Printable Holiday Envelopes

These printable holiday envelopes were inspired by a 1914 University of Kansas yearbook that I found in my mom’s workroom the other day. She sells antiques for a living, so every time we visit, there are several new items of interest. Not only did I love the yearbook because KU is my alma mater, but I couldn’t get over the elegance of the photos and the hand-written typography.

So, I got to thinking: I have been wanting to create more printable holiday envelopes for some time now. Last year, I went the cutesy route with acrylic Christmas trees. This year, I decided to shoot for vintage elegance with a Victorian Mrs. Claus.

I think this is what Mrs. Claus would have looked like as a young woman — with a kind, round face and a platter of cookies perpetually in hand. I used a mix of walnut ink and sumi ink to give her that vintage feel; then I added some hand-lettering like I saw in the KU yearbook. I am offering two versions of the envelope template: a version that you can print, cut out, and fold into a 5 3/4″ x 4 1/8″ envelope; and a version that you can print directly on an A7 envelope. Click here to download the cut and fold version. Click here to download the A7 version.

To create the 5 3/4″ x 4 1/8″ envelope, you’ll print off the smaller template on an 8.5″x11″ piece of paper. I printed directly on 70 lb. Strathmore drawing paper. Then, cut out the template on the gray guidelines.

Fold the back flap up.

Then, fold the side flaps in and glue them to the back flap.

Fold the top flap in, then you’re ready to address the envelope! I am using the spacing template from Amazing Envelopes for a Latté here, but of course you can space as you see fit!

Then, using the calligraphy of your choice, write your recipient’s name and address on the envelope.

I used Janet style calligraphy with walnut ink. Once you’re finished writing the address, you can seal your envelope with DIY envelope glue, washi tape, or regular glue.

I hope you enjoy the printable! Feel free to transform it into your own: draw snowflakes, create crazy calligraphy, give her a mustache … whatever you want! All I ask is that you please don’t redistribute the template without crediting The Postman’s Knock; and, obviously, please don’t offer it for sale.

Thanks again, very much, for reading this blog. Very happy holidays to you — we’ll chat again soon! Oh, and PS — many congratulations to Kayla for winning the artisan calligraphy pen! Thanks to all of you who participated, and sit tight: Rodger and I are already talking about another giveaway.

XO,