The little things that make me happy here on Bliss Road~~Emily Keaton

Monday, May 27, 2013

Ways With Washi: ENVELOPES + a Giveaway

Good Monday morning to you, friends! And Happy Memorial Day to all of my fellow Americans. I'm here today with my May installment of Ways With Washi, a feature that I've developed for the DeNami Design blog. Today I'm showing you a more practical side of washi tape by sharing some fun ways to use washi tape on envelopes.

Now like many of you, I started collecting washi tape because I was soooooo drawn to the fun colors and patterns. But I was still kind of mystified by how to actually use this magical stuff. Then one day I was stuffing an envelope with one of my handmade cards decorated with a few somewhat bulky embellishments. When I sealed the envelope's flap, it seemed to close OK over the unevenness, but I wondered if it would stay that way in the less-than-gentle mail system. As I reached for some good old Scotch tape to add an extra layer of security to the flap, I had my "aha!" moment:  why not reinforce the seal and add a spot of color and whimsy at the same time with some washi tape? I loved how it looked, and now washi tape is my go-to method of sealing envelopes!

Here are a few samples:

Featuring DeNami washi tape: Pink Stripes, Blue/White Dots, and Pink Chevron

Featuring DeNami washi tape: Blue Stripes and Lime/White Dots

Once I got into my washi envelope groove, I branched out into other ways to pretty up an envelope. How about a striped washi frame for the address?

DeNami Products: Purple Stripes washi tape and solid heart stamp from Whimsical Valentine stamp set


And why not give the flap a similar purple-striped treatment?



With super bulky cards, I like to use 5" x 10" bubble envelopes like these for mailing. It's so much fun to give these a washi makeover, like this one:

Featuring DeNami Brown/White Dots washi tape


And how fun are those Elegant Oval Frame mailing labels? They are so easy to make with the help of DeNami's To and From stamps.

Have I started your wheels turning? I hope so! And I hope that you'll fall in love with using washi tape on your envelopes as much as I have. :)

GIVEAWAY


How would you like the chance to play around with some washi tape of your own? I have a brand-new roll of Brown/White Dots Washi Tape from DeNami Design--the same tape that I used on my bubble envelope project today--that I'd love to give away to a reader of this post. Want to be in the running? Just leave me a comment on this post using the word "MAIL." There's no need to be a follower of my blog to enter, but if you are a follower (or become a new follower!), you can have a second entry in the drawing--just leave me a second comment telling me that you are a follower and how you follow. :)

I'll leave commenting open until 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, and will draw one commenter at random. The winner will be announced right here on my blog on Thursday, May 30, and if I'm able to find an email address, I'll be sure to contact the winner as well.

I'm so glad you dropped by for a little slice of bliss today!
Emily

45 comments:

Larisa said...

your MAIL is so special if you used these washi tapes. I wish I had any also to put onto my projects. Thanks fro the chance top win.

nwilliams6 said...

What fun! You seriously have the most fun ideas! So simple but I would not have thought to do this! Cute, cute, cute. I still haven't purchased any washi tape but I have a zillion ideas from you on how to use it (it is on my list of things to get and play with now that the wedding is over). Hugz!!!!!

Lisa Elton said...

I've used Washi on the back to seal my envelopes...now I need to decorate the front!! Cute ideas Emily. AND...a pretty new photo of you! Happy Memorial Day!!!

Linda said...

Ok Emily, this is the best idea for using the tape! I make a lot of my own envelopes and what a great way to enforce the glue on any envelope! I'm getting some ready to MAIL today!

CaffeinatedPapercuts said...

Ooo, I'd love to get MAIL like that! Lovely!

loyaz said...

Thank you for this neat opportunity. Have not yet played with the tapes. Appreciate your examples and info.
loyaz at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

For the first time ever I used 4 different Washi tapes to cover a tag yesterday Loved the ease of using Washi tape! So I would love to add a new tape choice to my tiny stash.

loyaz said...

PS - I signed on to follow you - anxious to see your postings.
loyaz at yahoo dot com

jennyplace2 said...

What a cool idea! and I must say it really does spruce up the envelope. I still have not tried the washi tape and I am thinking it is time to invest in some. TFS!

jennyplace2 said...

