Homemade Envelopes

Design your own personal envelopes!

Skill Level: Moderate

Time Needed: 1/2 hour

Age(s): 8 to 12

Supplies Needed:

Project Rating:

Use a regular envelope as a pattern for this project. Carefully separate the flaps of the envelope.
Place the envelope on a piece of cardboard. Trace around it to make a sturdy pattern. Cut out the pattern.
Place the pattern on a sheet of wrapping paper, a magazine page, or a grocery bag—whatever you would like to make your envelope out of.
Trace the pattern on the paper and cut out the shape.
Use the regular envelope as a guide. Fold your paper into an envelope. Glue the flaps into place. Let the glue dry completely.
Cut out small pieces of white construction paper to use as mailing labels. Glue the white paper to the front of the envelope. Let the glue dry completely.
Mail a letter in your homemade envelope to someone special!

Teaching Tips:

Use this project to practice letter writing with your students. Show students how to write a friendly letter. Then, encourage students to write their own letters using the proper format. Have students address their handmade envelopes and mail their letters.
Encourage your students to write letters to individuals who live far away. If possible, arrange pen pals who live in another state or country for your students. Help your students address their envelopes and mail the letters. Then, have students point out the destinations for their letters on a classroom map or globe.
Have students calculate the distances that their letters will travel. First, have students estimate the distance. Then, have students find the accurate distance using a classroom map or globe.
Allow students to make stationery to match their handmade envelopes. Provide students with scrap paper, stamps and a stamp pad, paints, and other craft supplies.