Craft envelopes add a personal touch to any greeting or thank you card and are also an easy and fun chore to try with the kids. Recycle paper you would otherwise throw away, or purchase patterned papers at a home improvement store to create a custom envelope.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create a Pocket-Shaped Envelope
Step 1. Get a sheet that is about twice the size of the envelope you want to make
A standard A4 sheet should be fine. You can fold it and cut it in half before starting if you want an even smaller envelope.
Step 2. Fold the paper evenly
You should get a rectangle half the size of the envelope you want to get.
Step 3. With tape, close the left and right sides
Use masking tape to secure the two side ends of the rectangle leaving the top open; this is where you will enter your letter.
Step 4. Fold the top to the bottom to create a flap
Create a tab by folding the open edge of the rectangle towards the bottom. This will prevent the letter from falling out of the envelope. A tongue about 1 cm high will look perfect.
Step 5. Enter the letter or postcard
Reopen the flap and insert the letter, postcard or whatever else you want to send, then fold again to close it.
Step 6. Glue the tab to secure the message inside
Run a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of the flap, then press it down; in this way the envelope will remain closed until it is opened by the recipient. You can also secure it with decorative tape or a sticker.
Method 2 of 3: Using Masking Tape
Step 1. Get a standard size sheet of paper (21x 29.7cm)
Lay it out horizontally and hold it in this position for all the steps that follow.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half horizontally
Match the corners of the paper to make sure the fold is straight and press your fingers on the folded edge to create a neat mark. Then you reopen it there will be a crease in the center.
Step 3. Fold the top right corner along the center crease
Fold the top right corner when the edge touches the center crease in a precise line. In this way the upper right corner will take on a triangular shape.
Step 4. Fold the top left corner along the center crease
Fold the top left corner following the procedure used for the right one. Remember to smooth the paper with your fingers so that you get a straight crease. You will now have two small triangles placed on top of a rectangle.
Step 5. Fold a 2.5 cm wide band on both the top and bottom edges towards the center
In this case you can measure by eye, since the measurement does not need to be accurate. Both the top and bottom edges should have a band folded towards the center about 2.5cm wide, thus leaving enough space to hold a letter or postcard.
- At this point the sheet must still be positioned horizontally.
- The triangular tip of the paper must point to the left.
Step 6. Fold the right edge of the paper to the base of the triangle
The edge of the folded triangle on the left side should be parallel to that of the right side, keeping the triangle still visible. Flatten the crease with your fingers, then reopen it.
Step 7. Fold your message to fit inside the envelope
Some postcards may be too large for this type of envelope, while letter-sized paper will fit perfectly when folded in half or in 3 pieces.
Step 8. Enter your message
You can insert the card between the horizontal folds of the envelope. Take advantage of the lower fold of the triangle and those on the sides to secure the card inside the envelope.
Step 9. Close the envelope
Fold the right edge of the paper towards the base of the triangle, as you did in the previous steps. Fold the triangle towards the center of the rectangle. Now, look: the back of your envelope looks just like the back of the envelopes you buy.
Step 10. Close the edges with masking tape
Secure the sides of the envelope with small pieces of masking tape. Also close the top flap of the envelope.
Step 11. Deliver the envelope by hand
Unfortunately, postal services often demand a surcharge for envelopes that are not perfectly rectangular and that do not have precise edges. So, if you don't want to pay extra shipping costs, hand deliver your envelope.
Method 3 of 3: Create a Square Envelope with the Origami Technique
Step 1. Get a square sheet of paper larger than the letter or postcard to send
If you're packing a very large letter or postcard, you may need to go to a home improvement store to find a sheet of the right size. For example, if your postcard measures 21x28cm you will need a sheet of at least 30cm per side. On the other hand, for a smaller postcard, for example 10x12 cm, a sheet of about 15 cm will be perfect.
Step 2. Position the paper so that the corners take the shape of a rhombus
The corners must therefore be positioned upwards, downwards, to the right and to the left, as if to form a rhombus.
Step 3. Fold the square by matching the opposite corners together
This will create a crease that will connect the top left corner to the bottom right corner, and another that will go from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. First, align two opposite corners with each other, fold the sheet, then reopen it. Repeat the same operation for the other two corners, then reopen the sheet and place it, again, in the shape of a rhombus.
Step 4. Fold the bottom corner to the crease in half
Match the bottom corner with the point where the two folds intersect in the center of the sheet, then smooth the fold so that the sheet is flat.
Step 5. Fold the flat part of the corner up, along the center crease
You should now have a triangular shape. The outer edges of the sheet must be perfectly aligned with each other. Flatten the fold so the paper is flat.
Step 6. Fold the left corner towards the center
Fold the left edge of the triangle so that the tip slightly exceeds the center crease.
Step 7. Fold the right corner towards the center
The right corner of the triangle must also go beyond the central crease.
Step 8. Fold the tip of the right corner back
The right corner was not perfectly aligned with the center crease, so fold back the excess part of the tip. Now the edge of the right corner must be aligned with the vertical crease, thus obtaining a triangle.
Step 9. Open the triangle
If you insert a finger into the fold of the triangle, you will notice that it will open smoothly and take on a rhomboid shape. Then open and flatten the triangle; the shape you will get will have a crease in the center.
Step 10. Insert the top corner of the envelope into the small opening
Now the envelope is finished! You can reopen it to insert the postcard or letter and then close the top edge again. You may also decide to tape any loose edges together, but the edges are very likely to remain closed anyway.
Advice
- Using colored cardstock allows you to add a touch of sympathy to your craft envelope, while also making it more opaque.
- Many stores sell duct tape with decorations - this too could add a cute touch to any envelope.
- Try decorating your envelope with stickers.
- You can draw designs on the sheet before folding it. Once the envelope is finished, the designs will be scattered over its entire surface.
- Scissors are not mandatory for making an envelope.
Warnings
- Don't create creases until you are sure they are exactly where you want them to be.
- Handle the paper carefully - you could cut yourself and get hurt.
