How To Make An Envelope Out Of Paper
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How to Make an Envelope out of Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a DIY project that’s both practical and fun, making an envelope out of paper should be on your list. Not only is it a great way to add a personal touch to your correspondence, but it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought envelopes. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make an envelope out of paper, from the materials you’ll need to tips and tricks for decorating your finished product.

Materials Needed

Add a personal touch to your letters with handmade envelopes made out of colorful paper
Add a personal touch to your letters with handmade envelopes made out of colorful paper

Before you start making your envelope, you’ll need to gather some basic materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

Paper

The first item on your list is paper. You can use any type of paper you like, but make sure it’s not too thick or too thin. Printer paper or scrapbooking paper works well, as they’re sturdy enough to hold the shape of the envelope without tearing. You can also use patterned paper to create a unique design.

Ruler

To ensure your envelope is the right size, you’ll need a ruler. A 12-inch ruler should suffice, but you can use a shorter or longer one if you prefer.

Pencil

You’ll need a pencil to mark the paper when you’re measuring and cutting.

Scissors

A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting the paper to the correct size and shape.

Glue or double-sided tape

Finally, you’ll need glue or double-sided tape to seal your envelope. Glue sticks work well and are mess-free, but you can also use liquid glue or double-sided tape if you prefer.

Now that you have all the materials you need let’s get started on making your envelope.

Steps to Make an Envelope out of Paper

Now that you have all the materials you need let’s get started on making your envelope. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Start by measuring the paper. Lay the paper flat on a surface and place the ruler on the edge of the paper. Using the pencil, make a mark at 8.5 inches. Then, move the ruler down to the bottom edge of the paper and make another mark at 8.5 inches.

  2. Next, move the ruler to the left edge of the paper and make a mark at 5.5 inches. Then, move the ruler to the right edge of the paper and make another mark at 5.5 inches.

  3. Now, use the ruler to connect the marks you made in step 1 and step 2. You should now have a rectangle shape drawn on the paper.

  4. Cut the rectangle shape out of the paper using the scissors.

  5. Fold the paper in half, bringing the bottom edge up to the top edge. Make a crease along the fold.

  6. Unfold the paper and take the bottom edge of the paper and fold it up to the center crease. Make a crease along the fold.

  7. Take the top edge of the paper and fold it down to the center crease. Make a crease along the fold.

  8. Fold the paper in half along the center crease. The two flaps should overlap slightly.

  9. Apply glue or double-sided tape to the overlapping flaps.

  10. Fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the center crease, pressing firmly to seal the envelope.

  11. Finally, fold the top edge of the paper down to the center crease, pressing firmly to seal the envelope.

Congratulations! You’ve just made your very own envelope out of paper.

Tips and Tricks

Making an envelope out of paper can be a bit tricky, so here are a few tips to make the process easier:

  • Use a bone folder to make sharp creases in the paper. This will make the envelope look neater and more professional.

  • If you’re using patterned paper, make sure the pattern is facing the right way before you start folding.

  • To make sure the envelope is sturdy and secure, use a glue stick or double-sided tape to seal the flaps.

  • If the envelope is too small for your needs, adjust the measurements accordingly. You can make the envelope larger or smaller by adjusting the length and width of the paper.

  • Experiment with different types of paper to create unique designs. Try using scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, or even old maps or book pages.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make an envelope out of paper that looks great and is functional too.

Decorating the Envelope

Once you’ve made your envelope, you can get creative and decorate it any way you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Washi tape

Washi tape is a decorative tape that comes in an array of colors and patterns. You can use it to add a pop of color to your envelope or create intricate designs.

Stamps

Stamps are a classic way to decorate envelopes. You can use rubber stamps to create a unique design or add a personal touch with a custom-made stamp.

Hand-lettering

If you have good handwriting, hand-lettering can add a beautiful touch to your envelope. Use a brush pen or calligraphy pen to create elegant lettering.

Stickers

Stickers are a fun way to decorate envelopes, especially for kids. Choose from a variety of stickers, including emojis, animals, and characters.

Conclusion

Making an envelope out of paper is a simple and creative project that you can do at home. With just a few basic materials, you can make a personalized envelope that’s both practical and eco-friendly. To recap, here are the steps to make an envelope out of paper:

  1. Choose your paper
  2. Measure and mark the paper
  3. Cut the paper
  4. Fold the paper
  5. Glue the flaps
  6. Decorate the envelope

Remember to have fun with your envelope and get creative with your decorations. Making an envelope out of paper is a great way to add a personal touch to your correspondence while doing your part for the environment.