The Spotted Sparrow

I tend to hoard all of my paper scraps so I can use them in future projects. I also reuse paper from magazines, catalogs, newspapers, etc. Because of this, I often up end with odd-shaped cards. It's pretty much impossible to find envelopes for these cards, so I make them myself.

Here's an easy tutorial on how to make an envelope for a 5.5" x 3.5" (14cm x 9cm) card. As always, you can adjust these measurements to fit your needs. For cards I'm mailing myself, I usually make these out of old magazine and catalog pages to help cut down on paper waste. I encourage you to do the same!

Materials:

• Paper
• Ruler
• Bone folder
• Scissors or craft/x-acto knife

1. Draw your base template.
First, draw a 5.625" x 3.625" (14.3cm x 9.2cm) box in the middle of your paper. This box is where the card will sit in the envelope. We're making the box 1/8" (3.15mm) bigger than the card itself to allow enough room in the envelope.


Next, we want to create the bottom flap of the envelope. Draw a 5.625" x 2.75" (14.3cm x 7cm) box. Use one of the 5.625" lines from the original box as one of the lines in this new box.


Now, we want to create the upper flap used to seal the envelope. Draw a 5.625" x 2" (14.3cm x 5.1cm) box. Use the other 5.625" line from the original box as one of the lines in this new box.


Finally, we want to create the two side flaps used to enclose the card. You've already used the two 5.625" lines from the original box to create two new boxes. Now, let's use the two 3.625" lines from the original box to create the side flaps. Draw a 3.625" x 1" (14.3cm x 2.5cm) box on each side of the original box.


2. Cut out your base template.


Tip: For a more elegant envelope, you can cut the top and bottom flaps with curved corners.

3. Score your template.
Use your bone folder to score the remaining lines on your template. This will allow you to easily fold the paper with a clean, smooth line.

If you're not sure how to score the paper, take a look at Step 3 in the DIY Gift Box Tutorial.

4. Assemble the envelope.
First, fold in each of the side flaps.

Next, fold up the bottom flap. Use glue or double-sided tape to adhere the bottom flap to the two side flaps.


Finally, fold the top flap down and leave it open. Once you are ready to mail your card, you can seal the envelope with glue, double-sided tape, or a sticker.


As you can see from my final envelope, I like to cut the bottom and side flaps at a slight angle. This makes the corners of the envelope less bulky and gives more room for the card.

Tip: Once you have a template that you are happy with, trace it onto cardboard. You'll be able to use the cardboard template for months to come.

P.S. Sorry for the crappy pictures. This color paper did NOT photograph well.