doesn’t turn out quite right, you can always cover it with embellishments or use it as a learning experience for your next attempt.
What If My Envelopes Turn Out Wonky? 🥴
Embrace it!
Natasa shows that even when envelopes don’t turn out perfectly symmetrical or straight, they can still look amazing in a journal.
She suggests:
- Using embellishments to hide imperfections
- Turning “mistakes” into design features
- Remembering that handmade charm is part of the appeal
How Can I Make My Envelopes Unique? 🦄
Natasa offers several ideas:
- Mix different paper types in one envelope
- Create themed envelopes for different journal sections
- Add hidden messages or artwork inside the envelope
- Create see-through sections with vellum or lace
- Use non-traditional materials like fabric or old maps
The key is to let your imagination run wild!
Wrapping Up 🎀
There you have it!
Four main envelope styles, plus bonus ideas, all without measuring.
Natasa’s techniques are perfect for adding that special touch to your junk journals.
Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment.
Don’t stress about perfection – that’s the beauty of junk journaling!
Each envelope you create is unique and adds character to your journal.
Natasa’s tutorial shows that you don’t need fancy tools or perfect measurements to create beautiful, functional envelopes.
Whether you’re using old book pages, scrapbook paper, or even junk mail, you can turn it into something special for your journal.
So, are you ready to start creating?
Grab some paper and let’s make some envelopes! 🎉✉️
Your junk journal is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Remember, practice makes progress.
Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect.
Each envelope you make will be better than the last, and before you know it, you’ll be creating envelopes like a pro!
Got questions?
Stuck on a step? Drop them in the comments below.
I’d love to hear about your envelope-making adventures and see what you create.
Happy crafting, everyone! 🖍️📔
Check out more junk journal tips and tutorials here:
