How to Make Envelopes
When most people think of creating their own personalized stationary, they may think of designing greeting cards or letterheads. However, one component that is often overlooked is the holder of these pieces—the envelopes. Making your own envelopes can be fun to do and can allow you to find a proper fitting cover for almost any card or letter.
- Place the card on a piece of 8 ½ by 11 paper. You can choose any color, pattern, or style of paper to match your card. Keep in mind that if you are going to be addressing the envelope, you may need to use mailing stickers so that the addresses are visible.
- Center the card horizontally, but leave a little extra room on the top of the card.
- Bend the sides of the paper over the card, making strong creases. Don’t fold so close to the card that you won’t be able to slide it in and out of the envelope; you want a little wiggle room.
- Repeat the process to fold over the top and bottom edges onto the card, leaving a little space.
- Smooth out the piece of paper so that you can remove the card.
- Cut out the corners where the creases overlap. Although the creases should make 90 degree angles, you will want your cuts to result in an angle that is slightly larger.
- Lay the card back on the piece of paper and make sure that everything fits properly.
- Apply a small amount of glue on the side pieces at the bottom. Fold the bottom piece up over the sides and press firmly to secure.
- Use another piece of paper to make the back covering of the envelope by measuring and cutting a sheet that is a little smaller than the envelope.
- Apply a thin layer of glue to the side and bottom flaps of the main portion of the envelope you made. Center the back piece and press down to smooth out any wrinkles.
- Wait for the glue to dry and slide your card into the envelope. You can apply glue to the top flap and fold it over to secure your greeting within.
Note that these directions can be modified for any size card. Just make sure your piece of paper is large enough for your card and the flaps are suitable sizes.