Creative Ways to Fold Origami Envelopes

This is the decorative origami paper envelope is a perfect creation that really helps you bring back the art of sending cards. "Snail mail" as it is called is a lost art, but a gorgeous concept like this makes it simple to really update a card or note with something attractive that can be added to a gift box or sent out in special mail. It is straightforward to make, appears gorgeous, and creates a special gift to send to someone. These envelopes are created using a basic origami technique that is guaranteed to bring a smile to any face!

What Paper Should I Use for Homemade Envelopes?

You can use just about any paper for these handcrafted envelopes. Anything from recycled book pages to printer paper, or special stationery can be used to create these stunning envelopes.

While I often recommend using cardstock for crafts, I find it a touch too weighty for origami folding. The thinner and lighter paper works best for the intricate pleats and is much simpler to handle. So, avoid cardstock, and instead reach for colored craft paper.

If this envelope is for display reasons or if it is to go inside of a gift, you will want to determine which sort of paper will be ideal. The weight, or density, of the paper that should be used will vary depending on what you are doing with the envelope.

Can These Be Mailed?

These origami envelopes are gorgeous to send to friends and family. However, they can not be dispatched on their own. You will want to use these envelopes inside of a delivery. They would not work to dispatch a missive but will be something people would adore to receive in their delivery.

If you want to send just the card, you can use this as an inside envelope, and place the complete card inside a cushioned mailer. I, however, prefer to hand-deliver them or add to gifts.

If you are like me and make several of one endeavor at once, you may need somewhere to store them until time to use. That's why I adore this simple repurposed cardboard organizer box. Super simple to create, and ideal for arranging envelopes and cards in for future use.

Variations to Decorate Envelopes

While these are utterly magnificent as they are, I know that we sometimes like to personalize or embellish things a bit more. For this envelope, the folding is an adornment in itself, but I'm no novice to adding embellishments. Below are a few ideas and methods to make your envelopes just a bit brighter or more special.

• Add glitter along the borders of the pleats

• Use a stamp with a distinctive pattern or initials to imprint the paper before folding

• Glue or adhere colorful or patterned decals onto the envelope.

• Use two or three various colors of paper adhered together to construct the envelope

• Dip into watercolor to create a colorful dyed effect

• Address the envelope with brush lettering or calligraphy

• Glue on small feathers or miniature flowers as embellishments

• Attach a strip of ribbon along edges

• Use patterned decoupage paper, glitter paper, or even tie-dyed paper instead

Read Also: Paper Chain Craft Ideas

How do You Make an Origami Envelope?

• Start by folding your paper over to create a triangle leaving the lower half of the paper unfolded as shown.

• Now, you will bend up one grain of the bottom so that it is even with the bottom of the triangular opening.

• Next, you will fold that section of paper over at the margin of the bottom fold as shown.

• Now, fold over the other end so that it creates a smaller rectangle envelope shape with a bit of excess overlapping paper.

• Now, unfold the paper and turn over, leaving one corner folded over as shown.

• Now, you will turn over the opposite corner.

• Once folded, you will then start folding that portion back and forth starting at the edge near to you and folding accordion-style until the tiny point is left and folded in the center.

• Now, you will fold this entire piece in half vertically to produce the envelope shape as shown.

• Fold the flap over with the folded origami piece as the envelope flap as shown.

• Tape or glue in position as desired before use.

If you like working with paper creations, don't fear - I have loads to choose from! No need to be dull when you have these simple paper flowers, old book page flowers, paper flower wreaths, and this paper flower photo card. For those who like the paper folding, try out this simple origami book page wreath. So straightforward but extremely enjoyable to create!