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How to make an envelop out of printer paper

We've all been there - you really need to get something out in the mail, and there isn't an envelop to be found.  Creating your own envelope out of a single piece of printer paper is a simple, creative, and resourceful way to send letters or small items. This guide will walk you through the steps to craft a functional and personalized envelope.

Materials Needed:
- A standard 8.5 x 11-inch (A4) piece of printer paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- A ruler (optional, for precise folding)

Steps:

1. Place the Paper:
- Lay the paper on a flat surface in a landscape orientation (wider than it is tall).

2. Fold in Half Vertically:
- Fold the paper in half from left to right, then unfold it. You should now have a vertical crease down the center.

3. Create the Sides:
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper toward the center crease. They should meet in the middle without overlapping. The width of these folds can be adjusted depending on how wide you want your envelope to be.

4. Form the Bottom Flap:
- Rotate the paper so that the folded edges are at the top and bottom. Then, fold the bottom third of the paper up. This fold determines the size of your envelope's main pocket.

5. Create the Top Flap:
- Fold the top portion of the paper down, leaving enough space so that it does not overlap with the bottom fold. This will be the top flap of your envelope.

6. Seal the Sides:
- Apply glue or tape to the inside edges of the bottom flap (not the entire flap), and then press it firmly against the sides of the envelope. This secures the sides of the envelope and creates a pocket.

7. Trimming (Optional):
- If desired, you can trim the edges of the top flap to give it a more traditional envelope shape, such as a triangular or rounded design.

8. Add Finishing Touches:
- Decorate your envelope as desired with drawings, stickers, or stamps.

9. Insert Contents and Seal:
- Place your letter or item inside the envelope. Apply glue or tape to the inside of the top flap and press it down to seal the envelope.

10. Address and Post:
- Clearly write the recipient's address on the front of the envelope and add a postage stamp if you're mailing it.

About William Elward

Founder of Castle Ink, William Elward has 20 years experience in the printer industry. He's been featured on CNN Money, Yahoo, PC World, Computer World, and other top publications and frequently blogs about printers and ink cartridges. He's an expert at diagnosing printer issues and has published guides to fixing common printer issues across the internet. A graduate of Bryant University and Columbia's Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program, he's held various leadership positions at The College Board, Bankrate, Zocdoc, and Everyday Health. Follow him on Twitter at William Elward's Twitter Profile