Introduction
Have you ever found yourself in need of an envelope but didn’t have one on hand? Or maybe you just want to add some personal flair to an otherwise boring envelope? Learning how to make an envelope out of paper is a handy skill that can save money, reduce waste, and add a personal touch to your correspondence. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making a basic envelope, as well as offer tips for customizing and recycling paper.
Step-by-Step Guide
The materials needed to make a basic envelope are simple: a sheet of paper (8 1/2 x 11 inches), scissors, and glue or double-sided tape.
To start, fold the paper in half widthwise. Unfold it and then fold the edges towards the center crease. This will form two small triangles at the top and bottom of the paper. Next, fold the bottom edge of the paper up to meet the bottom of the two triangles. Finally, fold the top edge down to cover the triangles and align with the bottom edge. This will create a pocket for your letter.
Take the two side flaps and fold them inwards to create a triangle. Apply glue or double-sided tape to the flaps and press them down to secure the envelope.
If you want to ensure your envelope looks professional, make sure to use sharp scissors to cut straight lines and evenly sized flaps. You can use a ruler to make sure all your creases are straight. Another tip is to use bone folder or any hard and straight surface to smooth out your creases and give your envelope sharp edges.
DIY Decorated Envelopes
If you are feeling creative, plain envelopes can be transformed into unique and eye-catching designs. To start, gather materials such as stickers, colored paper, washi tape, ribbon, or stamps. You can also use paper punches to cut out shapes to make your own stickers or die-cuts.
To decorate an envelope, first add any embellishments to the flap area. Then, use coordinating paper or materials to create borders, cutouts, or designs. You can add a personal touch by using a personalized return address label or stamp.
The options for customizations are endless, and they can add a personal touch to event invitations, thank you cards, or business correspondence.
Recycling Paper
If you are trying to live more sustainably, recycling paper to make your own envelopes is a great way to reduce waste. You can use any type of paper material such as old newspapers, flyers, or even previously used envelopes.
To make a recycled paper envelope, follow the same steps as making a regular envelope. However, pay attention to the thickness and quality of the paper, as these factors can affect the durability of the envelope. Additionally, recycled paper gives your letters an eco-friendly touch, and it shows that you care about the environment.
Envelope Templates
Not feeling confident in your ability to fold the perfect envelope? Don’t worry, there are free envelope templates available online. Websites like Creative Market, Greetings Island, or Avery offer a variety of printable templates in different sizes and shapes (square, triangular, or heart-shaped). All you have to do is print the template, cut along the dotted line, and fold along the creases.
You can customize these templates by using different paper colors, patterns, or adding embellishments.
Personalized Envelopes
Personalized envelopes add a special touch to any event invitation or correspondence. If you’re planning a wedding, birthday, or special holiday event, consider personalizing your envelopes with the guest’s name or initials. You can also add the event date or a special message to the envelope.
To personalize envelopes, you can either use handwriting or create a custom rubber stamp with your design. The addition of a personalized envelope shows that you pay attention to detail and care about your recipient.
Unique Envelope Shapes
If you want to take your envelope game to the next level, try crafting envelopes in unique shapes. Square, triangular, or heart-shaped envelopes are a sure way to make your correspondence stand out. To create these shapes, you will need to start with a square sheet of paper instead of a rectangular one.
There are many templates available online or you can make your own by starting with a square piece of paper and folding the paper into your desired shape. Make sure to use a bone folder or straight edge to create sharp creases in unconventional shapes.
Conclusion
Learning how to make an envelope out of paper is a fun and practical way to add a personal touch to your letters and cards. Whether you want to recycle old paper or create unique shapes, there are many ways to customize your envelopes. By taking the time to craft a special envelope, you show your recipient that you care about the presentation and personal touch of your correspondence.
To start making your own envelopes, remember to gather the materials, follow the step-by-step guide, and experiment with different customizations and shapes.
