I always seem to run out of envelopes in my house – it’s usually the little C6 sized ones that fit a note card or a piece of A4 paper folded in 4. So I thought I’d have a go at making my own envelopes out of old magazines. These would look gorgeous made from vintage comics or lifestyle magazines.
You will need
- Scissors
- Bone folder (not needed but nice to have)
- An old magazine (pages must be just over A4 in size)
- Thin, double-sized tape
- Pen
- White card or paper (one sheet of A4)
- The iMake envelope template: Envelope Template by iMake (the template is 21cm x 21cm square – check this once you have printed it so ensure that you are printing to scale). Please contact me if you have problems with the template and I can supply exact dimensions.
Method
Gather your tools and materials and print out the envelope template, ideally on card, but paper is fine. Cut out the template.
Take your chosen magazine page and draw around the template on the wrong side. Cut it out.
Fold the 2 smaller side flaps in and crease using the bone folder if you have one. The edge of a ruler will also work.
Fold and crease one of the larger flaps.
Do the same with the other larger flap.
Open up the larger flaps and add double-sided sticky tape as shown in the photo. Try and get the tape really close to the edge, as shown. Peel off the tape and stick the bottom flap down.
Fold over the point of the bottom flap as shown, crease and tuck in.
And there you have it! A handmade envelope. You can buy proper envelope glue (lick and stick) to seal the top flap or use double sided tape. I rather like using cute stickers or washi tape. Here’s a great tutorial for how to make your own envelope glue from The Postman’s Knock: Envelope Glue.
I love this idea. I can especially see making these envelopes for a theme invitation. thanks again Martine for a great idea.
You are very welcome Sarah
Cute
Thanks Libby
I love handmade envelopes! They’re such a great way to recycle cool paper, and if you make enough, they make great gifts as part of a stationery set.
You can make your own lick-to-seal envelope glue in four ingredients … I have a vanilla-flavored recipe here on my blog: http://www.thepostmansknock.com/how-to-make-envelope-glue-in-four-ingredients/
By making the glue and painting it on the envelopes, you save money (which is a compelling reason to make handmade envelopes anyway); and you’re envelopes are truly set to go whenever you need them!
Thanks for an excellent tutorial! I will be back to see what else you’ve been making.
Hi Lindsey, thanks so much for your lovely comment and also the link. You tutorial looks fab, I am going to give it a go. Your blog is gorgeous by the way – I am just having a look at it now. You are one talented lady! Thanks for stopping by. Martine
What a clever idea! I’m desperately trying to think of things that need envelopes now, thanks for sharing
You are most welcome – thanks for your comment
super! i never have envelopes here – they’re all in storage in Canada. How do you ADDRESS the envelopes though?
Thanks Jen – good question. Just pop a label on the envelope. I have some really cute Cath Kidston ones I like to use. I like jazzing up packages and envelopes with stickers