How to Make an Envelope Out of 8.5-by-11-Inch Paper

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Never run out of standard No. 10 business envelopes again. Make your own using a single sheet of 8.5-by-11-inch printer paper. In a matter of minutes you can create envelopes with a few common office supplies. This tutorial results in an envelope with finished dimensions of 4.125-by-9.5 inches. Printer paper folded in thirds will easily fit in this finished envelope. Once you master this technique you will never run out of business envelopes again.

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Envelope
Image Credit: SoulArt/iStock/Getty Images

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Things You'll Need

  • Sheet of printer paper

  • Glue or double-sided tape

  • Scissors

  • Ruler

  • Bone folder

Step 1

Select a piece of 8.5-by-11-inch paper, and place it horizontally on a table.

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Step 2

Measure 3/4 inch in from the left side of the paper. Using your ruler and bone folder, create a vertical score line. Repeat, measuring in from the right side of the paper.

Step 3

Measure 1 3/8 inches down from the top edge of the paper and create a horizontal score line using your ruler and bone folder.

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Step 4

Measure 3 inches up from the bottom edge of the paper and create a final horizontal score line.

Step 5

In the four corners you will have a small rectangle where the score lines intersect. Cut that rectangle away with scissors.

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Step 6

Fold the two short sides in toward the center of the envelope, following along the score line.

Step 7

Place a small line of glue or strip of double-sided tape along the right and left edges of the bottom flap of your envelope. Fold the flap in toward the center of the envelope, pressing down along the sides to secure the bottom flap to the two short sides.

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Step 8

Fold the bottom flap down but do not glue the envelope shut until you fill the envelope with the document of your choice. Seal the envelope using a small bead of glue or strip of double-sided tape.

Step 9

Stamp and address the envelope as usual.

Warning

Make sure to use a small amount of glue so that it does not ooze out over the edges.

Tip

Create more decorative envelopes by trading out your printer paper for 8.5-by-11-inch scrapbooking paper in fun colors and patterns.

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