How to Make Painted DIY Envelopes from Scratch

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!

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.

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 Painted DIY Envelopes

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 Painted DIY Envelopes

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 or 3-5 colors and just start making marks on paper. And maybe throw in some quirts of ink if all else fails.

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!

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

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.

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.

Add an envelope liner if desired or use it as is. DIY envelope liners here if you need a tutorial. Then, throw in that snail mail and get to steppin’ … to the post office.

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