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.

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.

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 matc