This batik reminded me of the lights and colors in an aquarium I used to contemplate in my doctor’s office while waiting for my turn. One hundred percent cotton, this particular batik is a heavier weight cotton than I usually get which works well with the darker color tones. The envelopes hold their shape very well.
I kept the aquarium in mind for inspiration, the swirling plants, the neon colored fish, the air bubbles, the darker moss and corals in the background and the découpage shapes ended up symbolizing the plants. I hope you enjoy these.
The five fabric envelopes sizes are:
One 4 Bar (3 5/8″ x 5 1/8″ )
Two A2 (4 3/8″ x 5 3/4″)
One A6 (4 3/4″ x 6 1/2″)
One A7 (5 1/4″ x 7 1/4″)
The notecards are blank and flat and are made slightly smaller to fit into the envelope. I used high quality card stock in two colors. The teal has a canvas texture finish while the gold is a smooth finish.
Address/Name Labels included. Packaged individually in a clear sleeve to protect them. Placed in a clear box that can become a perfect gift suitable for so many occasions. You can mail these envelopes and note cards individually in their clear sleeve; USPS will honor these. Remember to affix the stamp on the poly sleeve, not on the fabric envelope itself.
My initial inspiration to make fabric envelopes dates back a few years. in 2003, I visited my favorite French château-Château de Chenonceau–also called the Castle of the Ladies. It is situated on the River Cher. In 1547, Henry II presented the château as a gift to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who had the famous arched bridge constructed, joining the château to its opposite bank.
The femininity of the castle, its beauty and grace were what inspired me to think of making envelopes out of fabric. I dreamed about what correspondence would have looked and felt like in those days. As I looked into it, of course it had been done before, I was only now awakening to the idea.
In any case, it brings a smile to my face to think what it might feel like to open a fabric envelope. I leave you to imagine your own dream and offer it as a gift to someone special.