Already a follower of your wonderful blog and thank you for the chance to win the tape. I love the colour
!

Denise Bryant said...

Great way to gussy up your mail! Washi tapes come in so many fun patterns and colors!

Denise Bryant said...

I am already a follower through Google Reader.

Create Beauty with Laurajo said...

I now want to Mail someone a sweet little gussied up envelope! Thanks for the cute idea!

NanW said...

I'd love to get MAIL with polka-dots! Great ideas.

NanW said...

I follow your blog on feedly.

stampingwithpeggie.blogspot.com said...

Great ideas on how to use washi tape. Love that stuff. I especially like the frame around the address.

karahoward said...

MAIL

Glad I'm not the only one with a "hording of washi tape and not knowing exactly what to do with it" affliction. I used some last week to close glasine bags, but didn't think of regular envelopes. Pinning right now

Marisa said...

What a fun way to dress up an envelope - love it :) Sure the "mail"men enjoy seeing the decorated envelopes too! Loving the new avatar picture too!

Tracey McNeely said...

Totally fun way to use washi on envelopes Emily! Love.

Greta said...

This puts MAIL in a whole new light, Emily! Fabulous way to use the Washi--my fav is the framed address & matching flap--even I can do this! Thanks for the chance to win a roll.

Greta said...

Second comment re MAIL because I follow your blog in blogger.

designbydonna said...

Would love to get MAIL from you with the decorated envelope--filled with washi tape of course.

Sue Lelli said...

What a GREAT idea.Emily! I may just go add some to an envelope I am mailing right now.

Stacy said...

Your MAIL is just beautiful!! It is the perfecting finishing touch to a handmade card.

Stacy said...

And I follow via GFC!!!

Pam said...

Awesome envelopes Emily!!! Thanks for the ideas, will now do this on my next envelope!! Love your new picure too!!

Benzi said...

I love that brown and the polka dots. Since I already won a roll from you, I won't mention the 'M...' word so others have a chance. Not that I would win again, but you never know. :-)
Cute idea you up with.
Great new photo!

Sue D said...

Very cute way to decorate your MAIL! thanks for the great idea.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Sue D said...

I am a follower.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Amy McCue said...

I love to get mail! How cute are those envelopes.

Amy McCue said...

I follow your blog.

cghundley said...

It's not new 'Mail' to me,
using Washi tape is for
everything! Washi rules!!
Thanks for the clever
ways to use it.
Carla from Utah

Maria said...

Your MAIL post was so FAB!!! I've used washi tape only a couple of times so far! I love how your dressed up the envelopes, so CUTE! Take care and have a wonderful week, hugs!

Annette Allen said...

what a great post.. love all the washi tape ideas.. thanks for sharing..

Jessi Fogan said...

Emily, getting happy MAIL from you is like sunshine in my mailbox :) I so love your ways with washi feature - you smartie :) LOVE that new picture!

Mary-Anne V said...

wonderful use of washi to create unique MAIL packages. I love the border around the address one the most.

Mary-Anne V said...

I am already a follower through google.

Cynthia Rose said...

What a fun way to pretty up your MAIL. The tape you have choosen looks quite classy.

Auntie Em said...

Oh Emily, your Washi decorated envelopes are so special! I love the little patches of colour and the way you framed the address. Companies who send out bills should take a lesson from you and make the bill envelopes all prettied up. :D

Thank you for sharing this fun idea! :)

Anonymous said...

So very cute!!! The receiver will be so happy!!

Colleen Dietrich said...

Ha! I love seeing my name in lights here, Emily, even if it isn't actually destined for *my* mailbox! Tee hee! Thanks for using me as your example. ;)

Love the washi tape as a way to seal your envelopes. It sure does dress them up and gets the recipient excited to find out what's inside.

BTW, LOVE your new profile pic! It's wonderful!!

Unknown said...

What a GREAT use of Washi tape! What a great way to MAIL an envelope. Who wouldn't love to receive this in the MAIL! Love it!

Unknown said...

I follow your blog. Thanks for the great ideas!

Create Beauty with Laurajo said...

I'm now following your Blog!! Lucky Meee!!

Unknown said...

Emily,I'd love to receive some Washi tape in the MAIL. Thanks for the chance to win.