What to buy and Where to get it....
Paper
tools
envelopes
Paper
tools - more info to come
envelopes

Large paper:

www.paper-source.com - check out their "flat" paper, size 20x28. Most of the paper is patterned, but their "Stardream" and "PS" collections are solids. They also sell samples and matching envelopes.

www.paper-papers.com - their "parent" paper or "un-cut" paper is size 40x28. They also have the Stardream Metallics series of colors, and lots of other choices. They have a huge selection and matching envelopes for most colors.

Paper from the Envalopements line (supplies that have matching pre-made pocketfolds available):

www.textstyledesigns.com

www.mygatsby.com - definitly a favorite among knotties, lots of options for samples too

www.remoteassistance.com - very similar to above, slightly lower prices.

www.envelopements.com - official website for the Envelopments line - good info on all the options

Other Sources for 8 1/2 x 11 paper:

www.paperpresentation.com - Also carries the Stardream Metallics series, and has tons of envelope choices

www.paperandmore.com - not a huge selection, but great prices on samples and evnelopes

www.lcipaper.com

www.cheapcardstock.com - lots of cardstock, organized by color

www.createforless.com - lots of large packages of single colors for just a few dollars - I find this website hard to navigate, so this link will open a page with lots of color choices - they do have other paper options

www.paperzone.com - lots of color choices, and 12x12 paper

If any links do not work, any descriptions need changed or added to, or if you have great sites which I have missed, please email me at KnottieNicsutton@yahoo.com - I know there's tons more out there!!!

Also - if you have any reviews of any of these or other products - let me know and I can add them

Common sizes (i.e. - easily and affordably obtained):

Rectangular:

A-1: 3 3/8" x 5 1/8" (also called 4-bar; used for 3.5x5 response cards)
A-2: 4 3/8" x 5 3/4"
A-6: 4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
A-7: 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" (used for 5x7 pocketfolds)
A-8: 5 1/2" x 8 1/8"
A-9: 5 3/4" x 8 7/8"
A-10: 4" x 9 1/2" (standard business envelope)

 

 

Square:

5" x 5"
5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
6" x 6"
6 1/2" x 6 1/2"
7" x 7"
7 1/2" x 7 1/2"
8" x 8"
8 1/2" x 8 1/2"
9" x 9"
9 1/2" x 9 1/2"
10" x 10"
13 1/2" x 13 1/2"

places to purchase:

www.envelopemall.com

www.admiralevnelope.com - you often have to email for a quote, but good prices

www.paperpresentation.com

www.paper-source.com

www.paper-papers.com - every size of sqaure envalopes, and large packages

www.paperandmore.com - not many sizes, but cheap samples to test out sizes

*** Two very important tips***

Every DIY bride will tell you to pick your envelope size first - the last thing you want is the perfect design for an invite and no envelope to put it in. Secondly, square envalopes (if under 1 oz) require a 12 cent surcharge on postage (so it's 49 cents rather than 37 cents). If you're using a 60 cent stamp or above, there is no surcharge.

Make sure your pocket is at least 1/8 to 1/4 inch

smaller than the diminsions of your envelope!

All of the following tools are available from craft stores, office supply stores, or online (such as Ebay).

***Disclaimer***

Roll over the image for more information - please do not assume that the site I linked is the best or cheapest place to purchase any particular item.

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Paper Cutter:

This not a necessary tool, and often an expensive one. However, if you have a lot to make, it is invaluable! This is a 12" one, you can get them up to 24". Office supply stores is another great place to look for them.

For fiskar's brand, the yellow blade cuts paper, and the black blade scores paper - just makes groove deep enough to allow for a clean fold.
Fiskar's also has a hand-held trimmer, with blades for cutting and scoring. It's a much more affordable option if you don't have many to do
The most affordable, but most time comsuming option is to use a bone folder (shown left) or a butter knife (or some blunt pointed object) and run it down the paper against a T-square (right) or ruler. While this option is the most affordable, the potential for error is higher than with a rotary paper cutter - if you don't have many to do, however, this could be the easiest way.
Cutting and Scoring

Adhesive Options

Below are a varity of glues, tapes, and spray adhesives. Most of these are available at Michael's, AC Moore, or Hobby Lobby. Click on pics for more info and sites where you can order them. The general consensous seems to be that ThermoWeb brand sticks better than the Mono brand - but you pretty much have to experiement to find something that works for your particular paper and application.
The "paper-thin" dots are literally paper thin, and if you use a few are good for securing the pocket. The 3-D ones you can strech out. The strips are 1/8" thick - so could also be good for the pocket.
These Mono brand tapes are very easy to use (great dispensers), and come in permanent and re-positionable; however, the permanent is not quite permanent enough for the pocket itself. It still works great for making your inserts stick.
This is Vellum tape - specifically designed to disappear under transparent vellum paper - it's about the only thing you can use to secure vellum besides brads or ribbons.
This is an adhesive eraser - great for getting rid of sticky corners or any glue that seeps out.
And of course, this is Xyron sticker maker - pop in a piece of paper and out pops a sticker - great for backing layers, outside seals, and all sorts of other DIY projects. Watch out though, becuase the cartridges of adhesvie can get pricy. The best values seem to be on Ebay and www.save-on-crafts.com
>>>on to examples of finished products