1. “Cheat” the measurements – If you want your finished card size to be 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (standard A2), and you want the embellishment to hang off the edge, cut the card size down.
In this example, if the pinwheel hangs off 1/2″ on the top and left side, cut your card base to measure 4-3/4″ x 3-3/4″.
2. Make a Gusseted Envelope or Envelobox
View a how to video here:
3. Use a Padded Envelope
4. Bubble wrap – Save bubble wrap and then cut a piece to put over the button or embellishment. Think about the card going through the postal scanners – you want to have a “smooth” surface on the outside so the embellishment doesn’t get caught in the machinery. You can also add a bottom layer of chipboard to help it remain stiff.
5. Request a Handstamp – You’ll need to go in to the post office as ask for this. There is a nonmachinable surcharge of $.20. This takes your card out of the machine sort altogether and it is processed by hand at each post office.
6. Hand Delivery – I know plenty of crafters that save the highly embellished items for personal delivery.
7. Accept it – If you have made a gorgeous card for a friend or loved one, they will appreciate it even if it gets squished a little. They can always fluff it up on their end.
