Shaped Edge Envelopes: Send A Handmade Card In Style!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE SHAPED EDGE ENVELOPES DESIGNS

First, download my Shaped Edge Envelopes files from my free library – look for Design #640. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the SVG folder, you’ll find “score” and “no-score” versions of all four designs (rose, hearts, peacock, and flower) to cut on a cutting machine. The “score” versions use a scoring tool to make the crease lines, and the “noscore” versions use dashed cut lines instead. There is also a DXF folder with cut files, and a PDF folder with versions you can print and cut by hand.

I’ll demonstrate with the “score” version of the flower design because it creates a smoother result than the dashed cut lines. You can use these steps to make any of the envelopes.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR SHAPED EDGE ENVELOPE DESIGN

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse.”
4. Select the SVG file of your choice, then click “OK.”
   NOTE: I’ll pick the “score” version of the flower design.
5. Click “Continue.”
6. Click “Upload” to add the design to your Canvas.
   
7. Click “Save” and give your project a name.
8. “Ungroup” the design.
   NOTE: If you’re using the “score” version like I am, there are three layers on your Canvas: the shaped edge envelope, a rectangle without color (still grouped with the envelope), and the shaped liner for the envelope’s flap.
   
9. In the Layers panel, click the arrow to expand the group with your envelope layer and the rectangle layer.
   
10. Click on the layer with the rectangle.
    NOTE: The layer will just look like a rectangle and the Color Box next to “Operation” will show red, which is how I indicate lines that will be scored.
11. Click “Operation,” then select the “Score” option from the drop-down menu so the machine knows to score instead of cut these lines.
    NOTE: On the Canvas, the lines will turn from solid to dashed.
    
12. If you want to change the color of your envelope, select just its Cut layer in the Layers Panel and then click the Color Box to do so now by picking a different color in the menu.
    
    NOTE: It’s easier to change the color of a layer before Attaching it to another layer.
13. On the Canvas, drag a bounding box around the envelope and the score lines to select both layers.
14. Click the “Attach” icon below the Layers Panel so your machine will score and cut the piece correctly.
    
15. If you want to change the color of the envelope’s flap liner, select it and use the Color Box to do so.
16. Your project is ready to cut!
    
    
    
    CUTTING

1. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
2. Click “Make.”
3. On the Prepare screen, select the correct Material Size for your materials.
   NOTE: I’ll use the “12 in x 12 in” setting to match my cardstock.
   
4. Once you are satisfied with your mat layouts, select the first mat again and click “Continue.”
5. On the Make screen, set the Base Material for your first mat.
   NOTE: Mine has the liner shape, which I’ll cut from white cardstock. I’ll use the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” material setting because it cuts the 65 lb cardstock well.
6. Change the “Pressure” to “More” for cleaner cuts.
   
7. Place your first color of cardstock face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
   
8. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
9. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
10. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
11. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
12. When it has finished cutting, don’t unload the mat right away. Gently lift a corner of the cardstock to make sure the cuts went all the way through. If not, press the “Go” button again to make a second pass of cuts in the same spots.
    
13. When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the cardstock.
    TIP: If you have any issues with your cuts, go to jennifermaker.com/blades for my best tips.
14. When you get to your mat with your envelope, make sure the settings match your material.
    NOTE: You can use either 65 lb or 80 lb cardstock for the envelopes. I recommend using the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” with “More” Pressure for both for the best results.
15. If you’re using the “score” version like I am, follow the screen prompts to select and add your scoring tool.
    NOTE: I’ll use the Scoring Stylus, so I’ll click “Edit Tools” to open the “Tool Options” menu. Then I’ll click “Scoring Stylus” and “Apply” to select it.
    TIP: If you’re using the dashed cut line version, you won’t see the scoring tool prompts.
    
16. Load the next color of cardstock on your mat, then follow Steps 7-13 above to cut and unload your mat.
    TIP: Use the spatula to help lift delicate parts, and your weeding tool to poke out small bits of cardstock that may have been left behind.
    
17. Use a scraper tool to remove the small bits left on your mat after you remove the cut pieces.
    
    

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR SHAPED EDGE ENVELOPE

1. Lay your envelope with the crease lines face down.
   TIP: If you’re not sure on the orientation, refer to your Cricut Design Space Canvas.
2. Fold upwards along the crease lines (scores if you used the “score” file like me, or dashed cut lines if you used the “noscore” file) on all four sides.
   TIP: Line up a ruler on the crease line, and use a spatula to help lift the cardstock off the mat.
   
3. With the envelope face down and the shaped edge side in the top position, fold the two side tabs in.
   
   TIP: Run a Scraper tool along the folds to help sharpen the edges.
4. Fold the bottom panel up to see how much it covers the side tabs, so you know where the glue needs to go.
   
5. Unfold the bottom panel, and apply thin lines of craft glue to the side tabs where the bottom will overlap them.
   NOTE: Avoid getting glue too close to the edges of the tabs and wipe away any excess so the envelope doesn’t get sealed shut.
6. Fold the bottom panel up and press the sides down onto the tabs to adhere the panel in place.
   
7. Gently run a finger or your weeding tool inside the envelope to unstick the insides in case any glue escapes.
8. With the envelope open, place the liner on the top panel to make sure its shaped edge matches the envelope’s.
   TIP: If the edges don’t match, try flipping the liner over.
9. Set the liner aside, keeping it facing the right way.
10. Apply thin lines of craft glue to the envelope’s shaped flap along the outside edge of the cut pattern, and place small dots of glue on all the inner areas, avoiding the cutouts.
    
    TIP: Work quickly to keep the glue from drying.
11. Hold the liner over the glued section to recheck the orientation and align the straight edge just above the crease on the envelope, then lower it in place.
    NOTE: A thin border of the envelope’s color will show around the liner.
    
12. Press and smooth the glued areas to adhere the liner to the envelope.
13. Wipe away any excess glue with a paper towel, then let the envelope dry completely.
14. Your shaped edge envelope is ready!
    
    
    
    

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a cute envelope with a shaped edge! Insert a 4” x 6” card, a folded letter, or other note into the envelope, and then use a small Zot glue dot to seal the flap before sending!