# The Origami Art of Folding Paper into an Envelope
Transforming a simple sheet of paper into a functional and elegant envelope is a classic origami skill that blends practicality with a touch of artistry. This seemingly simple process unlocks a world of personalized mail, gift-giving, and creative expression. Whether you’re looking to send a heartfelt letter, package a small gift, or simply explore the satisfying logic of paper folding, understanding how to create an envelope from scratch is a rewarding endeavor. It requires no special tools, just a keen eye for detail and a willingness to engage with the tactile nature of paper.
The beauty of folding your own envelopes lies in their versatility. You can choose from a vast array of papers, from crisp, professional cardstock to decorative scrapbook paper, each lending a unique character to your creation. This allows you to tailor the envelope to the contents within, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtful presentation. Beyond aesthetics, it’s an eco-friendly practice, reducing waste by repurposing paper you already have.
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| **Topic** | How to Fold Paper into an Envelope |
| **Description** | This article provides a step-by-step guide to folding a standard origami envelope, suitable for letters, cards, or small gifts. It emphasizes the use of a square piece of paper and clear, concise folding techniques. The process is broken down into manageable steps, with tips for achieving clean folds and a professional finish. |
| **Skills Involved** | Origami, Paper Folding, Crafting, Precision |
| **Materials Needed** | A square piece of paper (origami paper, printer paper cut into a square, or decorative paper). A flat surface for folding. Optional: bone folder or ruler for crisp creases. |
| **Difficulty Level** | Easy to Medium (depending on paper type and desired precision) |
| **Reference Website**| https://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-envelope.html |
## The Simple Square: Your Envelope’s Foundation
The most common and straightforward method for folding a paper envelope begins with a perfect square of paper. The size of your square will determine the final dimensions of your envelope, so choose wisely based on what you intend to place inside. A standard letter-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) can be cut into a square, or you can use pre-cut origami paper.
### Step-by-Step Folding Guide
Follow these instructions carefully to create your own unique envelope:
1. **Start with your square paper, colored side down** (if using paper with a distinct color on one side).
2. **Fold the paper in half diagonally** to form a triangle. Crease well and unfold.
3. **Fold the paper in half along the other diagonal**. Crease well and unfold. You should now have an “X” crease pattern on your paper.
4. **Fold the bottom corner up to the center point** where the creases intersect. Crease firmly.
5. **Fold the top corner down to the center point**. Crease firmly.
6. **Fold the right corner in towards the center**, but don’t bring it all the way to the center. Leave a small gap of about 1/4 inch (or 0.5 cm). Crease firmly.
7. **Fold the left corner in towards the center** in the same manner as the right side, leaving a similar small gap. Crease firmly. You should now have a diamond shape.
8. **Open the top flap (the one from step 5)**. You will see a pocket created by the folds from steps 6 and 7.
9. **Fold the top flap down** to create the envelope’s opening. Tuck the point of this flap into the pocket created in the previous step. Ensure it fits snugly.
10. **Secure the flap**. You can use a sticker, a dab of glue, or a wax seal to keep the envelope closed.
### Tips for a Professional Finish
* **Crisp Creases:** The key to a neat origami envelope is sharp creases. Use your fingernail, a bone folder, or the edge of a ruler to press down firmly along each fold.
* **Paper Choice:** Thicker paper will result in a more durable envelope, but can be harder to fold precisely. Lighter paper is easier to manipulate but may be less sturdy. Experiment to find your preference.
* **Symmetry:** Pay close attention to making your folds symmetrical, especially when folding in the side flaps (steps 6 and 7). This ensures the envelope closes neatly and looks balanced.
Factoid: The term “envelope” derives from the Old French word “enveloper,” meaning “to wrap up.” The earliest known envelopes were made from folded leaves or animal skins to protect important documents.
## Variations and Embellishments
Once you’ve mastered the basic envelope fold, you can explore various ways to customize and enhance your creations.
### Other Folding Techniques
While the diagonal fold method is widely popular, other origami bases can also be adapted to create envelopes:
* **The Square Envelope:** This method uses a square piece of paper and involves folding in the sides and then folding up the bottom to create the envelope.
* **The Triangular Envelope:** Starting with a rectangle, you fold it into a triangle and then create flaps to form the envelope.
Here are some common variations:
* **Gift Card Envelope:** Use a smaller square of paper for a perfect fit for gift cards.
* **CD/DVD Mailer:** Utilize a larger square or a slightly modified rectangular fold to accommodate discs.
* **Seed Packet Envelope:** A small, shallow envelope is ideal for holding seeds.
### Decorative Touches
* **Paper Selection:** As mentioned, the paper itself is a powerful design element. Consider textured papers, metallic foils, or handmade papers for a unique look.
* **Stamping and Drawing:** Decorate the outside of your envelope with stamps, drawings, or even handwritten calligraphy before or after folding.
* **Washi Tape:** Use colorful washi tape to secure the flap or add decorative borders.
* **Lining:** For an added touch of luxury, you can create a separate insert liner from a contrasting paper that peeks out from the top of the envelope.
Factoid: The first adhesive envelopes were patented in the United Kingdom in 1840 by Brewer, who developed a method for pre-gumming envelope flaps. This innovation significantly streamlined the process of sending mail.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
### What is the best type of paper to use for folding an envelope?
The best paper depends on your preference and the intended use. For a classic, crisp envelope, medium-weight paper like a 24 lb bond or light cardstock works well. For decorative or gift envelopes, consider scrapbook paper, patterned paper, or even vellum. Origami paper is excellent for precision folding due to its thinness and consistency.
### Can I make an envelope for a specific sized card or item?
Absolutely! The key is to start with a square piece of paper that is approximately three times the width of the item you want to enclose, and slightly taller than the item itself. For example, if your card is 5 inches wide, start with a square piece of paper that is at least 15 inches wide. You may need to adjust the final fold to accommodate different ratios.
### How do I ensure my envelope closes securely?
Beyond the tuck-in flap, you can use a variety of methods. A small piece of double-sided tape or glue stick applied to the inside of the flap before tucking it in will provide a more permanent seal. For a decorative closure, consider using a sticker, a wax seal, or even a ribbon tied around the envelope.
### Is origami folding difficult to learn?
Origami, including envelope folding, is generally considered accessible to most people. While some
