Carta Bella Christmas Market Loaded Envelope
Hello, Friends! Well, we are at the end of October, so it’s time to get our Christmas on! This Carta Bella Christmas Market Loaded Envelope is such a fun project, and perfect for all those “hard to gift” Christmas people!
Making this envelope took all my engineering skills! It’s huge measuring 7 3/4″ wide by 12″ tall. The box design has 3/4″ sides so that I can fill it to the brim with Christmas goodies. I chose one of my favorite ribbons from RRR to adorn this project. Ivory, Rust and Gold Plaid Ribbon is festive and has a touch of sparkle, which I love!
TIP: Die cut Christmas Greenery from patterned papers and tuck under your focal image for a festive touch. Treat them with Diamond Stickles to add an extra bit of holiday sparkle and shine.
I need to refine the box envelope design a bit before I share it with all of you, but I’m working on it! The box shape means that the envelope will stand up for display, so it doubles as home decor until you give it away, that is! This larger sized envelope gives me lots of room to add embellishments.
Do you decorate both sides of your loaded envelopes? I really like to do that. If you get tired of looking at one side, you can flip it over for a change of scenery. Besides, that envelope flap was the perfect spot to hang my Christmas banner on Silver Metallic String.
TIP: Fold a long piece of metallic string in half. Tie a looped knot on one end. Then twist the string until it spirals and twists over onto itself. Then tie a looped knot on the opposite end. Use hot glue to adhere one end to your project, and twist the string into the shape you like, then glue the other end down. Top with Chipboard Banners and Stockings from the Christmas Market Collection.
Christmas Market Loaded Envelope: Lollipop Shaker Element
This lollipop shaker element was a blast to make. I’ve never done one before…but when inexperience ever stop me from plunging in head first to try something new? I’m not sure if I did this right, but here’s how I did it:
- First, die cut red foil cardstock with the largest Spellbinders Picot Circle Die.
- Next, die cut clear cardstock with the 2nd largest Spellbinders Small Nesting Circles Die.
- Then die cut patterned paper with the same circle die.
- Now adhere the patterned paper to the foil cardstock.
- Next, lay down three rows of Darice Foam Strips.
- Fill the center of the circle with a sequin mix. (I used Lilac Lane Happy Harvest, but I pulled out the apple shaped sequins and the larger buttons.
- Carefully adhere the clear cardstock circle over the foam strips and press to seal.
- Adhere a chenille stem around the perimeter to cover the foam strips.
- Wrap the sides of the shaker with tinsel trim.
- Adhere a thin wood dowel on the back of the lollipop, then cover with a circle cut from designer paper.
- Wrap the dowel with ribbons or fibers.
Super cute, and a fun addition to the goodies in this loaded envelope.
Christmas Market Loaded Envelope: The Pocket
Years ago, I found a whole bunch of cloth pockets on clearance. While I was not sure what I would do with them, I thought they might come in handy, so I grabbed a big stack of them. Turns out they are great for card making! I decorated and adhered a pretty red one in the corner of this loaded envelope, then proceeded to fill it with treats.
Here’s a peek at the sweet treats inside the pocket and the envelope. Maybe I’ll send this one to myself!
Christmas Market Loaded Envelope: The Photo Folio
Instead of adding just a card to the loaded envelope, I thought it might be fun to create a little photo folio.
This 6 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ accordion folio has 10 panels: 8 for photos, and two cute pockets. Create a belly band with more of the beautiful ribbon, topped with a little floral cluster. Here’s how to make the folio.
- First, cut 8 1/2″ x 11″ black cardstock into 6 1/2″ x 11 strips.
- Next, place 1/2″ scor-tape on the edge of one of the 6 1/2″ panels. Overlap the other 6 1/2″ x 11 strip and adhere.
- Score this long panel every 4 1/2″ and accordion fold. Trim away any excess.
- Line the panels with designer paper. Make pockets on the panels where the strips of paper were joined.
Here’s a look at both sides of the folio and both pockets. You can add a flap to a photo page by scoring a 1/2″ flap on 3″ x 4″ image. Adhere the flap behind the designer paper before you adhere the liner sheet to the page.
