Here is one of my functional art column entries to Montana Parent Magazine (September 2012).
Materials
1. Fabric
2. Used paper envelopes
3. Collage glue
4. Brush
5. Tacky glue
6. Scissors
7. Clothesline
8. Clothespins
Prep
1. Set up a clothesline to hang your finished project and clip on a few clothespins.
2. Clear off a flat workspace, preferably a counter that can be wiped clean.
3. Completely unseal a few paper envelopes.
4. Select fabric pieces to fit the paper envelope patterns (Sources: cloth napkins, fabric from sample books, old bed sheets, etc).
Instructions
1. Flatten the fabric over your workspace.
2. Use a brush to spread the collage glue over the envelope side that makes contact with the fabric.
3. Continue to brush collage glue over the paper envelope. Turn the project cover to evenly cover the fabric side. Make sure that the entire paper envelope is glued to the fabric.
4. Decide if you want to keep the paper envelope glued to your fabric. If you do, hang your project on the clothesline and continue with step #6.
If you only want the fabric envelope, first remove the excess fabric by cutting along the edges of the paper envelope. Then peel off the paper envelope and hang the fabric on the clothesline. Continue with step #6 and then go onto step #8.
6. Wipe off all collage glue from your workspace and prepare for your next envelope project.
7. When the envelope is dry, remove the excess fabric by cutting along the edges of the paper envelope.
8. Fold the fabric along the envelope crease lines.
9. Place Tacky glue along the edges to seal the fabric envelope on two sides (do not seal the envelope at the top)
10. Use a few heavy books to flatten the envelopes.
11. Once your thank you note has been written and inserted, seal the envelope with a decorative sticker or pin.
Upgraded Project:
If you created a 6” x 9.25” fabric envelope, fold a 12” x 9” manila envelope in half and slide it into the fabric pocket. Use it as a filing system to organize your child’s school documents, event tickets, coupons, and more!
