How to make an envelope

Making your envelopes can be easy and fun. You can customise them so that they are a delight to receive in the post. There are several steps in the making of an envelope. This article details on how to make envelopes.

Different types of envelopes

The easiest way to make rectangular paper envelopes is to fold an A4 sheet of paper in half, lengthways. Glue or cello-tape the bottom and side edges, leaving an inch free at the top. Insert your letter or card and fold over your top inch. Cello-tape it into place. Using origami Another method is the paper-folding method or the making of an origami. This method does not require the use of any adhesive. -Use a large square of paper. -Fold it in half so that it makes a triangle. -Fold the left and right corners towards each other and tuck the right corner into the fold of the left. The envelope This makes your basic envelope shape. You will have two triangular flaps at the top. Fold the first flap into the left-hand corner. This will create the pocket of your envelope. Once you have placed items in your envelope, you can then, fold the last flap into the left-hand corner as well. This will seal the envelope. However, if you are sending it through the post, you may want to glue or sellotape the flap for safety. Padded envelopes For padded envelopes, you can use bubble wrap. Create a pocket by folding it in half and cello-taping the sides. Next, add a layer of brown paper around the bubble wrap. Leave a two-inch paper overlap at the top. Use cello-tape to secure the sides. Place your items in your newly made padded envelope and secure the flap.

Final touches

To make your envelopes appealing, use coloured paper which you can purchase in arts or office supply shops. If you enjoy art, choose an envelope design. Draw or paint borders around the envelope or little motifs in the corners. Add an image or a pressed leaf or flower to the back flap as a special feature. Sealing your envelope
You can also seal your envelope the old fashioned way, by using wax. Place a few drops of melted wax on the envelope flap and use something to seal it down. You can buy ready-made seals at arts shops or you can use an old ring or a metal object. Addressing with ink Complete your personalised envelopes with an address. Use different inks for your writing to make your envelope attractive.