How to make an envelope – a simple tutorial.
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.
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.
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.
How to Make Envelopes (with any paper)
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.
Lettering by Cori Maass
What do you think of the finished envelopes? Think you’ll give this DIY a try?
22 comments | Click here to reply
i love it thanks this is soooooooooooooo cool
mentinaHow pretty! I’ll share your link in my newsletter later this week.
Ann