This neat little ‘envelope trick’ idea was given to me by my wonderful & talented friend Amanda Coughlin from whom I steal ideas from all the time!  She made a card with insert like this last spring for a swap.  Of course I run with her great ideas (and then unfortunately I am the one remembered for them not her!).  Leave her a sympathy message on her blog, LOL! UPDATED INFO –The envelope is the Stampin’ Up! "Large Open-End Envelope" which is 9 1/2 x 4 1/8 (Order #170285 for Vanilla, but it also comes in white)–END UPDATE.  Okay, I have been asked how it is colored:  I used watercolor crayons (outlining the detail) and blending it with the Aquapainter, being careful to wipe it off often so that I don’t overrun each color.  It is not as tedious as it sounds, really!  The leaves, however, were sponged with More Mustard and Always Artichoke with sponge daubers and I did use the Elegant Eggplant crayon in spots around the outer edge and blended it out to make the shadows.  Be sure not to overcolor… leave white space and don’t go too heavy on color.  The beauty of it is in the artwork of the stamp, the color should complement not overtake it.  I have been asked to share a 5 minute Workshop WOW next Saturday at the Philadelphia Regional and I have decided to do what I lovingly refer to as "Cheap Envelope Tricks"… I almost always show cool things you can make with an envelope at workshops.  I will be sharing them here as well.  To My Customers:  ask me about an "All Wrapped Up" workshop showing quick and inexpensive gift and packaging ideas with rubber stamps and decorative papers! 

This great "gift card" holder is actually two large envelopes (4 3/4 x 6 1/2) attached at the tops. One flap is glued inside the other flap to hindge like a book.  I used Lovely Lilac cardstock to line the envelopes (just enough for where it shows) to cover the fact that they are envelopes. You can buy the mini 3×3 envelopes in packages of 40 now, which I LOVE–I can make 3×3 cards from any color I want.  Now, for my big wish–getting the "mini" envelopes (3 x 4 1/4) alone… again, I like to cut my mini cards from scraps of colored paper.  I do use the mini notecards, but mostly on a cardfront! The set featured is Blossoms Abound (more samples here). The color combination is Lovely Lilac & Almost Amethyst.  I used sponging and also repetition of the detail lilac on the background for effect. The "hinges" are the Word Window punch and mini gold brads.  This was part of a "With One Set" class that I did this summer.