DIY: How to Make Envelopes at Home

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wanted to send a letter but couldn’t find the right size and style of envelope? Well, the good news is that making your own envelopes is a fun and easy craft that can save you time and money. Whether you want to add a personal touch to your letters or create unique DIY gift packaging, learning how to make envelopes is a useful skill to have.

To make envelopes, all you need is paper, a ruler, scissors, and glue. You can use any type of paper you like, from plain white printer paper to decorative scrapbook paper. Homemade envelopes can also be eco-friendly, as you can recycle old magazines or brochures instead of throwing them away. So, let’s get started and learn how to make envelopes in different sizes and shapes!

Introduction:

Envelopes have been used for centuries to enclose letters, cards, and other documents. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be made from different materials, including paper, cardstock, and vellum. Although envelopes can be easily purchased from a stationery store, making your own envelope can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we will show you how to make envelopes using different methods and materials.

Section 1: Basic Materials

1. Choose the Right Paper

The first step in making an envelope is selecting the right paper. You want to choose a paper that is sturdy enough to hold the contents, but also thin enough to fold easily. Thicker paper, such as cardstock, is great for making envelopes that will need to withstand wear and tear, while regular printer paper or construction paper is ideal for lightweight envelopes.

2. Get a Template

To make an envelope, you will need a template. You can easily find envelope templates online, or create your own by tracing an existing envelope onto a piece of paper and cutting it out.

3. Cutting Tools

In order to cut your paper to the right size, you will need a few cutting tools. Scissors, a paper cutter, and a ruler are all essential for creating a straight line and proper measurements.

Section 2: Making Envelopes from Scratch

4. The Basic Envelope Fold

The most common way to make an envelope is by using the basic fold method. This method involves folding your paper in a specific way until the envelope takes shape. First, you need to fold the left and right sides of the paper towards the center, overlapping them slightly. Then, fold the bottom of the paper up so that it slightly overlaps the two side flaps. Finally, fold the top of the paper downwards to form the top flap of the envelope. This basic fold can be used for any size envelope.

5. Creating a Custom Envelope

If you want to create a custom envelope, you can add your own flare by modifying the basic fold. You can experiment with different flap shapes, sizes, and closure methods. For example, instead of the traditional V-shaped flap, you can create a horizontal flap or a triangular flap.

6. Using Double-Sided Tape

One way to keep your envelope flap closed is by using double-sided tape. Simply place the tape on the inside of the flap and press it down onto the envelope. This will keep your contents secure and prevent the envelope from opening during transit.

Section 3: Making Envelopes with a Template

7. Making an Envelope with a Square Template

Using a square template, you can create a unique envelope in no time. First, fold your square paper in half diagonally to create a triangle shape. Then, take the left and right corners of the triangle and fold them towards the center to create a diamond shape. Finally, take the bottom tip of the diamond and fold it up to the top point of the diamond, creating a small triangle. This triangle will be the envelope flap.

8. Making an Envelope with a Rectangular Template

Using a rectangular template, you can create an envelope that looks similar to a standard envelope. First, fold the bottom edge of the paper up so that it slightly overlaps the top edge. Then, fold the sides of the paper towards the center, overlapping them slightly. Finally, fold the top edge of the paper down to form the envelope flap.

9. Using Different Materials

You can create envelopes using a variety of materials, including vellum, cardstock, and patterned paper. Vellum envelopes add a touch of elegance to any invitation or card, while cardstock envelopes are sturdy and can withstand the test of time. You can also create fun and unique envelopes using patterned paper. Be sure to choose a paper that is appropriate for your project and will hold up during transport.

10. Decorate Your Envelopes

Once you have created your envelopes, you can decorate them to add a personal touch. You can use stamps, stickers, washi tape, or even hand-drawn designs to create a one-of-a-kind envelope. This is a great way to show your creativity and add a little extra something to your envelopes.

Conclusion:
In this article, we have learned various ways to make envelopes using different methods and materials. Making your own envelope is a fun and easy project that can be customized to fit your personal style. Whether you choose to make a basic envelope or get creative with your design, the end result will be a unique and personalized envelope that is sure to impress.

