Thanks for visiting Craft Critique! If you've come here from a
search engine or from a direct link, you might be missing out
on more content! Please visit CraftCritique.com. And for more amazing content such as projects, artist interviews and more, sign up for our Monthly Newsletter.
Reported by: Tracy Schultz
When you're a cardmaker, one of the things you always need on hand are lots of envelopes. If you're a frugal crafter, you might be tempted to make your own envelopes from a template. I'm here to tell you- don't waste your money on the JudiKins A2 Envelope Template. (Sorry JudiKins!)I bought the JudiKins A2 Envelope Template about a year ago thinking I would become a stamping all-star and make wonderful matching envelopes to coordinate with my cards. Little did I know how much work it would be to actually use this particular template!
First thing's first- you have to buy some quality paper to make your envelopes with. Copy paper just isn't going to cut it, unless you want to be able to see through your envies. And you know what- that paper isn't cheap either! I used some linen resume paper I had in my stash which saved me a bit of moolah (hopefully I won't be needing to send out any resumes soon).
The template is a nice heavy plastic, which I like. Lay the template over your paper, then using a pencil, trace around the outside of the template. Use your bone folder to score in the slots on the template. Then take your craft scissors and cut your template out along the pencil lines you just drew.
Having fun yet? Because you're not done! After you cut the envelope out, you need to fold along all of the score lines. Then you can either apply glue or tape to the side flaps and fold the bottom flap up, sealing tightly. You'll want to invest in some lick-able envelope glue to apply to the top flap if you plan on giving these as part of a gift set. You can use regular glue if you're using them for yourself.
And (phew!) you're FINALLY finished making that ONE envelope. If you're half as coordinated as I am, the envelope will take almost as long to make as the card going inside of it.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Available online and in large craft stores
- Made of a nice, durable plastic
- Takes too many steps to make the envelope
- Can't tear or fold along the edge of the template
- Did I mention how LONG it takes to make one envelope?
I'm only giving this template a 4 out of 10. It gets that high of a rating because it didn't cost me a ton of money and if you don't mind taking the extra time it's not that bad to use. But otherwise I'd recommend saving your money!
The JudiKins A2 Envelope Template retails for $4.50 and is available at Mister Art and Blockheads Paper Arts, as well as JoAnn's and your local big-box craft store.
4 Comments:
Yep this does look too time consuming. I checked out the other one you mentioned though and I would probably buy that one. Thanks for the review!
Lindastamps
Boy OH Boy!! I couldn't disagree with you more! I have this template and when I first got it, it took some time to make but wait
I liked the idea I could match my card with the envelope. Just like everything else practice makes things easier. I can now make my evelopes with ease!! You might have given up too soon.
Could you use a craft knife to trim around the template instead of drawing a line and then cutting that line? If so that would save a lot of time.
Thank you all for your comments!
Angela, I definitely agree that the more you use the template, the faster one gets at making the envelope. Even with that, I still find it too time-consuming.
I'm the kind of gal who likes to have a stack of envies on hand to use. And yes, you probably could use a craft knife to cut around the template, as long as you're careful not to cut over the template itself.
Thank you all for your comments!
Post a Comment