As much as I love paper, I haven’t shared nearly enough stationery DIYs here—so that’s changing. Lately I’m completely obsessed with envelopes that have colorful edges. They feel crisp and playful at the same time. We took simple white envelopes and transformed them with a soft rainbow edge treatment in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, and I’m thrilled with how they turned out.
DIY Rainbow Edge Stationery
Total Time: One Hour
Supplies
High-quality white envelopes (low-quality paper can tear)
High-quality white notecards
Craft paint in rainbow colors
Makeup sponges or foam brushes (one per color, ideally)
Washi tape
A T-shirt (for de-sticking the tape)
Directions
1. Washi tape is often too sticky to apply directly to envelopes. Reduce the tack by tearing a strip and pressing it onto a T-shirt a few times.
2. Position a piece of the de-sticked tape about 1/8″ from the edge of the front side of the envelope.
3. Dab your first paint color with a sponge over roughly a 1″ section of the exposed edge. Continue with the remaining colors, slightly overlapping each so the hues blend smoothly.
4. Remove the tape immediately after painting each edge. Pull slowly and carefully to avoid ripping the paper.
5. Repeat on the opposite edge and allow it to dry completely, then finish the other two sides and let dry again.
6. When the front is dry, apply the same technique to the back flap of the envelope.
7. For the bottom diagonal lines on the back, place two pieces of tape about 1/8″ apart, sponge paint between them, and let dry.
8. If you want matching notecards, repeat the same steps to create a coordinated set.
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Styling and craft production by Annie Steward | Creative direction by Kelly Mindell
Your mail is about to get a lot more colorful. We have more paper-focused projects planned—stay tuned, and happy St. Patrick’s Day!
p.s. Rainbow s’mores make a great partner craft for this project.