YAMF Holiday Handmade is sponsored by Kollabora, the community for makers.

Today’s post is from Joy of Frock Files. I asked her to share a handmade gift idea and she delivered with this handmade stationery and paper covered pencils. 

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve found mail to be a magical thing. Even now, I love checking the mail, and there’s nothing quite like finding a handwritten letter or a package from a friend in there. Why not be the bright spot in a loved one’s day? This handmade stationery and pencil project make it simple to send happy mail to all your favorite people — and as a bonus, you’ll have a chance to use all those catalogues and magazines that are sitting around.

Envelope Supplies:
- 1 3 5/8” x 5 1/8” envelope
- Pencil or fine point Sharpie
- Scissors
- Glue
- Address labels
- 3” x 5 “ notecards

The key to making beautiful envelopes is in finding pages that are almost completely filled with images. Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, and the J.Crew and Pottery Barn catalogues are all good places to begin your search. Carefully rip out the pages you want, keeping as much of the page in-tact as possible.

Open up your ready made envelope, which will act as a template. Lay it at an angle on a page and trace around it. Cut out the shape.

Glue the bottom portion of the envelope to the sides. Add some pretty address labels (plain white with stamps are always fun, too).

Pencil Supplies:
- Pencils
- Washi Paper (at least 7.5” x 6” worth)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Mod Podge

Measure and cut washi paper strips to 1 1/2” x 6”.

Brush Mod Podge on the back side of the washi. It’s wise to keep a jar of water handy so you don’t ruin the brush.

Align the pencil with one edge of the washi and begin rolling slowly. Make sure that you’re not getting any air bubbles. If you do, just back up and start again.

Allow the pencils to dry for at least half an hour (longer if you live in a humid climate). Sharpen each one. This is the step that gives the pencils a finished look.

And remember, no great package is complete without a handwritten note, so don’t forget to create an extra piece of stationery for yourself. Packages are lovely surprises, but love notes are the icing on the (fruit) cake.

See more from Joy on Frock Files