How to Make a Paper Pochette
In French, pochette means “little pocket.” These pieces of paper have inwardly folding tabs that interlock to form an envelope. They make ideal holders for wedding or party invitations. Make your own paper pochettes to suit the color scheme or theme of your special event.
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Things You'll Need
- Construction paper or lined paper
- Square cardstock
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Ruler
Instructions
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Lay your construction paper or lined paper on top of one sheet of the square cardstock that you wish to use for the pochette.
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Trace around the cardstock with your pencil onto your construction paper.
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3
Cut the construction paper on the traced lines so that your construction paper has the same dimensions as your cardstock. You will make an example of the pochette with this less expensive paper.
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4
Fold the construction paper in half and make a crease. Arrange your folded sheet of paper in front of you so that the folded edge is to your left.
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5
Use your ruler to measure 1/4 inch from the fold, on both the top and the bottom of the sheet of paper. Mark this spot with a pencil line.
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Measure 1/2 inch along the fold, on both the top and bottom of the sheet of paper, and mark the spot with your pencil.
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Cut out the upper and lower left corners, using the pencil marks as your guide.
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Unfold your paper and then fold it in half in the other direction. Repeat the measuring and cutting process with this fold. When you unfold your paper, you should have four equally-sized triangular notches.
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Fold the paper on the diagonal, from one notch to another, to create the four flaps. Then lay the paper flat on the table in front of you.
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Fold down the top flap. Then, fold the right flap so that it overlaps the top flap. Next, fold the bottom flap so that it overlaps the right flap. Finally, fold the left flap and tuck the upper part underneath the top flap.
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Unfold the paper and use it to trace the design onto the cardstock you selected for your event. Cut along the traced lines, insert your invitation and fold the tabs to complete your pochette.
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Tips & Warnings
You can create cleaner, neater folds by using a bone folder. Place your ruler where the fold should be, and run the bone folder along the fold line. This scores, or indents, the paper so that it folds more easily.
