I hand-line envelopes for some of my cards. It’s not a challenging task, but it does require time and patience. I spent the morning making liners, and I photographed each step so that I could share the process with you!

{Step 1} Paper Selection

I use wrapping paper, but most thin papers will work.  Since my paper is large and rolled, I cut it down to a managable size and tape the corners to the table. You’ll figure out what works best for you.

{Step 2} Trace Your Liner Template

You can buy templates at Paper Source, but those work best with their envelopes. The envelopes I use have a very different flap, so I made my own template out of a cereal box and it works just fine. I always use a pencil when I’m tracing. That way, if your hand slips or the template moves, you can correct your mistakes.

{Step 3} Cut Out Your Liners

I used to put a magazine under my paper (to protect the table) and then cut out each liner using an x-acto knife. I don’t recommend that method if you’re making a lot, because it’s very time consuming. Now I use scissors to cut out the rough rows of liners and my paper cutter to cut along my pencil marks. I find that it really speeds up the job and makes straighter cuts.

{Step 4} Glue The Liners Into The Envelopes

Before gluing anything down, I make sure that I erase any left over or stray pencil marks. Sometime they can show through the envelope, and that’s not very classy!

I find that a glue stick works best for this step. Make sure you align the liner correctly: straight and lined up with the adhesive on the flap of the envelope. Fold the flap of the envelope backwards. Apply glue to the exposed back of the liner (the part that attaches to the flap is the only part that is actually glued to the envelope). Then press the flap and liner together.

{Step 5} Make The Crease

Use a bone folder to re-fold the flap of the envelope and create the crease in the liner. Make sure to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with the bone folder. You can definitely do this without a bone folder, but I find the results are crisper if I use the tool. A wooden or plastic ruler would probably work as well. Allow to dry. Ta-da! You have a lined envelope!

{Step 6} Use Your Fancy New Envelope!

Write a card, stick it in your envelope, and send it to somebody special!

Tags: Add new tag, crafts, DIY, envelope, envelope liner, glue, glue stick, hand-lined, how to, liner, tutorial

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