How to Make a Greeting Card Envelope

Co-authored by Renee Day

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Using regular paper and rubber glue, you can make your own envelopes in almost any size. It's easy - even kids 5 and up can do this (with supervision) - and it's the perfect way to send a handmade card.

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on a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Center it horizontally on the paper but a little low. ^{[1]
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Research source} If you don't have a card already, just mark the paper where you want your card to be.
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inwards. Leave a little room so the envelope will be a little larger than the card.^{[2]
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- Press firmly on the edge of each fold so it lays down flat.^{[3]
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and the bottom (remembering to leave a little wiggle room).
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Make a cut slightly larger than 90 degrees.^{[4]
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- One corner snipped off.
at the bottom of each side piece. Then fold the bottom up and press down (this glues the bottom piece on to the sides).
slightly smaller than your envelope. This will be the back piece.
then place the back piece on and press down gently.
- the finished envelope! Put the card inside, then glue the top of the envelope closed.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Are there any other ways to decorate a greeting card envelope?

Renee Day
Crafting Expert
Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Renee Day

Crafting Expert

Expert Answer

Another cheap and easy option is using a pen or marker and doodling directly onto the envelope. You can personalize it by drawing their favorite characters or adding a cute message. You can also try using decorative paper, where you trace the shape of your envelope onto the paper, cut it out, and glue it on. This will transform your plain envelope into something colorful and eye-catching. Another great idea is to use washi tape around the edges for a quick pop of patterned colors.

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Can I use tape instead of glue?

Community Answer

Yes, you can!

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Question

What is an easy way for kids to make an envelope?

Community Answer

If you fold a paper in half hamburger style, then secure the sides with glue or tape, keeping the top open, you can put the item inside and then fold a flap with the excess paper to close it. Seal with tape, glue, or a sticker.

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This is a fun activity you can enjoy with your kids!

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Have a clean space with a flat surface to work on.

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Remember, this may be hard for some children, so always get a parent to help you.

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To personalize your card, write the recipient's name on the outside of the envelope and seal the envelope with a cute sticker.
Use good quality paper like card stock or speciality scrapbook paper.

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Things You'll Need

Rubber glue - Elmers sell a good size bottle for around $6 including a handy brush inside the cap.
Brush (if one is not included with the glue)
Plain old 20# paper (almost any will do, but lighter paper is easier to handle)
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil and eraser