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!















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.
Posted by: KathyN | October 20, 2012 at 01:34 AM