Making your own paper envelope is easy and fun! With just a few supplies and a little bit of creativity, you can create a unique envelope for all sorts of occasions.
Introduction
Making your own envelopes is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your mail. You can make envelopes from just about any type of paper, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your envelopes are as professional looking as possible. Here are some tips on how to make envelopes that will make a great impression.
Start with a standard sheet of paper. A4 or letter-size paper will work fine. If you want to be extra sure that your envelope will fit in a mailbox, you can measure the paper and cut it down to size before you start folding.
Fold the paper in half lengthwise and crease well. Unfold the paper and then fold it in half again, this time widthwise. Crease well again.
Refold the paper along the original lengthwise fold so that it is now one-quarter its original size. Crease well once more.
Fold down one top corner of the envelope so that the point reaches the center crease. Crease well and repeat with the other top corner.
Turn the envelope over and insert whatever you need to mail inside. Seal shut by moistening the flap with water or licking it (a method known as “gumming”).
What you will need
- A sheet of paper
- A ruler or a straight edge
- A pen or pencil
- Scissors
Follow these steps to make your own envelope:
- Start with a square sheet of paper. Fold one corner over to the opposite side to create a triangle.
- Fold the triangle in half, creasing it well.
- Open up the triangle, then fold up the bottom corner to meet the top point of the triangle. This will create a smaller triangle.
- Fold this smaller triangle in half, creasing it well.
- Open up the triangle and fold down the top corner to meet the bottom point of the triangle. This will create a pocket. Your envelope is now complete!
Step 1: Fold the paper
To make a basic envelope, fold a rectangular piece of paper in half lengthwise. If you’re using standard printer paper, fold the 8.5-by-11-inch (21.6-by-27.9-cm) sheet in half to create a 4.25-by-11-inch (10.8-by-27.9 cm) rectangle.[1] X Research source
If your paper is special occasion stationery or card stock, there’s no need to fold it in half first – you can begin with a readymade 4.25 x 11 inch (10.8 x 27.9 cm) rectangle and move on to step 2!
Step 2: Create the envelope
Center the envelope template on your paper so that the longer sides are horizontal.
Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper towards you to meet in the center of the page. This will create a clean, sharp edge along the top and bottom of your envelope.
Unfold the paper and then fold each side edge towards you to meet in the center of the page. This will give you clean, sharp fold lines on each side of your envelope.
Step 3: Seal the envelope
To seal the envelope, lick the adhesive strip or use a moist sponge. Be sure to seal the envelope all the way around, so that it doesn’t come open in transit.
Step 4: Decorate the envelope
Now that your envelope is all put together, it’s time to make it look nice! You can use stickers, washi tape, markers, or anything else you can think of to decorate the outside. Be creative!
Tips and Tricks
Making your own envelopes can be a fun and easy way to personalize your mail. Whether you’re sending a birthday card, thank you note, or holiday greetings, hand-made envelopes add a special touch. And, with a little practice, they can be just as easy to make as they are to buy.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect envelope, every time:
Start with the right paper. Envelope paper is typically thinner than standard printer paper, so it’s important to choose a high-quality paper that won’t jam your printer. Look for specialty envelope papers at your local craft or office supply store.
Use a template. Printable envelope templates can be found online and are a great way to ensure that your envelope is the correct size and has the proper flap orientation. Simply print the template onto your chosen paper and cut it out along solid lines.
Fold carefully. Once you have your template cut out, fold along the dotted lines. Be sure to use a bone folder or other blunt object to create sharp creases – this will make sealing the envelope much easier.
Seal it up. Use a glue stick or double-sided tape to seal the envelope shut. If you’re using tape, be sure to run along the edges of the flap to create a water-tight seal.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make an envelope. Now that you know the basics, you can get creative and make envelopes in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make envelopes that are perfect for any occasion.
