By following this tutorial, you can make an unlimited number of envelopes for your quarter-fold cards from plain computer paper. You will also use these folding instructions to make the envelopes (which have matching quarter-fold cards) that you can download from sites like Mom's Break and The Craft Cafe.
All you need is a a sheet of computer paper, or the free printable envelope, and a glue stick!
Note: This tutorial uses an example of the type of free printable envelope that you can download. Although shown plain here, the envelopes are normally decorated for specific occasions or holidays.
Fold the envelope along the line that is almost in the middle of the paper.
Note: You will not fold the piece of paper exactly in half. You fold it so that there is about a 1/2" "flap" left over at the top. (See the flap in Step 4.)
Unfold the envelope, and fold in the sides along the two fold lines that run down each side of the paper.
You fold in approximately 1" on each side.
Run the glue stick along the folded sides, on the shorter half of the card. This prevents you from getting glue on the flap of the envelope (you'll do that in Step 6).
Fold the envelope together, and press firmly along the sides to seal the glued edges.
As you can see here, there is about a 1/2" flap left over.
Insert the quarter-fold card (an example card is shown for illustration purposes).
As you can see here, you'll insert the card under the folded-over edge that did get glued together.
Run the glue stick along the inside edge of the flap.
Fold the flap down, and press to seal.
If you are going to mail this envelope, please see Step 8.
To make the flap closure more secure for mailing, it is best to use with clear cello-tape (or other mailing tape).
Put a stamp on the card, and affix mailing and return address labels. Your card is now ready to mail!
Now that you've learned about this easy-to-print and easy-to-make envelope for a quarter-fold card, GET ONE! Download this free printable blank envelope and print it as often as you need it!
These two pictures show that this envelope has successfully made it through the postal system and was received without tearing or coming apart.
The back of the envelope was taped shut prior to mailing, and made it through just fine.
This completes the tutorial for making envelopes for quarter-fold cards.
Learn the tricks for making your own cards without needing card-making software by inserting clipart (pictures or other graphics) into Microsoft Word documents and Microsoft Paint pages.
You will also find tutorials for how to making labels that can be used to create matching cards, envelopes, and mailing labels. This is especially useful if you are sending out invitations to a birthday party, wedding shower, or baby shower!
Go to Jan's Reading Room and explore the Tutorials section.