How to Make Your Own Scrapbook Paper and Washi Tape Envelopes

These large scrapbook paper and washi tape envelopes are perfect for giving photos or prints as a gift to friends and family! Learn how to make your own.

Hi Kenarry readers! It’s Valerie from Occasionally Crafty, visiting today with a fun paper crafting tutorial for you.

A few weeks ago, I directed three performances of the play Esther and the King. It was a lot of fun, but so much work directing a cast of 40 and working with a large crew of people. We had amazing people in charge of costumes, hair and makeup, set design and construction, props, choreography, and more.

I wanted to give them something special, so I had a print made with a scripture from the Book of Esther in the Bible (since that was our play!) and wrote thank you notes. But then I was stuck.

There’s no way I could afford frames for the many people I wanted to thank. How could I present the gift in a nice way without breaking the bank?

I decided to make my own “envelopes” out of scrapbook paper and washi tape- things I always have on hand!

How to Make Your DIY Envelopes

Here’s how I did it:

Materials needed:

2 sheets of coordinating 12×12 inch scrapbook paper
Washi tape
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler

Directions

1.) Measure and cut a line on the scrapbook paper

Measure 1 3/4 inches down from the top of one of your scrapbook papers. Use your ruler and pencil to draw a line all the way across. Cut this strip of paper off.

2.) Cut off triangles for your envelope top

Using your other piece of paper, measure over 1 3/4 inches and down 2 3/4 inches, then draw a line connecting the two points. Cut off these triangles to make your envelope top.

3.) Put the 2 pieces of paper together

Place your first piece of paper that you cut in the first step on top of the second, patterned sides facing out.

4.) Use the washi tape to seal them together

Use your washi tape around the two long sides and one short side to tape your papers together and form your envelope. Leave the top part open as this is where you will put your photo or print. Fold the envelope lip from the back paper down over the front paper, creasing firmly.

5.) Seal with more washi tape

After you fill your envelope, seal your envelope with a strip of washi tape.

What to do if you don’t have washi tape

You could also just use glue or a tape runner, but I liked the contrasting look of the tape with the patterned paper envelopes.

What size envelope does this make?

This size for envelopes is perfect for 8×10 prints and would be a wonderful way to present prints from a photographer or a special gift like I did.

Thanks for checking out my project today.

More DIY Home Projects

I’d love it if you hopped over to my blog to see what I’ve been up to there, like this Vinyl Pallet Sign:

and my Skinny Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

See you next time!

What’s Next?

While you’re here, be sure to check out other craft projects on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry® –

Originally published March 2016. Updated March 2018.

Subscribe to become an Idea Insider. You'll get our weekly newsletter plus special deals and other resources that are only for subscribers -- all for FREE!

You're already signed up! YAY! As an Idea Insider you have instant access to our Kenarry Idea Insider Resource Library with exclusive printables, offers and other freebies as soon as you confirm your subscription.