How to Make an Origami Envelope

The ancient art of origami can sometimes seem complicated. However, starting with the simplest items, such as envelope or paper pocket is a good introduction to the art form. It also gives a new places to store paper clips, notes and other small items. Below are basic instructions for creating an open-ended or pocket-style origami envelope.

Instructions

1. Place a sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper in front of you horizontally.

2. Fold over hot dog style so both long edges meet and push down with finger in the center to create crease before opening back up.

3. Fold the bottom edge horizontally so it meets the originally center crease, push down with fingers to create crease before opening back up.

4. On the bottom quarter of the page, bring each corner up to the bottom crease in the paper, push down with fingers and leave folded. This should result in two triangle folds of equal lengths.

5. Take bottom edge with corners folded in and fold again to meet the original center crease.

6. Turn the paper over and lay as is on the table.

7. Fold paper in half width ways, pushing down on new bottom edge with fingers to create a crease before opening back up. The paper should still be turned over.

8. Fold each of the two edges in to meet the crease you created in Step 7, push down with fingers to create a tight fold. Do not unfold the paper.

9. Place paper in front of you so that the two triangular flaps are at the bottom.

10. Take top edge and fold to meet bottom edge, pushing down fold to make it crisp.

11. Open back up slightly and push corners of top edge into triangular flaps of bottom edge. Fold in two to create pockets both front and back or leave as is for one larger pocket.