How to Make Envelopes Out of Magazines | Quick + Easy DIY Gifts

Adding a homemade touch to gifts has never been so easy! With this simple guide, upcycle old magazines and turn the pages into envelopes and stuff with a thoughtful card.

Download the PDF, print and follow along to make your very own envelope.

How to Make an Envelope with Magazines

Upcycle old magazines into a fun, unique project that adds a special touch to gifts. My favorite thing is to batch make these envelopes and pull one out for that special occasion. Then all I have to do is write a short note on a piece of paper and voila, I have a giftable card.

So please, follow along with me now!

1. Choose a magazine page (most of us have forgotten stacks begging to be used).
2. Download the template below.
3. Cut around the edges of the template.
4. Trace the outline of the template onto your magazine page. Play with the placement because this is what you will see on the envelope.
5. Cut the outline printed on the magazine.
6. Fold the magazine edges corresponding to “2” (on the template) inwards. Use the dotted lines on the template as a guide.
7. Fold the magazine edge corresponding to “1” (on the template) upwards, on top of “2” just folded. Use the dotted lines on the template as a guide.
8. Add glue to the inside edges corresponding to “2” along the curve. Press the bottom corresponding to “1” onto the top of the “2” edges to glue the bottom of the envelope shut.
9. Fold the “top” flap down.
10. Trace along the dotted line onto a blank piece of cardstock.
11. Cut the piece of cardstock slightly smaller and you have a card to slip inside the envelope.

How to Create Your Own Envelope Template

If you do not have access to a printer and cannot download the template, don’t worry! Making a template of your own is quite simple. Most of us have blank envelopes on hand. Find a size that is small enough to fit onto a magazine page. Then take it apart and use it as your template to trace.

I did something similar, as you can see in the photograph below. However, the envelopes I had were slightly too big. So I made my own envelope by cutting the pieces and folding them to size. Then I used tape to reinforce the template. What you see in the template that is available for download is the result of the crumpled piece down below.

While mine are Christmas themed in this post, it also applies to other occasions. I’ve used this for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, thank you notes, and more. The sky is the limit when it comes to this craft! I hope you enjoyed this fun DIY addition to the blog. Please tag me on Instagram (@sew.homey) if you use it, I want to see your creations!