How to Make Envelopes with Scrapbook Paper (or Magazines, or Calendars…)
If you’d like to learn how to make envelopes from magazines, scrapbook paper, or any paper, really, read on. These make such pretty snail mail and are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just to brighten someone’s day.
My daughter made her envelopes with scrapbook paper. That brought back memories of making these myself. I’ve always loved to have cute envelopes to send real mail. Sometimes I address them in calligraphy, sometimes I pull out some fun rubber stamps, and sometimes a sticker or two.
(By the way, I have a LOT of pads of 12×12 scrapbooking paper that I’ve been collecting through the years, and from the look of my stash, you would think I was saving it for some future crafting apocalypse. This is a great way to use it.)
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Here’s How to Make Them:
- Carefully take a plain envelope apart, and use it as your template. No need to buy an envelope template, as I’m sure you have some different sized envelopes around the house that you can use as templates. With that said, I do have several templates! This one makes a square 5, 5 1/2 or 6 inch square envelope. That’s an unusual shape and size, so it makes a fun envelope. (Square envelopes require extra postage if you mail them.)
- Trace around the unfolded envelope onto your pretty paper. (Or, trace around the unfolded envelope onto a piece of cardboard that you can use over and over as your template.)
- Cut out, fold, and glue with a strong craft glue. (After cutting, close the 2 flaps on the side first and then the bottom flap.) A bone folder is useful for scoring at the fold lines and for making a crisp fold, but it’s not essential. (You can also use the back of a spoon or a ruler’s edge to get a crisp fold.)
This pad has some really pretty vintage designs.
Think outside the box. Do you have some magazines with pretty photos or some beautiful calendars? Papers like that are perfect as envelopes. Depending on the type of paper you use, you may have to use an address label. Make seasonal envelopes, holiday envelopes, birthday envelopes, etc.
You can also dress up your envelope with postage stamps. I loved these songbirds.
This would be a fun project to do with kids. You probably already have everything you need to make these. Have fun!
Linking to:
Create with Joy, Making Monday, Mostly Blogging, Handmade Monday at Sum of Their Stories, Love My Little Cottage, Keeping it Real, Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy, Sew Can Do, Tuesday Turn About, The Shabby Art Boutique, Life and Linda, Thursday Favorite Things
These are beautiful and I agree that Scarlet would love this.
Thanks, Tamara. When my kids were Scarlet's age, projects like this were great practice for learning to use scissors.
Beautiful! I've never thought about making my own envelopes with scrapbook paper. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks, Alli. They are fun!
I'd love to get a pretty letter in the mail like that.
I do too, Dawn. So much better than plain mail (or no mail!)
What lovely envelopes! I never thought of making them from scrapbook paper. Thanks for your comment on my blog a while back too 🙂
Thanks Susan!
Looks very pretty, love the idea! 🙂
Very nice envelopes, she did a great job
I used to do that myself! So much nicer than the plain white envelopes! I did it with magazine pages and old calendars! Great way to recycle!
CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at #AThemedLinkup 23 for Dessert Recipes (open until August 7) from my previous linkup for Crafts and DIY.
Thanks so much, Dee!
My daughter stays in touch with many friends through mail. I'm sure she'd love to make envelopes like this. Super cute! Thanks for sharing. have a great week Pam!
Marielle, I'm sure your daughter's friends would absolutely love getting one of these in the mail, and that she'd love making them. Happy mail is the best!
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What a great project! One year a local craft store had their $1 calendars marked down to 10 cents in maybe March or April–where could you buy 12 pieces of scrapbook paper that cheaply? They would be lovely for envelopes. I would also use them for small flat gifts using a gluestick to seal them shut. When I make cards, I often use my funky scissors to cut a thin edge off the edges of the envelope to dress them up, too.
Thank you, Kathy! Wow, 10 cents is an amazing price! Calendars make such pretty envelopes.
Over the weekend I was trying to find a creative way to make an envelope for my journal and got frustrated and gave up. I LOVE THIS IDEA !! I have so many old magazines laying around and am definitely going to try this! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Yay, I love it when people share the creative ways they will use the projects! I'm so glad it inspired you!
This is a wonderful idea for envelopes. We want to thank you for the creative posts you have shared with us in 2020 and look forward to seeing more on January 8th.
May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas time.
Kathleen
Blogger's Pit Stop
Thank you so much, Kathleen. And thanks for hosting your fun party all year.