How to Make Handmade Envelopes From Cardstock

Paper craft is the creation of objects or gifts through folding, gluing and arranging of assorted paper. One of the best skills to learn is how to make stationary. If you would like to create a personalized set of note cards or save money on envelopes, then you can learn to create your own cards and envelopes from a template. Homemade envelopes can be made in any color and pattern. They can also be made with decorative or rice papers, although card stock is the most durable paper for use in the mail. Learn how to make handmade envelopes from card stock.

Steps

Determine the size of your card and envelope. If you are writing notes, you may choose a 3.5 by 5 inch envelope, but if you are using it for letters, you may prefer a 4 and 1/8 inch by 9 and 1/2 inch size. If you have a card you want to use, measure it and add at least 1/2 inch to both height and width measurements.
Make your template. The easiest way to create an envelope template is to take an envelope in the correct size and gently pull it apart. This deconstructed shape will include the envelope body and the flaps for gluing.
- You can also search online for envelope templates. Type in the size and "envelope" template into your favorite search engine. You should find several PDF images that you can print out.
Trace your template onto a scrap piece of card stock. The thick paper will make a more lasting template than a piece of printer paper. Be sure to draw the lines where the envelope will need to fold.
- Use a ruler on all the edges to ensure you get a firm, straight line. Tracing can often create wobbly lines.
Choose a colored or decorative card stock for your envelopes. Almost any color can be used for this project.
Place the envelope template on the inside of the paper. Trace around the outline using a pencil. Mark the top and bottom of points on the envelope where it will need to fold in toward the center.
Cut your envelope out using scissors. Make sure the guidelines for folding are on the inside part of the envelope, so that you don't remove them when you cut them.
- If you are unable to cut a straight line using scissors, use a ruler and utility knife on a self-healing mat. Start at the top of the line and push down with steady pressure until you reach the bottom. Cutting in 1 quick stroke will create a straighter line.
Place a ruler between the guidelines, where a flap will fold inward. Press a straight line along the ruler's edge with the point of a bone folder. This will form a crease for your fold.
Repeat this with each fold on your envelope. There should be 4 folds - 2 side folds, 1 lower fold and the top flap of the envelope that will remain unglued until you are finished.
Fold in 1 side flap on the envelope at the crease. Press along the crease with the side of the bone folder. Use a sweeping downward motion to create a firm crease.
Repeat on the opposite side flap and then the bottom. You will want the 2 side flaps to close first, followed by the bottom flap.
Apply strong polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue to the outside edges of the bottom flap. This glue is used regularly on paper products and in book binding. Press the edges of the flap onto the side flaps.
Press and smooth the glued edges with a piece of paper towel to push out any extra glue and seal the entire edge.
Allow the glue to dry according to package directions before placing anything inside.
- If you fear you have used too much glue and it may have gotten into the inside of the envelope, gently open the envelope. Wipe any excess glue from the inside with a paper towel. Leave the envelope slightly ajar to dry. Use less glue on your next envelope flap.
Crease the top envelope flap. Fold it and crease it with a bone folder.
Insert a note inside the envelope. Close with a sticker, tape or glue around the edges of the top flap. Save the envelope template and repeat the process for future envelopes.