How to Make an Envelope from a Piece of Paper

You can easily make an envelope from a piece of paper. Whether it's a page from a magazine, copy paper, or scrapbook paper use the template below or create your own.

Have you ever found yourself with a card but no envelope? I've posted free printable thank-you cards here but you may need an envelope to go with them.

Today I'm sharing an easy template to create fun and beautiful envelopes from papers you have in your craft stash, a pretty page from a magazine, or a variety of other kinds of paper. It's a creative way to add a personal touch to a gift card, invitation, greeting card, or birthday card.

This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

How to Make an Envelope with Paper

Step 1. Print out the template shown above onto cardstock. If you don't have cardstock paper then print it out on printer paper, cut it out, and trace it onto any heavier paper or thin cardboard.

This template will create an A2-size envelope. This means you can fit 1/4 of a sheet of 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper into it. (Approximately 4.25 x 5.5 inches)

Step 2. Position your template over a magazine page where the highlight of the image is in the middle. If you are using printed scrapbook paper it doesn't matter where you place the template.

Step 3. Trace around the envelope template with a pencil. I used a black pen so that you can see it, but a pencil would be better as you can gently erase the marks if you need to.

Step 4. Fold the paper (right side down) by starting at the sides of the envelope (#1 and #2). Next, fold up the bottom (#3). The bottom of the envelope should slightly overlap the edges of the sides.  Gently crease the edges as you fold with your fingers, or use a bone folder for thicker paper.

Step 5. Use craft glue, glue stick, or thin double sided tape to attach the overlapping area of the bottom to the sides.

Step 6. The top flap can then be folded down and creased where it meets the sides. You can use more glue or tape to close the envelope flap after you place your card or letter inside.

These beautiful floral magazine envelopes look great but cannot be addressed by hand. However, you can use white labels or a bright sticker to address them. Or, if you are using them as part of a gift you can leave them as is.

This template can be used on all types of paper to create lovely homemade envelopes. Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, construction paper, pages from books, brown paper bags, or catalogs that come in the mail. It's a great way to recycle while enjoying the creative process.