Introduction: Writing Envelope

This is the largest envelope i've been able to make out of a single sheet of A4 paper. It allows you to write and mail your note without a seperate envelope. It also gives your reader something interesting to open. Happy folding......

You can find my books with these envelopes in the back at http://samdesigned.co.uk

Step 1: Dimensions

Here are the dimensions you will need for your folding. Make a note of them before you move on.

Step 2: Making the Template

If you buy a pack of paper with a cardboard back, remove the cardboard back. We will use this in the next step.

Step 3: Creating the Template

Draw out the diagram from step one onto the cardboard back. Cut out the holes as shown in the diagram so you can mark your sheets of paper through it. (I use a craft knife to make 4 small cuts to make a square where the hole needs to be). The hole has to be just big enough for the nib of a pen.

Step 4: Using the Template

Place the template over a sheet of paper and place a small pen mark through each of the holes.

Step 5: Scoring

DO NOT DRAW THE LINES ONTO THE PAPER. Score along each of the lines shown. DO NOT FOLD THEM YET.

Step 6: Write Your Letter.....

Turn the paper over so the pen marks are underneath and write your letter.....


Don't forget to tell the reader where you found the cool design for the envelope ;o)

Step 7: Make the First Fold

Make the first fold as shown in the picture. You may find it a little easier if you fold the paper back and forward along the score lines first, but it isn't necessary.
Take your time. You don't want to get this bit wrong or else you'll have to write your letter again ;o)
Once it looks like the picture, smooth down from the bottom edge.

Step 8: Second Fold :o)

Do the same for the top edge.
When you've finished it should look like the picture.

Step 9: Third Fold. Nearly There.

make the third fold as in the picture.
You can probably see where it's going now. I'll leave you to figure out the last fold. Saves me having to draw another picture.


Happy folding and remember, everyone likes to get letters....

Step 10: Sealing and Other Notes.

I have been looking for a wax seal or a sticker that looks like a seal.

In the meantime i find it is best to run a small line of "super glue" along the very edge of the fold down flap. I know this may not be suitable for children and so a bit of tape or adult supervision will do. (I take no responsibility for fingers glued to tables or for envelopes glues shut so successfully that they are no longer readable).

If i use "super glue" then i make small perforations around the glued edge to help the reader to open the letter.

Also you might want to put an "open here" on the flap. If the reader uses a letter knife across the top then they will have a jigsaw to go along with their cool letter/envelope.

It may all seem a bit of a long process, but with practice it will become much faster and easier and i feel that the responses you'll get from the reader makes it worth the little effort that you put in. It's not about saving a few cents on an envelope.

Overall size when completed is 90mm X 157mm or 3 1/2" X 6". Should be big enough to keep any postie happy....