How to make an envelope with printable template
I’ve been making my own recycled envelopes for a long time, it’s great on so many levels.
Firstly I never run out of envelopes! No more running to the newsagent at the last minute and having to buy a pack of 50 boring white envelopes.
But really my favorite reason is re-using lots of paper that would normally get thrown out, and making really fun stationery at the same time.
I love sending mail in fun envelopes. It brightens up the day of whoever is receiving it, and I’m sure the postie enjoys a change from delivering boring old mail too.
How to make a paper envelope the easy way!
It’s very easy to make your own envelope template.
I while ago I made myself a cardboard template that fit onto A4 paper, which creates postcard sized envelopes. Now I’ve digitized it so you can print yourself out one too. Pop it onto strong card to make it durable.
You’ll need to print the template at 100% – depending on your printer it should work ok (some don’t print right to the edge). If you are having trouble, just ‘print to fit’ page, It may end up slightly smaller.
If you want to make mini envelopes go ahead and reduce the template by 40-50%
I made a big batch a while ago with Emma’s old kinder artwork. No more guilt about ‘filing’ those abstract paintings in the recycle bin, making envelopes was a great use for them.
You will need:
- Envelope Template – Print here at 100%
- Thin cardboard
- Glue stick
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Scrap paper – see list below
What paper can I recycle into envelopes?
Really any piece of paper large enough to fit the template can be recycled into an envelope. You probably throw tons of it away every day, or if you are like me, have a huge pile of pretty wrapping paper and children’s art work in a box just waiting to be used for the right project.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- old maps
- used wrapping paper
- pages from old books
- kid’s artwork
- paper bags
- magazine pages
- old calendars
- sheet music
- colouring book pages
- newspaper
- scrapbook paper
- posters
- product packaging
- school work
- junk mail
Create your template
Glue the printed template onto thin cardboard (I’ve used a file divider thingy). Alternatively you can print directly onto card.
Cut out the cardboard template. Now you can use this envelope pattern over and over because it’s nice and sturdy.
How to make paper envelopes
I love these travel themed ones using a map. It’s fun to theme the envelope to what will go inside. You could even make them to match the wrapping paper on a gift.
Now that you know how to make an envelope out of paper, you’ll never have to buy a new envelope again!
My Poppet Makes, Australia
PROFILE
Cintia has a craft blog My Poppet Makes that ‘recognises the possibility in the ordinary’.
Her desire to create, along with her ability to see the potential of an unloved object and give it new life, is the driving force behind Cintia’s craft tutorials suited to all skill levels, which she has been sharing with readers since 2007.
Cintia tries to avoid working with new products when she can, preferring to re-purpose second hand or vintage finds, and inject history into her creations. Tutorials, include crochet, needle felting, paper craft, quilting, digital media, photography and Cintia’s favourite, sewing.