Addressing Envelopes Easily
By aurrorra | June 20, 2009
If you have ever tried to send invitations out to a large list of guests I’m sure you have run into the issue of addressing the envelopes. This doesn’t have to be done by hand. It can be very time consuming to hand address all of the envelopes! You don’t have to spend hours doing this. Some people may feel that hand addressing is a requirement or more proper to do. I say to each his own, but I really feel that if careful attention is given to picking out the typeface then the important part of these ideals is taken care of. That is that there was some customization and consideration put into the invitation. This can also be reflected by having the correct Mr. Mrs. or Miss. on the envelope.
So how does one achieve printing envelopes with their computer? Is there a special program required? There are many websites out there that are trying to sell you a special program to do this, but it is really not necessary. Perhaps they have some special features built in that will check the addresses with a database with the postal system, but other than that you can accomplish printing envelopes with programs you most likely already have installed on your computer. If you have Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word you can print a list of guests onto envelopes very easily.
It can be time consuming setting up a list like this, but probably not any more time consuming that doing it by hand. The really wonderful thing about it is if you have this list you can always use it again for other events. You may even decide to but in an extra column so that you can easily categorize your list. For example if your getting married you may mark the grooms family as his family and your as your so that you could send out specific cards to each if you like. I’m sure you can think of other groups within your list that you could mark and use to your benefit. Once you have this list it will be a snap to send out Christmas Cards. Of course you will always need to make sure it is updated before sending our cards.
Anyhow, I have set up a step by step tutorial on how to actually do this. I have made it as thorough as I can think. If you get stuck anywhere please comment and I will revise the tutorial. This process is called mail merging and it is a lot simpler than you think. I have many parts to the tutorial, but that is just because I want you to see every step of the process. Just click on the different parts to see the tutorial. Good luck with your envelope addressing!
If you want to add a return address it is easy. Just put it up at the top of the envelope and it should repeat on every envelope. Make sure to use the preview and cycle through a few of them.
Topics: Addressing Envelopes | No Comments »
The Art of Using Colored Envelopes
By aurrorra | May 14, 2009
The Purpose of Colored Envelopes
The original purpose of using colored envelopes in business is identification. As an example, standard white envelopes with business logos are most often used for correspondence while ivory envelopes are used for accounting, legal or sales campaigns where volume of use dictates less expensive mailing materials. Colored envelopes as part of casual writing stationary offer a pleasant diversion from business formality.
Envelopes – Sizes and Colors
For business purposes, white and manila envelopes are a standard No. 10 size (4 1/8 inches x 9 1/2 inches). Whereas, envelopes are offered in a variety of sizes to suit most practical purposes. For greeting cards, the size of the envelope is generally 5 inches by 6 inches in many colors and printed designs. The paper from which the envelope is made is usually 24 lb weight. Envelopes are often “textured”, i.e., to give it a more elegant finish for wedding invitations, birth or death announcements or more esthetic for special events like birthday, anniversary or graduation party invitations.
Choosing Envelope Colors
Clearly, the color chosen for envelopes should always facilitate “readibility” by the Postal Service. Avoid envelopes with dark colors for this reason Envelopes should suit the occasion for which it’s being used. Choose beige or ecru colors for sedate occasions and brighter colors for upbeat occasions. The rule of thumb is to avoid garish colored envelopes. Treat envelopes as a signature of social grace that will be identified as a personal “calling card”. The envelope is the first line of communication. It should make the most appropriate presentation.
Envelopes and Inks
Most ink for handwritten envelopes tends to be blue or black. Make sure the envelope color doesn’t clash with the color of the ink. For pre-printed envelopes, this won’t be a problem since most professional printers choose ink colors that don’t “wash out”. Be mindful of the appearance of inks on envelopes with special bonds and textures.
Envelopes For Other Occasions
For children’s events, envelopes in whimsical designs and hues are ideal. This is also true for social groups that regularly mail meeting notices and newsletters of less than 2 pages. Most social or civic groups prefer a design and color that identifies the type of organization. The recipients easily recognize the group color from among other regular mail in this way. Children love receiving greeting cards and invitations in brightly hued envelopes just as adults perceive them as part of the sentimentality of gestures of thoughtfulness.
Personal Stationary with Colored Envelopes
It’s easy to create a personal stationary style by simplying choosing envelopes that contrast or match writing paper. Add a wax seal to the back of the envelope with a personalized monogram for traditional style.
Topics: colored envelopes | No Comments »
Colored Envelopes – Here to Stay
By aurrorra | April 27, 2009
Despite the decreasing popularity of traditional mail and letters, envelopes have certainly not become extinct. They are still in great use when it comes to business, in mailing statements, bills, and other such things. Envelopes are also consistently used for gift cards, birthday cards, wedding cards, and other special occasion cards. Even when traditional mail goes entirely out of style, the envelope will surely not, and will perhaps become more exciting in design as it attempts to keep up with trends.
When going shopping for a card at any local store, customers are typically drawn to bright coloured-cards, especially ones with coloured envelopes. Nothing says creative, fun, and exciting like a coloured envelope instead of a plain, boring white one. White envelopes seem so bland, so traditional, truly business-like. Coloured envelopes have opened up a whole new world to letter and card giving, as it provides even more opportunity to zero uniquely in on the recipient.
Having personal stationary with trendy cards and even trendier envelopes is another great way to show personality and character. Perhaps your signature is always sending notes to others in bright orange envelopes with a big flower on the front. Now, wouldn’t that be exciting to get in the mail?
Envelopes are truly like to packaging to a letter, and packaging, whether we care to admit it or not, is very important. We are told most of our lives to make a good first impression. This applies as well to the situation regarding letters, notes, and envelopes. A great first impression comes from a well-chosen envelope that matches the card, plays to the recipient, or simply adds a burst of colour to someone’s day.
There is a wide variety and assortment of colored envelopes available. If one goes to the store, typically the envelopes match the cards being purchased. A romantic Valentine’s day card will usually be accompanied by a deep red envelope while a child’s birthday card may possess a bright yellow or lime green envelope. When purchasing personal stationary, options may include black, purple, blue, or any other grand array of colors. Online shops frequently offer personalized envelopes with the exact color of choice and a good selection of interesting, sophisticated, or fun designs.
Perhaps you have spent much of your life giving cards and notes in bland, white envelopes-even making your own envelopes out of white typing paper. Today is the day to end such a boring existence. Be bold. Make a great first impression. Use some colored envelopes today!
Topics: colored envelopes | No Comments »