Origami in Paper Land

Easy Origami Envelope for Christmas Cards

Easy 5 steps 1 square sheet, 15 × 15 cm or bigger, and a sticker

Step 1 of 5

Paper envelope, step 1Step 1

Start with a square of paper. Fold it in half from corner to corner, both ways, and open it again.

Stuck on a step?Some folds are easier to see moving. Watch the video tutorial below and fold along with me.

Video step by step

If a picture is hard to follow, watch every fold here. Pause and rewind as often as you need.

Prefer YouTube? Watch it on the channel and subscribe for a new model every week.

A handmade envelope for your Christmas cards

This origami envelope is folded from one square of paper in just a few folds, with no glue needed to make it. A sticker on the flap keeps it closed. It is the perfect little envelope for a handwritten Christmas card, a note, a gift card or some money.

For bigger cards, use bigger paper: a square about twice as wide as your card works well. Red, green, gold or patterned paper makes a festive envelope, and you can write the name on the front.

Kids can make it with the help of their parents. You can teach your child together: watch the video, follow the step-by-step pictures and fold side by side.

Ideas for your paper envelopes

  • Christmas cards: write a little card, slide it inside and close it with a star sticker.
  • Gift card or money envelope: a pretty way to give a voucher or pocket money.
  • Advent calendar: fold 24 envelopes, number them and hide a small note or treat in each.
  • Letters to Santa: kids write their wish list and put it in their own envelope.
  • On the tree: make tiny envelopes with secret messages and hang them on the branches. More ideas on the Christmas crafts page.

Questions

How do you make an envelope from a square of paper?

Fold the square on both diagonals, fold the side corners to the middle, fold the bottom point up past the middle, put your card inside and fold the top point down. Close it with a sticker.

What size paper do I need for my card?

Use a square about twice as wide as your card. A 15 × 15 cm square fits a small note; a 30 × 30 cm square fits a normal greeting card.

Do I need glue?

No. The folds hold the envelope together. Use a sticker or a small dot of glue only to keep the top flap closed.

Can I use it as a gift card holder?

Yes, it is a lovely way to give a gift card or money for Christmas.