The art of making envelopes by hand might not be as popular as it once was, but it remains a charming way to send a heartfelt letter. Handmade envelopes, when carefully crafted, can convey warm wishes and positive emotions to the recipient.
You only need some glue and paper to create your very first handmade envelope. This craft can save you money that you’d otherwise spend on buying envelopes, but it’s a meaningful gesture. What’s more, handmade envelopes offer endless possibilities for customization, setting them apart from the often plain and boring store-bought ones.
In the rest of this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making an envelope the traditional way, even if you’re new to this craft.
How to Make an Envelope
What kind of paper is right? You can make envelopes out of various types of paper, but it’s best to use sturdy and larger paper for this craft. Options include magazine pages, scrapbook paper, catalogues, and large-print photographs. While you can use standard office printer paper, it’s not the most ideal choice.
The shape of the paper you select will affect the method and the outcome of your envelope. The two most common paper shapes for making envelopes are:
- Rectangular paper.
- Square paper.
1. Rectangular Paper:
Making an envelope from rectangular paper is quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide using an A4-sized paper:
- Lay the rectangular paper flat.
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise, creating a crease down the middle.
- Seal the left side with tape, and also tape the right side.
- Fold the top of the paper down to create a flap.
- Place your contents in the envelope, fold the flap back, and secure it with glue to keep your contents safe.
Rectangular envelopes are best for letters and similarly shaped items. The above steps explain how to make an A4-sized envelope. Now, let’s explore how to use square paper.
2. Square Paper:
Here’s how to make an envelope from square paper:
- Fold the square paper in half diagonally. Keep in mind that a 12″ x 12″ paper can accommodate a 5½” square card, while an 8″ x 8″ paper can hold a 3½” square card.
- Fold the right corner in by 1/3 across.
- Fold the left corner to meet the right corner.
- This will give you two triangles. Tuck the right triangle into the opposite pocket and press the paper flat.
- Fold down the top flap to secure your message.
- Place your message inside the envelope, and then seal it with tape or a sticker.
Square envelopes are less common than rectangular ones but are perfect for items like cards and special notes. This should make the process of making envelopes from different types of paper and shapes easier to understand.
How to Make an Envelope without Glue
If you’d rather skip the glue and have your envelope hold your note without any separation, you can make an origami envelope. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating one:
- Start with a square sheet of paper that’s large enough to fit your message. A 12″ x 12″ paper works well for a sizable envelope.
- Position the paper so it resembles a kite shape.
- Fold the paper from one corner to the opposite corner, creating a diagonal crease that goes from the bottom right corner to the top left corner and from the bottom left corner to the top right corner.
- Fold the bottom corner up to the middle line created by the previous fold, and press it down.
- Fold the folded bottom edge back up to the middle line, forming a triangle.
- Fold the left side of the triangle towards the centre.
- Likewise, fold the right side of the triangle towards the centre.
- Use tape to secure the edges where they meet at the centre.
- Fold down the top of the triangle to create a flap.
- Insert your note or content into the envelope, and seal it with tape.
That’s how you can make an origami envelope without the need for glue, allowing your recipient to easily access your message by simply untucking it from the envelope.
How to Make an Original Envelope
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to make an original envelope:
- Start by placing the decorative side of your paper face down.
- Fold three of the corners in towards the middle, leaving the fourth corner to serve as the flap.
- Apply glue to the seams of the envelope.
- Now, insert your content and secure it with glue.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to fold paper to create your own envelope.
Finishing touches:
Once you’ve followed the previous steps on how to make an envelope, add a few final touches to make it more personal and special:
- Include a return address and a stamp to give it a personalized touch.
- Decorate the envelope using washi tape, stickers, or your own hand-drawn designs.
- These decorations not only make your envelope unique but also show your care and thoughtfulness towards the recipient.
- Seal your envelope with a kiss – a charming and affectionate way to close your handcrafted creation!
What are Homemade Envelopes Suitable for?
These stylish handmade envelopes aren’t just for enhancing your greeting cards and letters they have a wide range of uses. For instance, if you’re preparing to send out invitations for events like a baby shower, bridal shower, or wedding, or if you’re planning to invite friends over for a holiday gathering, these envelopes can add a delightful touch to your invites.
Your family and friends will surely appreciate the extra effort. Handmade envelopes can also be perfect for organizing a child’s birthday party. Envelopes play a vital role in our communication, allowing us to send important messages to our loved ones. By following the steps provided above, you now know how to make envelopes of various shapes, sizes, and colours without breaking the bank.
So, why not give it a try and create one today? It’s a creative and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your special messages and invitations.
