Make a handmade thankyou card and envelope
January 11, 2011 4:00 pm craft techniques
Whenever you want to say a special thank you, or even send a love letter, these handmade envelopes will make it really special and unique.
These handmade envelopes are really easy to make and are based on a simple origami technique. You can use any paper, but I suggest Thai Reversible Paper for the best result.
Where can I buy arts and crafts materials?
Dick Blick Art Materials sell a vast range of art materials. It is an art supplies company that is based in the US.
ScrapbookingAlley.com sell arts and crafts material and regularly have special offers. They are also based in the US.
If you order over a certain amount, shipping can be free within the US, conditions apply. Orders placed from outside the US will have a different shipping charge and may be subject to import duties.
If you are based in the UK, Hobbycraft is a good place to buy very similar art and craft materials.
I love Que Sera Sera Grand Adhesions: Floral dimensional stickers as they easily add a bit of glitter and glamour to any project. In reality they look better than in this photo. They are much more sparkly! A package contains one 6 1/2in x 4-1/2in sheet of 11 Grand Adhesion dimensional cardstock stickers with jewels and glitter accents, ranging in size from 3/4in to 2in flowers.
Thai Reversible Paper is a great to use for this project. This paper is handmade in Thailand and has an interesting texture, but also offers another color on the reverse, not just white. The double-sided lamination of Crepe Unryu or Chiri combines to offer strength and great variety. Sheets are handmade in Thailand from 100% kozo and are neutral pH. 56 lb (50 gsm) weight, 23″ x 35″.
How to make a handmade envelope
Step-by-step instructions are given below:
You will need:
- Thai Reversible Paper
- ribbon (optional)
- strips of paper (optional)
- Que Sera Sera Grand Adhesions: Floral dimensional stickers
- eyelets or grommets and eyelet tool (optional)
- embossing tool (optional)
- rubber stamps (optional)
Finished handmade envelopes
Here is an example of four different papers that you could use. You can add your own personal touch and make them all unique.
Step 1
Practise with a piece of white paper first, before using more expensive paper. Fold one side of the paper by roughly one third of the length.
Step 2
Fold in the other side, so that it is evenly divided into thirds.
Step 3
Fold the two side flaps in half, as shown.
Step 4
Turn the paper over and fold in all four corners of the bottom layer.
Step 5
The reverse should look like this.
Step 6
Turn the paper over again and fold one side inwards as shown.
Step 7
Fold the other side in so it looks like this from the top.
Step 8
Open out the paper again.
Step 9
Collapse the paper so that it lies flat.
Step 10
With the paper still facing the same way, fold one flap across to lie on top of the other.
Step 11
Fold in the two opposite sides of the flap.
Step 12
Fold in the two top corners. You will need to do the same for the other side.
Step 13
The finished result should look like this. Practise on a piece of cheap white paper first, before you use your final more expensive paper.
Step 14
Wrap a piece of material, ribbon or paper around the envelope to hold it closed.
Step 15 (alternative)
Fold the flaps in again.
Step 16 (alternative)
Add eyelets or grommets to the centre of each flap.
Step 17 (alternative)
Tie a ribbon through the eyelets or grommets.
Step 18 (alternative)
You could also use a stamp on the flaps or add a sticker.
Finishing touches
After you've wrapped the envelope with a wide ribbon or strip of paper, add a dimensional sticker.
If you have found this post useful, you may consider a donation. The average donation is £5.00. Click on the button below to make a donation:
nancy :
Date: February 5, 2011 @ 1:48 pm
Thanks for this tutorial!
I’m looking forward to trying these envelopes out with anything; newspaper, wrapping paper..anything I can find lol!
In perfect timing as I have a lot of letters to send off in the post and normal envies look so boring.
Nancy x
artydash :
Date: February 6, 2011 @ 10:50 am
Hi Nancy,
That’s great! They are quite easy to do once you get the hang of it.
Diane x
Molly :
Date: May 23, 2011 @ 9:13 pm
This is just so neat! I love the papers you used in your tutorial. I especially love the purple and gold pattern. Where exactly can I get something like that? I looked on both websites you referred but I couldn’t find anything like that. If you could let me know, I’d appreciate it! Thanks!
artydash :
Date: May 23, 2011 @ 10:20 pm
Hi Molly,
Yes the purple and gold paper is lovely. I got it from Paperchase, Tottenham Court Road, London, UK. Unfortunately, they don’t sell it online, which is why I didn’t include a link, but you can check out their website: http://www.paperchase.co.uk
Hina Rabbani :
Date: August 24, 2011 @ 5:01 pm
hi,
I tried it and it was fantastic I will rate 1234567890 for it.thats good nancy yes and i do appreciate that the gold and purple envelope is lovely but i like the pinf envelope most.i love it.I think i know how to make 10 different boxes out of paper.I love the crafts of how-to-be-a-bad-artist.com.and it is quite easy once you get hang of it just like artydash said.
Hina Rabbani :
Date: August 24, 2011 @ 5:09 pm
Hi
Wow artydash i visted http:/www.paperchase.com.co.uk and i got to see many new things.wow thats a really cooll envelope
Hina Rabbani–
Hina Rabbani :
Date: August 24, 2011 @ 5:13 pm
Ilove the ribbons you used . Where exacty can I buy them? If you would let me know i would really appreciate that. Nancy could you please tell me where are you from?
Hina Rabbani :
Date: August 24, 2011 @ 5:16 pm
Could any body say me from where can i buy those beautiful shiny stickers?do they sell them online?If you would let me know i would really appreaciate that
Hina Rabbani
artydash :
Date: August 24, 2011 @ 5:44 pm
I re-used ribbons I’d got from presents I received.
artydash :
Date: August 24, 2011 @ 5:45 pm
They are listed above at the top of the post. You can buy them online.
Hina Rabbani :
Date: September 15, 2011 @ 5:43 pm
DEAR ARTYDASH
I LIKED THE CRAFTS YOU MADE. DID YOU MAKE THEM BY YOUR SELF?
Diane :
Date: September 15, 2011 @ 7:59 pm
Yes that’s right. They are all made by me
Yanee :
Date: March 16, 2012 @ 12:23 pm
This is a great tutorial. Thanks so much! Just a quick question though. I want to send a card which is 6″ by 6″, a square. What will the dimension be of the paper used for the envelope?
Diane :
Date: March 18, 2012 @ 7:10 pm
Hi, I’ve been thinking about this, and sorry but I can’t work it out. My maths isn’t that good. I’ve always made the envelope first and then the card to fit it. D
zoelynn :
Date: April 24, 2012 @ 7:15 am
I enjoyed you video, and I made two of your cords and took them to a friend in the hospital…continue to teacher others with your talent, and you’ll never know whose life you’ll touch…thanks again..
Diane :
Date: April 24, 2012 @ 4:17 pm
Thanks for your comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed making the envelope as much as I did creating the tutorial. Hope your friend is OK. Diane.