How to Make Painted DIY Envelopes

By Brittni • posted on 02/15/2022

How to make an envelope – a simple tutorial.

Colorful, hand addressed envelopes with pink background
Ever wondered how to make an envelope with paper? This one’s for you.

These painted DIY envelopes would be a playful option for wedding invitations, save the dates, birthday parties, housewarmings, thank you cards, etc, etc. And I’m showing you how to make ’em, from start to finish today (the start being a completely blank piece of paper).

Click through for the tutorial for these painted DIY envelopes from scratch.

Painted envelopes closeup in colorful patterns

These envelopes couldn’t be any easier to make. And once the paper is painted, you’ll only need a few supplies. Here’s the full materials list…

Materials for Making Envelopes (mine are painted)

  • thick paper (my fave is Rives BFK 250-270 weight)
  • acrylic paint and/or ink
  • paint brush
  • paint pen or pencil
  • scissors
  • glue stick

How to Make Envelopes

1. Start by painting a sheet of paper.

This first step is optional. Paint a large sheet of paper in an attract pattern. The paper doesn’t need to look good on a whole because it’s going to be cut up into smaller pieces anyway.

But if you’re not sure where to start, stick with a color scheme of 3-5 colors and just start making marks on paper. And maybe throw in some squirts of ink if all else fails.

2. Create a template (I have a hack for this).

While the paint is drying, create a template.

You can find loads of envelope templates online for free (or like a $1 download type of thing on Etsy) OR do what I did and rip apart an old envelope you already have to create a new one on your own.

3. Trace the template.

Next, trace the template onto the painted paper over and over again.

4. Cut out the template.

Cut out the templates and fold all of the sides down, as shown in the photo.

The side flaps should be folded down first. Then fold the bottom flap folds over and the top folds on top of that.

5. Add glue and fold in.

Run glue along the side edges of the bottom flap only (on the inside).

Next, attach the bottom flap to the folded side flaps of the envelope. Press the flaps down until they’re secure.

Step by step photos of process of making an envelope

Add Something Extra

Add an envelope liner if desired or use it as is. I have this DIY envelope liners tutorial here if you wanna try this as well.

From there, it’s ready to throw into the mailbox. Easy peasy.

OR make teeny tiny envelopes to add to mini gifts, floral bouquets, scavenger hunt notes, etc, etc.

Painted miniature envelopes (from scratch) on pink background

Painted envelopes in abstract patterns of blue and yellow

DIY envelopes in abstract, painted patterns

Glueing envelopes together and closeup of completed handmade envelopes

How to Make Envelopes (with any paper)

Brittni
These painted DIY envelopes would be a playful option for wedding invitations, save the dates, birthday parties, housewarmings, thank you cards, etc, etc. And I'm showing you how to make 'em, from start to finish today (the start being a completely blank piece of paper).  I don't know anyone who couldn't use a little color in their mailbox, amidst all the sad AF white envelopes (bills) and brown kraft paper packages. Boo. So, this tutorial is for all of us who could use a pick-me-up in the mail!
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Ingredients
  

  • thick paper my fave is Rives BFK 250-270 weight
  • acrylic paint and/or ink
  • paint brush
  • paint pen or pencil
  • scissors
  • glue stick

Instructions
 

Start by painting a sheet of paper.

  • This first step is optional. Paint a large sheet of paper in an attract pattern. It doesn't need to look good on a whole because it's going to be cut up into smaller pieces anyway.
  • But if you're not sure where to start, stick with a color scheme of 3-5 colors and just start making marks on paper. And maybe throw in some squirts of ink if all else fails.

Create a template (I have a hack for this).

  • While the paint is drying, create a template.
  • You can find loads of envelope templates online for free (or like a $1 download type of thing on Etsy) OR do what I did and rip apart an old envelope you already have to create a new one on your own. So easy!

Trace the template.

  • Next, trace the template onto the painted paper over and over again.

Cut out the template.

  • Cut out the templates and fold all of the sides down, as shown in the photo.
  • The side flaps should be folded down first. Then the bottom flap folds over that and the top folds on top of that.

Add glue and fold in.

  • Run glue along the side edges of the bottom flap only (on the inside). Then attach the bottom flap to the folded side flaps of the envelope. Press down until secure.
Did you make this?Mention @paperandstitch or tag #paperandstitch!

Lettering by Cori Maass

What do you think of the finished envelopes? Think you’ll give this DIY a try?

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22 comments | Click here to reply

i love it thanks this is soooooooooooooo cool

mentina

How pretty! I’ll share your link in my newsletter later this week.

Ann

Wow! I really love this tutorial. Thank you!

Barb

So pretty. I realize you listed heavy paper. I’m thinking of trying this technique with junk mail.

Dawn

What a great idea! And what a great tutorial! I love the colours you chose, they go very well together. Definitely going to try this myself.

Jennifer

Aw, thanks Amy. I really appreciate that. 🙂
-Brittni

Brittni

These are pretty much the best envelopes ever! The colors make me so happy.

Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling

Very cool, May. Let me know how it goes if you decide to give this a try. I think it’d look awesome for wedding invitations.

Brittni

Great DIY! I’m thinking of doing this for my wedding invitations – would make it very unique and prettty!

May

So beautiful, i love this diy
New post:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/haute-couture.html
Blog:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com

The pink pineapple

Becky – I used a thick paper / heavy weight BFK (it’s in the materials list), so there was no problem with the paper wrinkling at all. It’s my favorite paper…definitely thicker than a normal envelope paper BUT it’s still very easy to fold and doesn’t seem overly thick for an envelope. 🙂 Hope that helps.
-Brittni

Brittni

Hi Brittni, these are so pretty! Did you have any problems with the paper wrinkling when painted it? Or did it dry flairly flat?

Pumpkin Becki

Thanks Kate! That can definitely be arranged. 🙂

Brittni

CUTE! I’d love to receive one of these in the mail!!

K A T E L A T E L Y
http://www.katelately.co/beach-day/

Kate Lately

Thanks Michelle! The colors are little brighter than my norm, but I think you can go a little more bold on envelopes since they’re so small.

Brittni

They are so beautiful, I love the idea and the colours you used! They’re really perfect for any kind of invitation!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

Michelle

Thanks Courtney. They’ll definitely stand out in the normal sea of white in your mailbox. 🙂

Brittni

Those envelopes are so cute! I love how bright they are.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

Courtney Hardy

Oh cool, Sophie. Glad to hear that.

Brittni

I’ve always wanted to make my own envelopes. I’m so glad that I can finally make my own envelopes with gorgeous DIY.

Sophie

Thanks Wren.

Brittni

Very pretty, I love the colors and your quirky calligraphy

wren
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