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Put your stamp of approval on this personalized felt pouch by Mollie of Wild Olive. Not only does it look like an envelope or a Valentine, but it also has interchangeable felt stamps! They make this feel like an activity for kids, but it's really a fun way for grown-ups to "play" as they use this as a small project bag. The stamps on this project are all made using our Stamp of Approval deep-etch die, which make the process super fun and easy. You get perfect stamp edges and lots of hearts every time!
CAUTION: Magnets make this a project that is not suitable for children. If you want to make this for kids, use hook and loop tabs instead.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner, Intermediate
Time: 6 hours
Directions:
1. Using the smaller shape dies from the Stamp of Approval set, cut several shapes from various colors of Bellwether felt.
Using the small stamp dies, cut a colored rectangle and Ecru perforated piece for each stamp you want to make.
If you don't want interchangeable stamps, make one stamp and permanently attach it to your envelope.
2. Arrange felt pieces on stamps to get desired designs. These are a few ideas, but you can get creative with your postage designs.
3. As an optional step, add embroidery to any of the pieces. For a face, use French knots and scallop stitches. For a flower, add a line of chain stitch for the stem. Three strands of embroidery floss is best for all the embroidery.
4. Applique pieces in place on the colored rectangles. Use two strands of matching embroidery floss, stitching with whip stitch along the edges.
5. Glue appliqued stamp fronts to perforated stamp backs.
6. Use E6000 glue to attach a small magnet to center of each stamp. Make sure all magnets are attached with the same polarity facing out!
7. To make the envelope, cut 8.5 x 18" rectangle from Plie thick felt. Fold the bottom edge up about 7". Press with iron to crease.
8. Measure in 4.25" from the side. This is the center. Mark the folded bottom section 2" down from center with a dot. Use ruler to draw a line from each corner down to marked dot. Cut out triangle piece.
9. Measure and mark the top flap similarly to Step 8, but this time mark center (4.25") on the edge. Mark 4" down on each side, then draw a line from center to sides. Cut off two triangle pieces. Fold envelope flap down and iron to crease.
10. With back flaps folded in place, turn envelope over. Place a stamp in upper right corner to see placement. Use a disappearing ink pen to write a name on front of envelope. Make it your signature, simple cursive or print.
If you'd rather work with a pattern, print or write on freezer paper and iron it to the felt envelope. After you embroider, carefully tear it away.
11. Embroider name with three strands of embroidery floss and chain stitch.
12. With stamp held on the top corner, flip open envelope over and set another magnet on the felt. It should connect with stamp on front, which will help with proper placement. Use E6000 glue to attach magnet.
If you are permanently attaching a single stamp, applique or glue it to envelope.
13. Fold bottom flap up and use Wonder Clips to hold edges in place. Use three strands of embroidery floss and a running stitch to sew the two sides of the envelope together. Stitch along top flap with running stitch as a decorative accent.
14. Glue a magnet to the point on top flap.
Glue a second magnet to bottom flap, checking position to make sure magnets will meet when flap is folded down. Give glue ample time to cure before seperating the magnets.
15. Glue an extra heart to the envelope flap.
Change the stamp to suit your mood and keep all the extra postage inside the pouch, along with anything else you want to carry!
This pouch makes a great project bag for small crafts, but you could also store tools inside (maybe all your little pairs of scissors?) or even use as a quirky clutch purse.
The stamps are fun to switch out on the envelope, but they also work as fridge magnets or needle minders! Happy crafting!
