How to Make Greeting Card Envelopes

Homemade greeting cards are all the rage! But where can you find coordinating envelopes? Making custom envelopes for your homemade greeting cards is easy! Follow these simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• old envelope of the desired size
• cardstock
• wrapping paper
• pencil
• glue stick
• scissors

1. Make the Envelope Folding Guide
   
   Find an old envelop in the size desired. Cut a piece of cardstock the same size as the envelope. This is your folding guide. Set aside until Step 4.

2. Make the Envelope Template
   
   Very carefully peel apart the envelope’s glue joints. Flatten the envelope and position on another piece of cardstock. Trace around the edges with a pencil, adjusting the line if needed due to torn or uneven areas. Carefully cut the template out with scissors.

3. Cut Out the Envelope
   
   Place the template on the backside of a piece of wrapping paper and trace around the edges. Carefully cut out your envelope.

4. Fold the Envelope
   
   Place the folding guide in the middle of the envelope. Fold and crease the side edges and then the bottom toward the center.

5. Finish the Envelope
   
   Glue each edge of the bottom flap to the side flaps, being careful not to get any glue on the inside of the envelope. Allow the envelope to dry. Embellish if desired.

6. Mail Your Card!
   
   Add a card or letter and secure the top flap with glue. Address, affix appropriate postage and mail!

Tips & Warnings

• Plan all of your homemade cards to be the same size so you can use just one envelope template.
• So the address is easy to see, use plain white self-stick labels on dark colored or patterned envelopes.
• Calendar pages, colored paper and non-vinyl or other un-coated wallpaper are also great envelope making materials.
• Envelopes outside of standard dimensions will require additional postage.
• When using slick or coated papers, always test whether the glue that you are using will hold.

Resources

• How to Make Greeting Cards with Fabric Scrap Cutouts