May 30, 2023

From Blank to Beautiful: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Your Envelopes

Have you ever received a letter or card in the mail that was so beautifully decorated you almost didn't want to open it?

Well, now you can be the one creating those stunning envelopes with our step-by-step guide. Whether you're sending out wedding invitations, thank you notes, or want to add a touch of creativity to your everyday mail, this guide will take you from blank to beautiful in no time.

You don't need to be a professional artist or calligrapher to create eye-catching designs. With just a few simple tools and techniques, you'll be able to transform any plain envelope into a work of art. So, grab your pens, stamps, and stickers, and let's get started on creating envelopes that will make your recipients smile before they even read the message inside.

A photo of a kraft brown envelope with a pastel pink wax seal. The envelope is suspended in the air by a wooden peg and a length of twine.

Materials YOU CAN USE for envelope decoration

Before decorating your envelopes, you'll need to gather a few supplies. These supplies can be found at any craft store, and many can be found online. Here are the materials you may need (or want) to use:

Envelopes - Make sure they are made of sturdy, high-quality material to handle the weight of your decorations.
Pens - Gel pens, metallic pens, and brush pens are all great options.
Stickers - Look for stickers that match your colour scheme or theme. You can find stickers in all shapes and sizes.
Stamps - Stamps are a great way to add a design to your envelope without having to draw it yourself. Look for stamps that match your theme or message.
Ink pads - You'll need ink pads to use with your stamps. Look for ink pads in a variety of colours.
Washi tape - Washi tape is a decorative tape that comes in many colours and patterns. It's perfect for adding a pop of colour to your envelopes.
Ribbon - Ribbon can be used to tie around your envelope or to create a bow. Look for ribbons in a variety of materials, colours and textures.
Charms - Charms and dried flowers can be tied onto your envelopes with ribbon or added with glue.
Wax seal stamps and sealing wax - Add a touch of tradition to your envelopes. This time-honoured method looks elegant and luxurious.

Now that you have your supplies, let's move on to choosing a colour scheme and theme.

Choosing a colour scheme and theme

The first step in decorating your envelopes is to choose a colour scheme and theme. This will help you create a cohesive look. Here are a few tips for choosing a colour scheme and theme:

Consider the occasion - If you're sending out wedding invitations, you may want to choose colours that match the wedding colour scheme. If you're sending out birthday invitations, you may want to choose colours that match the party theme (orange and greens for a jungle/safari party, for example).
Keep it simple - Don't go overboard with too many colours or patterns. Stick to two or three colours and a simple pattern.
Choose colours that complement each other - Look for colours that look good together. You can use a colour wheel to help you choose complementary colours. Canva's colour wheel is an incredibly helpful tool.

Once you've chosen your colour scheme and theme, it's time to start decorating your envelopes.

A flat lay of a kraft brown envelope with a piece of paper poking out of the top. Lying next to the envelope is a bunch of dried flowers and eucalyptus plant.

Tips for addressing envelopes

Before you start adding embellishments to your envelopes, you'll need to address them. Here are a few tips for addressing your envelopes:

Use a ruler - Use a ruler to make sure your address is straight and centred on the envelope
Choose a font - Choose a font that matches your theme. You can use a calligraphy font or a simple sans-serif font
Use a lightbox - If you're using a calligraphy font, you can use a lightbox to trace the letters onto the envelope
Use a white gel pen - If you're using a dark envelope, use a white gel pen to address the envelope
Use clear labels - If you're not comfortable addressing the envelope by hand, you can use clear labels to print the address and stick it onto the envelope

Now that you've addressed your envelopes, it's time to start adding personal touches.

Adding personal touches

Stickers, stamps, and washi tape are all great ways to add a personal touch to your envelopes. Here are a few ideas:

Use stickers - Stickers can easily add a pop of colour to your envelopes. You can use stickers that match your theme or message.
Use stamps - Use stamps to add a design to your envelope. As we mentioned before, stamps allow you to add text and illustrations without having to draw them yourself.
Use washi tape - Use washi tape to create a border around your envelope or to add a strip of colour. You can also use washi tape to create a pattern on your envelope.
Use a Polaroid - A cute Polaroid photo (perhaps of you and your friend or a snap of the happy couple) adds a touching memento. The recipient(s) can keep the polaroid.

Remember to keep it simple and not go overboard with too many decorations. Now let's move on to embellishments.

A shot of two white envelopes lying on a table next to a sprig of dried flowers (gypsophila and red roses).

Embellishments

Embellishments are a great way to add some extra flair to your envelopes. Here are a few ideas:

Use ribbon - Use ribbon or twine to tie around your envelope or to create a bow.
Use charms - Charms add a decorative element to your envelope. You can tie the charm onto the envelope with twine or glue it onto the envelope.
Use a wax seal - Use a wax seal to add a vintage touch to your envelope. You can use a stamp to create a design on the wax seal itself.
Use dried flowers - You can also attach a small sprig of dried flowers with a piece of tape. Elegant and pretty.

Again, less is more when it comes to embellishments. Now let's move on to hand lettering and calligraphy.

Hand lettering and calligraphy

Hand lettering and calligraphy are great ways to add a personal touch to your envelopes. Here are a few tips:

Use a calligraphy pen - Use a calligraphy pen to write out the address or a name on your envelope.
Use a lightbox - It's handy to use a lightbox to trace the letters
Practice - Practice your hand lettering or calligraphy on a separate piece of paper before writing on your envelope.
Keep it simple - Don't try to do too much with your hand lettering or calligraphy. Keep it simple and elegant.

Now that you have some ideas for decorating your envelopes, let's take a look at where you can find even more inspiration...

A flat lay of a blank piece of paper on a white desk surrounded by calligraphy tools - pens, inks, brushes and an ink palette.

Resources for envelope decoration inspiration

Here are a few resources for envelope decoration inspiration:

Pinterest - Search for envelope decoration ideas on Pinterest
Instagram - Search for envelope decoration ideas on Instagram using hashtags like #envelopedecoration
Magazines - Look for envelope decoration ideas in craft or wedding magazines
Greeting cards - Look for envelope decoration ideas inspired by the greeting card itself

It's time to get creative and start decorating your envelopes.

With just a few simple tools and techniques, you can transform any plain envelope into a work of art. Remember to choose a simple colour scheme and theme, address your envelopes, and add personal touches and embellishments. You can also try your hand at hand lettering and calligraphy.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Your recipients will love receiving mail that is not only thoughtful but beautiful as well.