Good old-fashioned snail-mail has become something of a novelty in this age of emails and instant messaging, so it's always exciting to receive something hand-written and beautifully presented in the post. Whether you're sending out Christmas cards, New Year's invitations or just writing a letter to a loved one, you are guaranteed to brighten anyone's day with these handmade envelopes.

For this particular set of envelopes, I recycled sheet music. You can easily find this in charity or thrift shops, or try searching online. The possibilities are endless when it comes to your choice of materials; wallpaper samples, holiday gift wrap and old book pages are also effective. Try to find papers that have interesting colors and patterns; you could even use old photos to add a personal touch.

Materials:

• 4 sheets of your chosen paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Hole-punch
• Baker's twine or ribbon

Print out the provided template on scrap paper and cut it out.

Decide which side of your music paper you will have on the front and flip it over. Lay out your template, draw around it with a pencil and cut it out.

Use the ruler to create a fold along the sides of the envelope as is indicated on the template by the dotted line.

To achieve a crisp, flat line, pull the end of the ruler across the fold.

Choose your top and bottom.

Use the guide marks on the template to mark where your holes will go, then punch through with the hole-punch.

This is an optional step, depending on whether you plan to mail your envelopes or not. Apply a small amount of glue to the bottom of the side flaps and press the bottom flap firmly on top.

Finally, trim a length of your chosen twine or ribbon, approximately five or six inches long, and thread it through the bottom hole.

Once you have filled your envelope with lovely holiday wishes, simply thread the other end of twine through the top hole and neatly tie into a bow.

If you don't plan to post your envelopes, why not finish with a sprig of holly or mistletoe for that extra festive touch? Your loved ones are sure to be delighted!

More holiday ideas

Holiday decorating ideas for small spaces
Creative Christmas card display ideas
Edible Christmas ornaments