Laminate & Sew Gift Card Envelopes | Family Economics

By Cathe Holden

Can you believe how many options are available for gift cards? Our local grocery store has what seems to be hundreds of options, from clothing stores to online music downloads to restaurants. Often, gift cards are the best choice when you’re in a rush to grab a gift on-the-go or for those difficult to buy for recipients. Even though you can tuck a gift card into a greeting card, it’s nice to have a thoughtful, handmade way to present the card as well. Many stores offer gift card envelopes and boxes but with very minimal supplies, you can craft your own unique packaging! I recommend making multiple envelopes at one time with various papers to keep on hand for future uses. Below are instructions for making your own gift card envelopes.

Laminate & Sew Gift Card Envelopes

Supplies:

• Gift card of your choice
• Sewing machine, thread (choose a spool of rayon, nylon or cotton in your favorite color)
• Clear adhesive laminate such as shelving liner, measure to fit printed envelope template
• Various papers, measure to fit printed envelope template
• Scissors
• Craft knife and cutting surface
• Envelope template - download and print

Instructions:

1.    Trim along the black lines of the printed envelope template (see link above) with scissors.

2.    After you cut the template out, trace the template onto your chosen paper and cut out the shape. This will serve as your envelope lining. Fold the placement notches to create the shape of the envelope. Use a craft knife to trim out flap slit piece.

3.    Take a piece of adhesive laminate that is slightly larger than the template and place it onto your chosen paper, smoothing flat.

4.    Use a pencil to trace the template onto the paper side to avoid marks on the outside, laminated section of your envelope. Remember to trace the slit section as well.

5.    Cut out the laminated paper along the traced lines. Fold up the lower section of the envelope, using your thumbnail to burnish the fold well.

6.    With a sewing machine, stitch along the sides of the envelope pocket section with a ⅜-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the start and finish of each section. Trim threads.

7.    Fold down and burnish the fold of the envelope flap.

8.    Place gift card inside and tuck the flap into the slit to secure.

Here is a list of some fun paper ideas to use (Tip: You can also use a photocopy if necessary):

• Handwritten letters
• Newspaper or magazine photos
• Food & snack packaging
• Junk mail
• Photograph

In addition to using these envelopes for gift cards, they also have many other uses:

• Envelopes for lunch money for your kids
• Tuck a nice note inside for someone special
• Use for storing small items for upcoming craft projects
• Keep in your purse or car for storing receipts
• Hold business cards

What are some creative ways you personalize your gifts?

Photos courtesy of Cathe Holden.