Everyone is sure to be happy to receive a real letter that has been beautifully packaged in a pretty envelope. But envelopes are not just suitable for letters. Cards, photos, money and other things can also be given away in it. And this type of packaging becomes even more beautiful if it is homemade. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to fold an envelope yourself. To prove this to you, we have put together some great instructions with which you can make an envelope in different shapes and sizes. Find the perfect model for your purposes!
DIY mini envelopes in geometric shapes
You can fold this original envelope using aany kindof paper. This can be simple craft paper, but also cardboard or wrapping paper. You can find a template for making an envelope using this shape if you follow the link at the end of the article. Depending on what kind of paper you want to use for the envelope, you can print the template on plain paper, cut it out and then transfer it to the envelope material or print it directly onto the respective paper. The dashed lines show where to fold.
You can also get original envelopes with geometric shapes. Even a circular shape can create a visually appealing envelope. You determined its size using the diameter of the circle, so there are basically no limits. You will also find a template for this at the end. But even without a template, the idea can be done quickly: Use a compass to draw a circle of any size and, using a ruler, draw an equilateral triangle, the tips of which are on the edge of the circle. The sides of the triangle are the fold lines.
An irregular and abstract shape also looks very attractive and can be considered if you want to wrap a particular gift in an interesting way. Simply fold the paper again where the dashed line indicates and the model is finished. Really original, isn't it?
Circle envelope: simple and original packaging
Cut out several circles of the same size from sturdy paper and you can fold such an interesting envelope. The individual circles overlap each other, but are folded once in the middle before being glued together. This fold line also serves as a guide as to where the circles should overlap. Basically the lines form a square. First just put the circles together. Then fix them with some glue. The other halves of the circle shapes are used for closure. To do this, use glue again or, even better, a pretty ribbon that you tie into a bow.
Classic envelope with a heart
For this envelope, you start with a square piece of paper in any color. The corners are folded inwards and should overlap a little in the center of the square. The fold will be particularly straight if you use a ruler. Now you can fill the envelope as you wish. It is easily closed with paper hearts that you glue to the middle where the corners overlap. The best way to get this is to use a punch or a homemade stencil. Of course, you can also choose a different motif depending on the occasion.
How do you fold an envelope out of a heart shape?
This one is also an interesting heart envelope. The envelope itself has a heart shape. If you want to make this envelope, you will need a stencil. To do this, fold a piece of paper in half. Draw half a heart along the fold and cut it out. Now if you unfold it, you will get an even heart. Now use this template to transfer the heart onto colored paper to make your own envelope. You can also use the stencil technique on the paper you choose, provided it is not too stiff to fold.
Then fold the heart again as shown in the instructions. Only when you open it does the recipient find out what an interesting shape the pretty packaging actually has.
Craft idea without glue
This idea with which you can make an envelope is no less impressive. Would you like to make an envelope yourself without glue? Then this variant is perfect. It has a classic square shape. The special thing is the closure. The top flap is not simply glued to the envelope itself. Instead, the side corners are hooked together to form a small heart. To do this, print out the following template, which you can also use as a stencil, and then cut it out.
The dashed lines are again the areas where folding takes place. First fold the top corner and the bottom corner inwards. Then simply fold the left corner to the right and the right to the left. The half heart shapes with which the left and right corners are provided receive cuts that you then simply hook together. And the envelope is already well sealed.
Fold rectangular envelope with string closure
What's also interesting about this example is the way the envelope is sealed. Buttons are made out of paper using rivets, which are then tied together with colorful string. Use a sturdy paper when making this envelope and cut out the shape shown. The flap for closure and the area of the envelope underneath are then provided with the rivets. Instead of paper circles, you can also choose other shapes that you then attach with the rivets.
The flap with which you close the envelope does not necessarily have to be straight. You are welcome to create a wavy edge or one in a vintage style that is reminiscent of lace. It can also be made pretty with various decorative elements such as rhinestones, washi tape, fabrics or stickers. In principle, you can let your imagination run wild here.
You can also create something pretty with the string you use to tie it. This doesn't necessarily just have to be wrapped around the "buttons" (incidentally, you can also sew real buttons onto the envelope instead of the rivets). You can create a crisscross pattern or other shapes. Just experiment.
Instructions for A4 rectangular paper
If you would like to make an envelope from A4 format or another rectangular shape, this idea is a great way to use the paper without cutting. The four pages are simply folded in an interesting way, as shown in the instructions. This envelope is a wonderful way to give greeting cards or money while presenting stylish packaging instead of the usual and boring white envelope.
Transform a boring envelope
You don't necessarily have to start from scratch if you want to make an original envelope. Instead, you can also use a ready-made one that can easily be redesigned as desired. This is also how these unique tie envelopes were made. The envelopes that you have prepared are first sealed as usual. Then cut one of the short sides open.
The same side is then cut slightly, on the side of the envelope that does not have the closure. Now fold the two tabs downwards at an angle to imitate the collar of a shirt. Finally, just cut out a tie from colored paper and stick it under the homemade collar. If you are making an envelope for cards or other contents that cannot easily slip out, you can easily make a model that does not close.
Original Origami
Origami folding instructions for differentAnimalsThere are quite a few and you may have already tried some of them. But alsoother charactersare possible with Japanese art and include such unique and beautiful origami envelopes. Glue is not necessary for these instructions. Everything is folded very simply. How exactly you can see in the following video instructions.
Leather envelope as elegant packaging for special occasions
Materials other than paper can also be used. In addition to felt and even foam rubber, leather is particularly suitable. Faux leather is also suitable and is available in different colors and even with patterns and motifs, so you can quickly find something that suits you.
In addition to the leather or fabric, you will also need a rivet that is suitable for the thickness of the leather. A finished envelope is used as a template. Unfold this and place it on the back of the leather. Trace the outline and then cut out the shape. Then fold the corners (except the top one) together again, but this time with the leather. Pin them together with the rivet and make a hole in the top corner. This hole is then placed onto the rivet to close the envelope.
Floral envelope templatehere.
Template for envelope from a circlehere.
Abstract folding idea templatehere.
