Learn how to decorate envelopes that are perfect for sending as happy mail! These ideas also make great party or holiday invites. So fun!
I don’t know about you, but I don’t really enjoy getting the mail these days. I don’t even have a mailbox at my house anymore! I live in the Northwestern United States and here we have boxes in the middle of our neighborhood.
Packages are delivered at the front door (yay!) but everything else gets shoved into my mailbox. And it isn’t good stuff either . . . it’s bills, catalogs (I need to get off those lists), and flyers.
So not very awesome.
Nobody sends cards anymore, or fun letters. Every once in awhile there’s an invitation to a party or wedding, but a lot of those have gone digital too. It’s tragic, really. So can I propose something? We need to bring back happy mail!
That doesn’t mean we have to go crazy. Maybe just sending one nice note to a friend, at least once a month? That sounds like a fun idea to me and something I’m willing to try. Because if I’m making a suggestion to you, I need to be willing to give it a go myself.
So today I’m going to show you fun ways to decorate envelopes so we can get this party started!
There are a variety of ways to decorate an envelope ranging from easy to a little more involved. You can use glitter, confetti, markers, watercolors, washi tape, paint, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, and more.
My guess is that one or more of these ideas will inspire you and that you already have the supplies for several in your home. Plus they’re for all levels, so don’t be intimidated.
The next time you send out a Christmas card, a party invitation, a congratulations card, or even your utility bill payment – decorate the envelope!! You know that no matter who sees it, you’re going to put a smile on someone’s face.
And don’t we all need that kind of light and love these days? I say yes.
Take a peek at the envelope decorating ideas below and let me know which ones you’d try (or have tried) in the comments. There’s always a reason to celebrate when you get to be creative as far as I’m concerned.
Happy crafting!
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Glitter Envelopes
Learn how to make glitter lined envelopes using cardstock and simple supplies.
These unique envelopes were done with vivid watercolor paints and Sakura pens, which I have for adult coloring (and I love). The light colored pens look great over dark backgrounds.
There really is nothing better for adding personality to the most basic of envelopes than washi tape! It's easy to make stickers and different designs using these tips.
Kimberly has a few ideas in this post, but I really like the freehand sketching over asymmetrical shapes with markers! This is fun and easy even if you don't feel like you're good at hand drawing.
Do you have some paint and a round spouncer? Then you can make polka dots on any surface you like! Make them all one color or switch it up by using a variety of colors.
The combination of doodles and washi tape on these envelopes really floats my boat! If you don't feel comfortable with the freehand drawing, you can use stencils and washi for the same effect.
Vibrant watercolors were used to make the rainbow here, then white ink was used to write the address on top. You can get a video in the post to see exactly how it was made.
Maybe you're looking for something quick and easy to add a personal touch, without making a big mess? These scrapbook paper liners will be perfect for you!
Border punches are perfect for creating small strips that look great inside of the envelope flat when you open it! It's a small touch, but one that makes a huge impact. You can get any punch you like and use any paper you like.
For those who are looking to make an impact with their decorated envelopes but don't have the supplies, you're going to love this post. You can get freebies that you print out and place on the inside.
This decorating idea is perfect for the plant lady (or lord) in your life! I love that Bonnie did a sketch first and even experimented with colors, then transferred her final design to the envelope.
Nothing says Halloween better than a jack o' lantern! Use his mouth as your address area, and then wait for the recipient to text you a virtual squeal immediately upon receipt.
Learn how to make an envelope liner to fit any envelope using wrapping paper. It's an inexpensive and easy way to snazz up your wedding and party invites.
There are five ways to decorate Christmas envelopes in this post, and it's hard to pick which one is my favorite! All of them are easy, even for beginners.
Sometimes you just need a pick me up or a few sayings of encouragement! Everyone does, right? Give them the gift of kind and encouraging words by writing them on an envelope.
Nothing says autumn like pumpkins, warm-colored leaves, and curly vines! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create autumn-inspired envelope art that incorporates all of those things. If you don't feel your artistic skills are up to the task, there’s a free printable that will prove to be very helpful!
If you're nervous about sketching on the front of an envelope, stamping provides the art without the advanced skill set. Use rainbow inks for some cool effects.
As long as you have access to a piece of paper (newspaper, printout, magazine) with an interesting element printed on it, you can create this project. You can use the element as the basis for your theme.
There are some good tips here for trying out various color combinations before beginning your project! The intensity of the markers works well in making pretty patterns on your envelopes that impress the recipients.
I’ve done envelopes with fancy hand lettering, doodles, stickers, water color background, and rub-on accents. The recipients LOVE them! You can also make your own envelopes from old calendars, fast food bags, or maps by using a traced template or an envelope maker (Stampin Up or Michael’s brand). All super fun! Thanks for the additional ideas!
Amy
Friday 26th of May 2023
I need to get me an envelope maker! Thank you for the kind comment :D
Michelle V
Friday 26th of May 2023
I’ve done envelopes with fancy hand lettering, doodles, stickers, water color background, and rub-on accents. The recipients LOVE them! You can also make your own envelopes from old calendars, fast food bags, or maps by using a traced template or an envelope maker (Stampin Up or Michael’s brand). All super fun! Thanks for the additional ideas!
Amy
Friday 26th of May 2023
I need to get me an envelope maker! Thank you for the kind comment :D