Specimen Envelopes

     Good morning my paper-loving friends. I have another upcycle project for you today. I call these specimen envelopes because they feature a clear widow like a slide with a "specimen" in the middle. I've had these envelopes in my stash for a while now. I love them so much, that I haven't been able to part with them. These would make a lovely addition to a happy mail for a pen-pal, a swap, or of course, tucked into a journal. I could also see these tied to the outside of a gift package with a note or a little something extra inside. So, let us get into it. 

     I used some pages from my German English dictionary for these envelopes. I got out my Gelli plate and swiped some Distressed Oxides onto it and misted it with water before I pressed my paper onto my Gelli plate. If you don't have a Gelli plate a regular craft mat or piece of laminated paper (or any non-porous flat surface) would work just as well. I used my heat gun to quickly dry my paper. 

    Next, I folded my papers into envelopes. I did this the old-fashioned way by folding the long sides into the middle and the short sides in only far enough for flaps. Cut your envelope but don't glue it just yet.  After the basic shape of the envelope was in place, I used a circle die and cut my window in the middle. 

    At some point, I added more speckles of distress oxide by flicking a wet paintbrush saturated with ink onto the envelopes. Do that step before adding the plastic for your window. I save clear plastic packaging and have a mountain of it. Any time I make a project that calls for acetate I usually try and upcycle this plastic packaging. I will also use the packaging to wrap swaps in before putting them in an envelope to ensure everything stays in place and is protected. I glued plastic onto the inside of the envelope for a window and picked out a sticker for the middle. If you haven't glued your envelope into its shape, do that now. 

I prefer the look of stickers that are on a clear medium versus the stickers that are washi with a white outline around them. But of course, use what you have. I believe the goal is to have fun at any rate. Once the stickers were in place I stamped on my envelopes. I used a variety of stamps for these envelopes but the images that pulled everything together were from the Tim Holtz field notes collection. I stamped directly onto my envelopes and then onto paper, cut it out, and glued that onto these envies. 

 I hope you've enjoyed today's project. If you try it post a picture in the comments below. If you like my content please hop over to my Instagram and hit the follow button.  Thank you for checking out my blog and happy crafting!