Envelope Gum

Today's post is heavy in verbiage/how-to and light in photos.  Is about a new product to the store - Envelope Adhesive.  Envelope Gum is for those making handmade envelopes that want a traditional envelope sealing method.

With the volume of handmade envelopes I create, my time spent in making them, and the quality of paper I use, a quality adhesive is paramount.  

In the past I have been using a narrow width section of Scor-Tape and leaving the protective layer in place - this way the sender of the card can simply peel and seal when needed.  This method is functional; however, I've been seeking a traditional adhesive that I could apply, allow to dry, then re-moisten to seal at a later date.  This traditional method gives the handmade envelope a professional appearance in my opinion.

In my quest I mixed several batches of the traditional homemade version:  Elmers, vinegar and mint extract (or flavor of choice).  This adhesive failed - attempts to seal cardstock envelopes were not successful - text (computer weight) or lesser quality paper yes - quality cardstock, no.  I experimented with the proportions of the ingredients from the traditional recipe and again, the homemade mix failed my expectations for quality.  

So I sourced a manufacturered adhesive specifically designed for sealing envelopes.  Got my hands on a sample, used it, and am quite pleased.  $5.29 for 2oz/59ml bottle - enough for hundreds of envelopes.

I apply a very thin layer using a finger (easy clean up by using a baby wipe - ha).  You can use a paintbrush, but I have found using a fingertip allows more control over application and there's much less waste.  I also use a scrap strip of paper to leave a neat edge - think of using the scrap strip like using painters' tape when painting - when you want a clean edge - the scrap leaves a nice, sharp, clean edge on the envelope flap.

Allow to dry unbonded.  Dry time is typically thirty minutes.  Thicker layers require increased dry time.  Flaps can be remoistened at a later date for sealing - or - apply a thin coat of adhesive to project and bond together...although if I'm going this route I'm using my tape gun for speed.  

I hope you found this informative - making envelopes is a natural extension of the handmade card - you've created an amazing card - now go make an amazing envelope!  Thank you for stopping by!

Comments

[KathyN]

Thanks for your post on this Envelope Gum. I haven't made any envelopes yet other than I did do a few with some scrap paper to try it out before using good card stock.