DIY: Recycled Paper Envelopes

If people can make their own greeting cards, why not make your own envelopes too? You can make beautiful envelopes out of pieces of paper that would have been put in the recycling bin otherwise. With a template, some creativity, and a little elbow grease you can send your clients, friends, or family beautiful home made envelopes.

Materials:

2-3 pieces of magazine or newspaper approximately 8.5" by 11"
Scissors or an Exacto knife
Paper glue
Printer
Pencil
Butter Knife
Ruler

Steps:

1. Print out a template provided by Crafting a Green World.

2. Cut out the template and trace the outside envelope on a piece of paper. Proceed to cut out the envelope.

3. Repeat Step 2 and cut out the "Inside Flap Decoration" area.

4. Glue the inside flap piece to the larger envelope, placing it in the center body area. If you need guidance, look at the original template to get the exact placement.

5. Mark the fold lines with a pencil. Score the fold lines with a ruler and the wrong side of a butter knife.. Then fold the envelope as seen on the template.

6. Referencing the envelope template, glue the flaps on the back of the envelope.

7. Make a template for the design you would like on the envelope. Or, you can download templates from Crafting a Green World here.

8. Cut out the template and trace the outside of the decorations on a piece of paper. Cut out the pieces.

9. Glue the decorations onto the envelope and enjoy!

For pictures, templates, and detailed instructions visit Crafting a Green World.