How to Assemble and Decorate a Policy Envelope

Hi There! It’s Lynda from Scrapbook with Lynda here to share some die cutting tips with you. This month I’ll be working with these fun supplies from Graphic 45, with a focus on various ways to use the policy envelope die set.

This post contains step by step instructions for assembling the policy envelope and ways to decorate it. In future posts we’ll look at some fun variations that can be made with this die and ways to use other dies in this set.

Die Cutting the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope

The first thing to consider when using the policy envelope die is what will show when the envelope is folded.

In my case the policy envelope will be a tuck spot in a junk journal, so the back will not be seen. That means I only need to focus the images showing on each flap.

My die cutting machine has a 6” opening, so I cut the paper 6” wide.

I like the green perfume bottle on this Graphic 45 paper, so I position the die with them showing on the flaps. To keep the die from moving I adhered it to the paper with washi tape.

For best results have the print you want on the outside of the envelope facing you and run it through a die cutting machine.

Next it’s time to cut out 4 of the small circles. They can be cut from the scraps left from cutting the envelope, but for this one I used a contrasting paper.

I like how this dark green looks with the bottle paper, so I cut the circles from it.

Adding Eyelets to the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope

For added strength I layered two of the circles together.

This is what the string will wrap around, so I want them to be very sturdy.

This step is optional, but I like how they look with dark brown ink applies to their edges.

Add an eyelet to the center of each circle, then using a crop-a-dile tool set an eyelet in the holes made by the die.

Some people assemble the envelope prior to adding the eyelets, but it’s to much easier to do when the envelope is flat.

Assembling the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope

Inking the flaps prior to assembling the policy envelope.

Inking around the policy envelope is optional, but I like how the brown ink edges look.

Fold on the dotted lines, then run a bone folder around the edges of the policy envelope to get a crisp crease.

Ink around the outside of the policy envelope with brown ink.

Add two lines of glue to the policy envelope. One along the edge of the inner flap, then another along the edge of the inside flap with the eyelet. Close the flaps, then hold in place until the glue sets.

Now, run a bead of glue along the bottom flap, then fold it up to close the bottom of the policy envelope.

Add the Closure String

Policy envelopes are classically closed with a string that wraps around the two circles.

I tied white bakers twine around the eyelet on the top flap.

Wrap the twine around the two circles, then cut to length. You can leave the twine like this, but I decided to add a bit more detail.

Cut a 1/2” circle from contrasting Graphic 45 paper with a circle punch.

Ink the edge to cover the white core.

Add glue to the circle, then place the end of the twine on it.

A small round sticker from the collection completes the look.

Here’s what it looks like with the twine wrapped around the closure. This policy envelope is pretty as it is, but I decided to dress mine up a bit.

Decorating the Policy Envelope

Added a bit of inked book page behind a sticker, then glue it on two sides to create a tuck spot.

Make a tiny tag from a bit of scrap paper from the collection.

On the flip side I added some blank paper, so I can write on this tag.

Here’s how the policy envelope looks with the tag in place.

Policy Envelope Tag Insert

The policy envelope need to hold something, so I created this tag from the collection to go inside.

Cut one of the 3x4 pocket cards a bit smaller, so it would fit inside the policy envelope. Cut a piece of blank paper for the back, then ink them both with brown ink.

Glue the blank paper to the back of the tag, then slip it inside the policy envelope and you are done!

A Look at the Completed Policy Envelope

Here’s what the policy envelope looks like on the outside.

It has a tuck spot that holds a tag.

The tag on the front is removable and you can journal on the back.

Open the policy envelope to find the journal card inside.

Policy Envelope Decoration Alternatives

The above example is a vertical policy envelope, but you can make horizontal ones too.

This policy envelope will make a great tuck spot in my junk journal.

The beautiful lady is attached on 2 sides, so it forms a tuck spot for a small tag.

Inside is another 3x4 pocket card that I cut down a bit, so it would fit inside the policy envelope.

Here’s another example of a vertical policy envelope. The framed portrait of a lady is attached on 2 sides, to it too is a tuck spot for a small tag.

Inside the policy envelope is a 3x4 pocket card cut down to fit. And on this one I decorated the inside of the flap with inked book page and a strip of pattern paper.

These three policy envelopes all started with the same policy envelope die, but their decoration makes each one unique. They will all be added to my junk journal, but you can use them to hold gift cards or special messages.

I’ll be back again soon to show you some other things you can do with this versatile die set. In the meantime, stop by my blog to see some of my other creations. You can also find some of my paper crafting on Instagram and Facebook.

Happy Scrapping!

Lynda
@scrapbookwithlynda

Creative Variations Using Graphic 45 Policy Envelope Die

Hi There! Lynda from Scrapbook with Lynda back with some fun variations made using the Graphic 45 policy envelope die. Graphic 45 Rose Bouquet collection

When I add a die to my tool box I look for ones that have multiple uses, like this policy envelope die from Graphic 45. The set contains lots of different dies from a policy envelope to decorative corners, but I look for things I can make beyond the standard cuts.

graphic 45, fotobella, envelope die, portrait of a lady

And as you’ve guessed that’s the topic of this blog post. Here are three different types of pockets I made using the policy envelope die that aren’t policy envelopes.

Vertical Tag and Pocket Made with the Graphic 45 Policy Envelope Die

First up is a vertical pocket and tag made using the policy envelope die.

The vertical pocket and tag will be added to my junk journal, but it’s a great way to give a gift card or add a journal spot to a mini album or scrapbook page.

For this pocket I turned the policy envelope upside down, meaning the top flap is at the bottom. By folding the top flap in first the hole cut by the die is covered. And I covered the hole on the side flap by placing it on the inside.

I made two tags for the vertical pocket from this beautiful Graphic 45 paper cut to size, then punched with the scallop corner chomper.

The larger tag fits inside the pocket, while the smaller one is tucked behind a decoration cut from the A Portrait of a Lady collection.

Horizontal Pocket and Tag

Yes, you can make the above tag in a horizontal fashion, but I constructed this tag a bit different.

Used the policy envelope die to cut the shape, then I cut off the top flap. When I glued the envelope together I folded the flap with the hole in it down first, then glued the other flap on top and the small one last.

Cut a piece of paper from the collection to size, then decorated it with a tiny tag and a quote.

Here’s how it looks with the tag inserted. I like the detail of the V shape on the right side that the die creates.

Deconstructed Envelope

The last thing I made with the policy envelope die is a deconstructed envelope.

Again I cut some of the paper with the policy envelope die to make this variation.

The deconstructed envelope is lined with blank paper, so it’s a great place to journal. And the blank paper covers the small holes cut by the die on the inside.

To cover the small hole on the outside of the bottom flap I cut a border strip using another die in the set, then positioned it so the hole is covered. Love the detail it adds.

Covered the small hole cut by the die on the right flap with an image cut from the paper collection. A paperclip decorated with a rosebud from Graphic 45 Rose Bouquet collection is the perfect closure for this deconstructed envelope.

From one single die I was able to make four different types of journal card holders for my junk journal. These three, plus of course the policy envelopes in my prior post.

I love it when a die is as versatile as this one, so it’s a great addition to my tool box.

Please stop back to see some creative ways to use other dies in this set in my next post on the FotoBella blog. In the meantime check out my Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook pages to see other projects I’m creating.

Happy Scrapping!

Lynda
Scrapbook with Lynda