Sample Envelopes

I was looking at envelopes for my greeting cards and I ordered some samples from Crystal Clear Bags Canada. They have a line called Brown Bag Envelopes that are in these gorgeous rich colours including Mushroom Brown, Eggplant Purple, Blueberry, Pepper Grey, Cranberry Red and Olive Green. I want to try and match my greeting cards to these colours. I ordered the samples that are in size 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" which I think may be a little too large for my 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" cards. I am going to need to make the cards larger or order the smaller envelopes at 4 3/8" x 5 3/4".

Deep, rich coloured envelopes

A little too large for my current card size

Botanical Paperworks

A couple of weekends ago, I visited Grassroots on the Danforth in Toronto and found this card by Botanical Paperworks. I really loved the bright colours and matching envelope. All the cards by Botanical Paperworks are created with seed paper, hence their tag line "seed paper that grows." I was thinking of marking my greeting card line with seed paper, but Botanical Paperworks is definitely the professional in that area. 

I also like the in-store packaging, just the simple plastic sleeve with a sticker that calls out additional information and a sticker on the back with the price and bar code. The majority of cards have the price printed directly on the back of the card. I find this odd as you never leave the price tag on a gift to someone, so why do you leave it on the card?

Store packaging

Card with matching envelope

Back of card with planting instrutions

Close-up of seed texture paper

Accidentally Beautiful

Earlier, I was experimenting with food colouring in paper making and was disappointed with the results as it faded too much when dried. Therefore, I used up the rest of the food coloured paper pulp on a double heart shape. Not only did it keep some of the red tint, but the colour collected around the edges to make it darker. I really like the effect. I might have to try this again to see if I get the same result.

Double heart shape

Tinted edges on double heart