Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Make a Handmade Paper Envelope. Most envelopes made from paper are without much
character. You can create a unique handmade paper envelope using the following steps.
You will need An envelope A cardboard or plastic sheet A craft knife A mold and deckle A vat
of paper pulp A flat surface A damp cloth Glue Two flat picture frames (optional) Screen
(optional) and sizing solution (optional). Step 1. Unfold an envelope and trace its shape
on a piece of cardboard or thick plastic that is the same size as your mold and deckle.
Cut out the shape using the knife to create an envelope stencil. The mold is a frame with
a screen stretched across the top. The deckle sits on top of the mold and keeps the pulp
from running off. Find them at a crafts store, or construct your own from two flat picture
frames with a screen attached to one of them. Step 2. Place the cardboard stencil between
your mold and deckle. Dip the mold and deckle with the stencil sandwiched in between into
a vat of paper pulp at a 45-degree angle, and draw them toward you. Step 3. Raise the
mold, deckle, and stencil to the surface in one continuous movement. Then remove them
from the pulp. Allow the water to drain. Shake the mold and deckle from side to side to allow
the paper fibers to settle. Step 4. Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp
inside the stencil to a flat surface covered by a damp cloth. Place the mold upside down
on the surface, tap it a few times, and then raise it up and let the paper dry. If you
plan to write on the envelope, coat it first with a sizing solution made by boiling ½
teaspoon gelatin in 1 cup of water. Step 5. Fold the side and bottom flaps of the envelope
and glue them down. Did you know The first envelopes are believed to have been made of
clay.