In the Pink: Etsy Treasury

Origami artist Vicki Bolen from Little Bird de Papel was so kind to include my laser-cut paper birdcage in her lovely treasury. Vicki is suggesting that we stay "in the pink" while we're hovering between summer and fall (autumn). I think this is excellent advice: pink has always been one of my favorite colours and I can always use an excuse to wear it!

You'll find the treasury here.

I always admire origami artists, as I tend to fold (pardon the pun) before I can fold the paper in the right way. (I tend to get a little overwhelmed by all those diagrams of mountain and valley folds!) Vicki has her own web-site, as well as an Etsy shop where she sells her paper art! You will find all kinds of treasures from handmade boxes to origami paper cranes suitable to display outside! Definitely worth a visit!

Sleeves vs. Envelopes

Luxury Handmade Paper Sleeves by Almost Amsterdam

Luxury Handmade Envelopes with Modern Pointed Flap by Almost Amsterdam

When I am approached by people who have questions about my custom envelopes and paper sleeves/pouches/pockets (blog post found here) I am often not sure whether someone is in need of a paper sleeve/pouch/pocket or a proper envelope. Very often the cause for the confusion is a limited knowledge of English or differences in meaning of the words in different locations/countries, as enquiries come from all over the world after all! But I have given this some thought and came to the conclusion that the traditional distinction between an envelope and a sleeve was lost because of technology: vinyl records were replaced by tapes and later CD's and handwritten or printed letters by e-mail.

I will be the first to admit that language is (and should be) a living entity, so I am perfectly OK with the fact that we refer to those little white paper thingies that we use to protect cd's as "CD sleeves", while they are, technically speaking, envelopes and not sleeves (if they have a flap). Traditionally phonographs and vinyl records were stored in a "sleeve" - a square paper container with one side open, so one could easily remove a record from its protective cover and return it again after use.

When we started to listen to our music on CD's we probably just carried on to use the word "sleeve" from our vinyl record days to refer to the protective cover, without even giving a second thought to the fact that it should probably be called a "CD envelope" if it has a flap! Although I realise that this is something that just "happened", it is, however, complicating things for me and clients who are interested in a custom-made sleeve or envelope.

I thought I'll un-complicate things by writing this little post and for practical purposes I would like to request anyone who is interested in a custom sleeve or envelope to please stick to the original distinction between the two items as explained in this post. This will help me to answer your questions and work out prices without delay:

PAPER SLEEVES ...

• are open on one side. 
• can be used for inserts that are either taller or wider than the sleeve (depending on whether the opening of the sleeve is at the top or on the side).
• are often purely decorative.
• can be handy to keep the different cards and/or envelopes of an invitation suite together.
• can add that extra special touch to your invitations.
• cannot be mailed without being placed in an envelope, as the contents will fall out in the mail.

Source

ENVELOPES ...

• come in square or rectangular shape, traditionally with four flaps that fold to the middle.
• have a closure (traditionally the top or side flap that often comes with gum or adhesive) so it can be sealed.
• serve as protection for letters, cards, etc.
• are more suitable for items of a discrete or private nature.
• are suitable to be mailed, although rules with regard to format and size will usually apply.

Source

CUSTOM ENVELOPES AND SLEEVES

If you are interested in custom envelopes or sleeves, please send me the following information:

• Quantity required
• Paper preference
• Dimensions required (width and height)
• Throat at top or on the side?
• Information on the style required (For envelopes describe the flaps and for sleeves the throat/opening) 
• It may be useful to send me a picture as well. An image off the internet or an actual envelope in your possession may be useful. Or simply make a rough sketch on a piece of paper and send me a photo of the sketch, even if the sketch is messy!)

Favour Tags

I've recently made these little tags with a sweet rhyme at the request of a bride-to-be. The tags will be used on wedding favours. I love how they've turned out:

After discussing the bride's needs with her I came up with a few font combinations to choose from. I was glad when this turned out to be the chosen combination:

Ring Bearer

What a sweet little ring bearer!

Found the images here.

Envelopes in Custom Sizes

Every now and again I receive a request for envelopes in a custom size. There are various reasons why brides (or other diy-ers) may need custom-sized envelopes. Very often a person would leave the envelope-buying for last, assuming that it is the "easy part" of invitation making, only to discover that none of the standard-sized envelopes carried by stationery shops are the appropriate size for the invitations! In other cases a designer or bride may decide to make an odd-sized invitation and matching envelope a special feature of an invitation design. Sometimes an envelope in a custom size can simply be a practical packaging solution for anything from wedding favours to confetti and cutlery.

If you are in need of envelopes in a custom size do not despair. I can help. I now offer envelopes in custom sizes as a standard service, so please feel free to contact me for a quotation! Minimum quantity: 25 of the same.

How are these envelopes made?

Step 1

Based on the client's brief I will design a template for the envelope on my computer.

Step 2

Once the design is perfect I will use the template to cut the envelopes one at a time.

Step 3

Every envelope shape is then scored by hand.

Step 4

Adhesive is applied and the paper shape is then folded into an envelope with the help of a bone folder.

Step 5

If required finishing touches are added (e.g  closures and string, adhesive on the flap, etc)

Making envelopes by hand is extremely time-consuming. Due to the time and effort that go into handmade envelopes it is of the utmost importance to order your envelopes as early as you possibly can. I work on a first-come-first-served basis and I do not accept more orders than I can handle. 

Envelope Sizes:

From very small (about 40 mm minimum width) to any size that can be cut from a single A3 sheet of paper.

Cost:

The cost of envelopes depend on quantity, the intricacy of the design, the cost of the paper and other materials, and the size of the sheet of paper required to make a single envelope. I do my best to keep costs as low as possible, but it will be unfair to compare the cost of handmade envelopes to that of the average standard-size, mass produced envelopes available from stationery suppliers. Please also keep in mind that a small envelope may have the same amount of work involved as a similar one in a bigger size, and may therefore take just as much time to make. I will be able to work out pricing for you once I know the details.

I use heavier paper than the paper used for the standard, mass-produced, machine-made envelopes available on the market.  This ensures crisp folds and a quality, high-end product worthy of weddings and special celebrations. 

Doggy Love

Isn't this face just adorable?

Found the photo here.

Fun Wedding Cake

It was love at first sight, when I stumbled upon this wedding cake. Unfortunately I don't know who created the cake, but the photographs were taken by talented South African photographer, Moira West:

Found here.