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Using regular paper and rubber glue, you can make your own envelopes in almost any size. It's easy - even kids 5 and up can do this (with supervision) - and it's the perfect way to send a handmade card.
Steps
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Lay your card on a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Center it horizontally on the paper but a little low. [1] X Research source If you don't have a card already, just mark the paper where you want your card to be. -
Fold the sides of the paper inwards. Leave a little room so the envelope will be a little larger than the card. [2] X Research source
- Press firmly on the edge of each fold so it lays down flat. [3] X Research source
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Do the same with the top and the bottom (remembering to leave a little wiggle room).
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Now flatten out the paper and remove the card.
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Snip off the corners. Make a cut slightly larger than 90 degrees. [4] X Research source
- One corner snipped off.
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Do this for all four corners.
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Check that the card will fit inside just nicely (always best to check this before you glue).
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Put just a little dab of glue at the bottom of each side piece. Then fold the bottom up and press down (this glues the bottom piece on to the sides).
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Measure and cut a new piece of paper slightly smaller than your envelope. This will be the back piece.
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Glue carefully along the sides and bottom of the envelope, then place the back piece on and press down gently.
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There you have it - the finished envelope! Put the card inside, then glue the top of the envelope closed.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionAre there any other ways to decorate a greeting card envelope?Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.Another cheap and easy option is using a pen or marker and doodling directly onto the envelope. You can personalize it by drawing their favorite characters or adding a cute message. You can also try using decorative paper, where you trace the shape of your envelope onto the paper, cut it out, and glue it on. This will transform your plain envelope into something colorful and eye-catching. Another great idea is to use washi tape around the edges for a quick pop of patterned colors.
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QuestionCan I use tape instead of glue?Community AnswerYes, you can!
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QuestionWhat is an easy way for kids to make an envelope?Community AnswerIf you fold a paper in half hamburger style, then secure the sides with glue or tape, keeping the top open, you can put the item inside and then fold a flap with the excess paper to close it. Seal with tape, glue, or a sticker.
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Tips
- This is a fun activity you can enjoy with your kids!Thanks
- Have a clean space with a flat surface to work on.Thanks
- Remember, this may be hard for some children, so always get a parent to help you.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 personalize your card, write the recipient's name on the outside of the envelope and seal the envelope with a cute sticker.
- Use good quality paper like card stock or speciality scrapbook paper.
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Things You'll Need
- Rubber glue - Elmers sell a good size bottle for around $6 including a handy brush inside the cap.
- Brush (if one is not included with the glue)
- Plain old 20# paper (almost any will do, but lighter paper is easier to handle)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil and eraser
Expert Interview
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 556,819 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I wanted to make an envelope for my sister's birthday card (homemade by me specially) so therefore I also wanted to make an envelope myself. I searched on YouTube, but I didn't like the way they showed me. Then I entered your website, I already knew your website shows good things obviously. I started the envelope and it came out so good. I really have to agree, you are the website I have ever seen. Thanks! " ..." more
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"I wanted to make an envelope for my sister's birthday card (homemade by me specially) so therefore I also wanted to make an envelope myself. I searched on YouTube, but I didn't like the way they showed me. Then I entered your website, I already knew your website shows good things obviously. I started the envelope and it came out so good. I really have to agree, you are the website I have ever seen. Thanks! "
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"This was a real life saver. I went to store and got a card, but forgot to get the envelope. Oh no, I thought I had to go back to the store to get one. Then I thought, "Hey, why can't I make my own and be done!" Then along came this article. Perfect!"
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"I work with my 2 1/2 year old and 4 year old grandchildren with watercolors and I am deciding to start working with them with cards for the Christmas holidays."
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"I have wanted to make greeting cards for my grandchildren but didn't know what I would do for envelopes. Thank you for this craft."
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"Excellent! I used this for a handmade A5 card, and I needed an envelope. Steps 5 - 10 were the most helpful, but it worked great!"
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