I think these loaded envelopes would make great Secret Santa or hostess gifts during the holidays. You can change up the goodies you tuck inside to personalize the gift.
Did I share some tips and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures? I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
SUPPLY LIST
-
- Really Reasonable Ribbon
- Paper
- Carta Bella Christmas Market Collection
- Dies
- Sizzix Thinlits Mini Holiday Greens
- Spellbinders Picot Circles Die (retired…but substitute Open Scallop Circle)
- Standard Small Circle Dies
From my stash: Flowers, buttons, other fibers and embellishments
YAY for Christmas time crafts, and what an eye full here! WOW to that shaker…amaze balls! LOVE the stitched pocket…good score there. And so many elements to really showcase the paper. Beautiful and festive!
What an amazing project, Kathy. So many ways that this can be used during the holidays! You’ve got my right brain creativity spinning with ideas for now and other occasions when an envelope design like this is ideal! tfs Hugs!
What an amazing project, Kathy. So many delightful elements that truly celebrate the holidays. You’ve got my right brain creativity buzzing with ways to use this project and ways of adapting it for other occasions. tfs Hugs!
Your projects are so amazing! I LOVE the little shaker wand. My soon to be 2 year old granddaughter would love it. I can just see her shaking it and smiling.
Oh my Kathy!!! You’ve done it again! Wow!!! You are amazing …thinking up all these ideas! This is awesome! Luv the shaker lollipop, the cloth pocket, the folio card, the flowers ….Adorable! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Suzy Q
Wow, Kathy! You’ve done it again! What a great gift idea filled with great details! The papers are gorgeous–I love the plaid!!! Squeal! And everywhere you look there’s a sweet surprise!The shaker, the fabric pocket the folio are all sure to please and delight the receiver! Great easy to follow tutorial on the folio (I think I might even be able to do that!), and I’m looking forward to seeing how the actual pocket came about. You are such an inspiration! Sending hugs!
Hi Kathy. You leave me speechless! Again, I don’t know how you find the time to make such awesome crafts, and make them so unique and special. God bless you always!
How special this project is and such a touch of Christmas. Bravo
So unique.
Wow.. this is just gorgeous and fun! I wish there was a video tutorial! I don’t do well with written instructions… sigh. And the little photo folio instead of a card is just darling. In those instructions (I think I could make this), the first sentence says “cut 6-1/s strips” – not sure what you mean there. Is it six 1″ strips? or one 6-1/2 by 11″ strip??? I love this little folio, and love the denim pocket and how you even decorated each piece that went inside! You are so very talented! I’ll be waiting too for a tute on the big pocket! Marilyn
Oh my goodness. Very gorgeous project.
This is beautiful……I made a birthday stuffed envelope after I saw your example and my friend loved it!!!!!!!! This is a great idea for a different Christmas card with some cut things “stuffed” inside. No pressure, but I’ll be waiting to see the directions for this. LOL.
Loaded is an understatement! The lollipop shaker is adorable! Question: What is clear cardstock – acrylic sheet?
Loaded is a great word to use with this card or box that you have created. I am amazed at the things that are on it! I must get busy and make some more simpler projects, no where near your talents, but I can layer really well. ha ha ha. Thanks a lot Kathy for sharing another project made from the heart. 🙂
Amazing Kathy!! This is definitely a “Loaded” Envelope – everything but the kitchen sink – absolutely LOVE this project!!!
Kathy, your posts are always inspirational. This envelope is awesome. We decided this year we are cutting back on gifts. We are a large family. THIS gives me ideas to still be able to give a gift filled with little bits of love and very pretty…and yet save money. We have 6 kids, spouses and 13 grandkids. Not to mention other family. lol Thanks for the ideas!
Kathy, the workmanship and arrangement of all the decorations and elements in this loaded envelope is just amazing! Every time I look at it I think I see something new and “loaded” is an understatement! My favorite item is the fantastic lollipop shaker. OMG it is so clever and cute! And that little cloth pocket…wow! What a great idea. Love this so much! I was so lucky to snag this from your Etsy shop! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!
What a beautiful project! So many wonderful layers and dimensions!!