DIY Paper Envelopes

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

It all started when I decided to undergo a small organizing project – the card stash.

I grabbed my recently purchased card organizer box, and sorted the bits and pieces of notecards that had become disorganized from years of flipping through to find just the right one. But soon before I finished, I found myself in a bit of a conundrum.

I had one purple Thank You card left over, and one blue envelope to match it. It was a set I'd purchased long ago, with an assortment of colors that matched card to envelope. I must have ruined or misplaced one extra purple envelope and one extra blue card for that something like that to happen!

Being the perfectionist that I am, I would not….could not pair a purple card with a blue envelope, and so I decided to forage through my massive stash of scrapbook paper to find just the perfect tone to match, and make my very own.

Supplies Needed:

• Scrapbook Paper
• Envelope to trace
• Thin cardboard
• Pencil
• Glue stick
• Scissors

The Project:

Step 1: Grab a piece of small cardboard {from the top of a shoebox or card paper pack}, and trace the outline of the size envelope you want to make. Then, cut out the cardboard piece and set aside.

Step 2: Open up the envelope you want to copy as carefully as possible, and lay flat on your choice of scrapbook paper. {As you can see, I didn't do very well at this part!} Trace the outline of the envelope onto the paper, then cut out.

Step 3: Place cardboard into the middle of the paper, and start folding up all sides, pressing firmly at the crease.

Step 4: Place glue on the very edges of the bottom flap, fold in sides, and then fold up the bottom last, making sure to “pop” the envelope open so any glue residue doesn't stick to the inside.

Step 5: Once you have your letter or notecard inside, glue or tape the top flap to seal. Add a plain address label to the front of the envelope to write the address, then stamp and send!

Now you have a pretty envelope to match your card, and both are guaranteed to brighten someone's day!

Total Cost: Free {since I already had all the supplies}

Of course, now I'm seriously addicted to these pretty DIY paper envelopes, and wondered how I ever survived on plain white. And since I have such a huge scrapbook paper stash, I can make a whole bunch!

I'd say we just made the inside of our mailboxes a little bit cuter.

Have you ever tried making your own envelopes?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.