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Create your own personalized origami envelopes with this creative DIY
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Have you ever wanted to send a letter to somebody, perhaps a small gift or hidden message? Of course, it is best to have something attractive to put it in! To make the gift more personal, you can make an origami envelope. Not only are they simple to make, this nifty design allows you to dip into your creative side.
Steps
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Take a square piece of paper with the corner facing you. You can find a range of origami paper on Amazon . If you want a colored envelope, make sure the colored side is facing down. [1] X Research source -
Fold the paper in half, from corner to corner across the square.Advertisement
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Fold the right corner one third over to the left. You do not have to be exact, just try to be as accurate as possible.
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Take the left corner and fold it over to the other end. Now the bottom portion should be square shaped.
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Fold the point of the flap over the other flap back to the left edge of the model.
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Fold the point of the flap up to the top corner of the flap. Unfold. This is a crease to help guide the next step. [3] X Research source
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Turn the model 180 degrees. The point of view in the photo will now change.
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Open the folded portion of the flap.
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Make a squash fold on this flap. Make sure you flatten it well, as this will help secure the envelope closed. [4] X Research source
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Change the position back so it is "upright." Or turn it back 180 degrees.
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Fold the very top point down to the bottom edge. Or, the bottom edge of the square you formed by "squashing."
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Put the top flap (the portion you just folded down) into the "pocket" that was formed by the squash fold. [5] X Research source
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Flatten the model. Ensure that the model can hold itself together.If you want , you can decorate with stickers or small drawings ...
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Take a plain piece of printer paper and write or type your message. [6] X Research source
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Fold it in half hamburger style so it looks like this. Make sure the message is on the inside.
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Unfold the piece of paper.
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With the writing facing you, take one side of the paper, and fold it at a right angle so that the edge is touching the first crease.
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Do this with the other side.
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On one side of each right triangle, there is an open space. With one side, fold that space over so that it is touching the right triangle.
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Do this with the other side.
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Then take one side and fold it over at a right angle against the first crease.
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Do this with the other side so it looks like this.
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Then take one of these last triangles. You'll see a small flap under the tip of it. Slide the tip of it underneath the little flap.
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Slide the tip of the other triangle underneath the flap found under it. Now it's done. It should look like this.
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If you plan on mailing the envelope, you can write the address on the back.If you want , you can decorate with stickers or small drawings ...
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhy do I have to use square paper?Community AnswerIf the paper isn't square, it will not fold correctly and will not be a perfect envelope.
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QuestionIf I make it with normal paper, will it mail safely?Community AnswerThe envelope may open up in the mail if you don't glue or tape it, but if you do that it should be as safe as a regular envelope.
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QuestionCan you put anything in the gift package?Community AnswerIf it fits, then yes. Don't post illegal substances in the mail though as it could be dangerous.
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Tips
- You can use any kind of paper - try cutting magazine pages into squares, or using leftover squares of wrapping paper. Creativity is key! You can even try to make your own origami paper by painting one side of a square piece of paper.Thanks
- Use a bone folder to make the creases really sharp.Thanks
- Pick a sheet of paper that has a different color on the front than on the back. Larger sized envelopes are great for handmade cards.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- To make a square out of rectangular paper, take the rectangular paper and fold it into a triangle. Cut off the leftover paper, without cutting the triangle fold, then unfold it for the perfect square.
- Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to decorate the envelope and make it look extra special.
- If you're having a hard time creating clean folds, look up origami basics on YouTube.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 square piece of paper . The envelope will end up approximately half as wide as the original square and a third as tall.
- Ruler (optional)
- For method 2, a piece of printer paper, any color
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about origami, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Homayoon .
References
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.origamiway.com/origami-envelope.shtml
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGKpyVhByaY
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make an origami envelope, fold a square piece of paper in half like a triangle, then fold the top point of the first layer toward the bottom. Next, fold the outer points toward the center, so the bottom is square. Along the square, fold the left point back to the left edge, fold it again back toward the middle, then unfold the last fold. Next, turn your envelope so the top point is facing you, then take the folded portion and squish it flat. To finish it off, turn it again so the pointy part is on top, then fold the point down and tuck it into the pocket. Keep reading for some creative ways to use your envelope!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 903,206 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "The origami envelope tutorial was great! I liked that each step was animated. That way I did not have to start and stop a single video, and could really keep my hands free to work. Great job you guys! These little envelopes are going to make cute little advent tree surprises. Thank you very much." ..." more
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"The origami envelope tutorial was great! I liked that each step was animated. That way I did not have to start and stop a single video, and could really keep my hands free to work. Great job you guys! These little envelopes are going to make cute little advent tree surprises. Thank you very much."
..."
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"Wanting an easy way for kiddo to keep his lost tooth (who knows why he wants it). This could also be used for under the pillow for tooth fairy if you have the small origami squares and have no special "tooth pillow.""
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"This article has helped me a great deal. The step by step instructions using video and printed words make it very easy to follow. I am a beginner for origami, so envelopes are one of the items I am making. Thank you."
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"I was running for student government and had absolutely no idea how to fold an envelope, so this was extremely helpful. I look forward to using more of wikiHow!"
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"The first envelope was really easy to make, and I was glad to be able to make my friend at the birthday party really happy with this simple envelope."
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