Materials Needed to Make Envelopes

Gone are the days when buying an envelope was the only option available. With some simple materials, making your own envelope is not only creative but also cost-effective, and you can customize it to match your style. Here are the materials you will need for making your own envelope:

1. Paper

The most essential material for making an envelope is paper. You can use any type of paper for making envelopes, whether it’s premium quality or scrap paper. However, it’s important to ensure that the paper you choose is thick enough to hold its shape after being folded. A recommended paper weight is around 100-120gsm.

2. Scissors

Cutting the paper to size is important for creating an envelope, and this is where a good pair of scissors comes in handy. Ensure that you have a pair of sharp scissors so that you can make smooth cuts without any rough edges.

3. Glue

Another essential material for making envelopes is glue. Check that the glue you use is strong enough to hold the paper together for an extended period of time, but not so strong that the paper rips when you try to open the envelope.

4. Ruler

A ruler helps you to make precise measurements and cut straight lines, which is important for making an envelope that has equal sides and flaps.

5. Pencil

Using a pencil marks out your measurements on the paper, making it easier to see where to cut or fold. Avoid using pens as they can produce a harsh look on the finished envelope.

6. Decorative Items

Decorative items such as washi tape, stickers or stamps help to add a personal touch to the envelope. This way, you can make an envelope that matches the personality of the recipient.

7. Bone folder

A bone folder is a small tool used to crease the paper without leaving any marks or damaging the paper. It’s great when it comes to creating sharp creases for your envelope.

8. Cutting mat

A cutting mat is used to protect the working surface from scratches and knife marks. It also helps you to cut accurately without the worry of damaging your work surface.

9. Printer

A printer is optional, but it’s useful if you want to print your customized designs or add patterns and images to your envelope.

10. Envelope liner

An optional extra would be an envelope liner. It is a sheet of paper placed inside the envelope with a decorative design. This extra step adds a touch of elegance to the handmade envelope.

In conclusion, with the right materials, creating an envelope is a straightforward and fun endeavor. These materials can be easily obtained at your local craft store or ordered online, and every item is necessary for crafting your handmade envelope.

What Materials Do You Need to Make Envelopes?

Making envelopes is a fun and fulfilling craft activity that can also help you save money on store-bought ones. However, before you start creating your own envelopes, you need to have the right materials on hand. Here are some of the essential supplies you need:

Now that you have your materials, it’s time to get started with making your envelopes. Here are five subheadings that will guide you through the process:

1. Choose Your Paper

The first step in making your own envelopes is to choose your paper. As mentioned earlier, you can use any kind of paper you like as long as it is thick enough to hold up when folded. Consider the size and occasion of the card to determine the right sized envelope.

2. Print or Create Your Template

While making envelopes from scratch can be fun, it can also be time-consuming. Fortunately, there are many envelope templates available online that you can print out and use as a guide. Alternatively, you could create your own template using a pencil, ruler and tracing paper.

3. Cut Out Your Envelope

Once you have your paper and template, it is time to cut your envelope out. Use your scissors and ruler to create straight lines and a neat finish.

4. Fold Your Envelope

Using a bone folder or any similar tool, fold the paper accordingly to the borders of your envelope. The bone folder should be held near the edge of the paper so that the paper can be folded neatly.

5. Seal Your Envelope

The final step is to seal your envelope, you can use glue or double-sided tape to keep your envelope closed. If you’d also like, you can use a sealing wax and candles to add personalized waxy seals for a special finishing touch.

Now that you have successfully made your own envelope, you can go ahead and make more using different papers and sizes. Get creative and use different prints and designs to create one-of-a-kind envelopes that will impress your recipient.

Have fun and keep crafting!

Now that you know how to make your own envelopes, let your creativity shine! Make envelopes for all occasions and add a personal touch to your mail. You can use different materials, add stickers or stamps, and explore different designs. Remember to share your creations with us on social media! Thanks for reading and we’ll see you again soon for more crafty tips and ideas.