Have you ever wanted to send a letter to somebody, perhaps a small gift or hidden message? Of course, it is best to have something to put it in! To make it more personal and creative, you can make an origami envelope. Not only they are simple, but can be attractive if used correctly and the paper is decorated. You can make one by following these easy steps.
Step 1
Take a square piece of paper with the corner facing you. Make sure the colored side is facing down if you want a colored envelope.
Step 2
Fold the paper in half, from corner to corner across the square.
Step 3
Take the top corner of the first layer and fold it down to the bottom edge.
Step 4
Fold the right corner one third over to the left. (You do not have to be exact, just try to be as accurate as possible. Use your best judgment.)
Step 5
Take the left corner and fold it over to the other end. The bottom portion should now be square'-shaped.
Step 6
Fold the point of the flap over the other flap back to the left edge of the model.
Step 7
Fold the point of the flap up to the top corner of the flap. Unfold. This is a crease to help guide the next step.
Step 8
Turn the model 180 degrees. The point of view in the photo will now change.
Step 9
Open the folded portion of the flap.
Step 10
Make a squash fold on this flap. Make sure you flatten it well, as this will help secure the envelope closed.
Step 11
Change the position back so it is "upright." Or turn it back 180 degrees.
Step 12
Fold the very top point down to the bottom edge. Or, the bottom edge of the square you formed by "squashing."
Step 13
Put the top flap (the portion you just folded down) into the "pocket" that was formed by the squash fold.
Step 14
Flatten the model. Ensure that the model can hold itself together.
Tips
- Sharp creases make the envelope more crisp and secure. To make a very sharp crease, pinch your fingernails together and drag it along the crease.
- When folding the flap in Step 4, you may also use a ruler. Measure the length of the paper at the longest fold. Make three equal divisions, either with or without a pencil, and fold. You may have to use math to get the folds just right.
- Use larger pieces of paper to make larger envelopes. For bigger envelopes, you may use wrapping paper or any other paper that is easy to fold. If the original sheet of paper is not square shaped, you may have to turn it into a square. For best results, pick a sheet of paper that has a different color in the front than on the back. Larger sized envelopes are especially great for handmade cards.
Things You'll Need
- 1 square piece of paper
- Something to put in your envelope (optional, but suggested)
