Making a basic origami envelope only takes a few minutes and a bit of practice. Once you master the art of a basic envelope, you can expand your repertoire to other kinds of envelopes and origami projects. Origami envelopes are perfect for sending notes and many other craft projects. You'll find that these little envelopes can be very useful, not to mention cute.
Origami Envelope Supplies
To make a basic origami envelope, you'll need a square piece of paper, a sticker or dot of glue to seal the envelope and a pencil and ruler to mark the middle of the paper. You can use traditional origami paper or any of the following creative alternatives:
- Comics
- Newspaper
- Wrapping paper
- Lightweight cardstock
- Magazines
- Wallpaper samples
You should note that if you are planning to send your origami envelope through the post office, you'll need to meet certain requirements for size. The envelope needs to be at least 3 ½ inches high and 5 inches long.
If you are simply using your envelope for decoration, you can use any size of paper that you want. Be sure that your paper is perfectly square for best results.
Origami Envelope Instructions
Here are simple steps to create your envelope.
- Place the square of paper with the pattern side down.
- Use your pencil to mark the middle of the paper. You can use your ruler to draw two faint lines and mark where they cross with a dot.
- Turn your piece of paper so you are looking at it diagonally.
- Fold in the two sides so that the points meet your center dot. Crease the fold.
- Fold up the lower point just above the point where the side flaps end. This will seal the bottom of your envelope and create a pocket.
- Unfold the envelope entirely, making sure to open the sides. Fold the lower point in half so it has a flat top.
- Bring the sides in on top of the folded bottom flap.
- Turn out the top of each side point until they meet flat top of the bottom flap.
- Open the side points out again and fold in the turned out parts. Reverse the crease that you just made so that the pattern shows on the inside.
- Tuck the flaps back over the bottom fold and crease all the folds well.
- The top flap will tuck inside of the pocket you've created. You can also use a sticker or dot of glue to seal the envelope on the outside.
Another simple origami envelope project is described in the Origami Envelope slideshow.
Origami Envelope Projects
Once you've learned to make origami envelopes, you can use them in a wide variety of projects. They can be used for thank you notes and other gift cards, and in unconventional ways.
- Make a large decorative envelope to hold photos you are giving as gifts.
- Several envelopes can be attached together, with the flaps open, to create a homemade recipe file.
- Use miniature origami envelopes in scrapbooking layouts to hold journaling and secret notes for posterity.
- Make 25 small envelopes and use them as an advent calendar. Place small treats, cards and other goodies inside the envelopes and then attach them to a large sheet of poster board.
- Personalize store bought Valentine 's Day cards with unique origami envelopes. Use them to hold flat party favors or invitations.
- Small to medium sized envelopes can be used as bookmarks.
Origami envelopes also make great keepsake holders, like for baby's first haircut or class pictures that you want to hold onto. If you'll be storing photos in your envelopes make sure to use acid-free paper.
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