Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has captivated people of all ages for centuries. With its endless possibilities for creativity and beauty, origami can transform a simple piece of paper into intricate and fascinating shapes. One such creation is the origami envelope, a charming and functional way to enclose messages, gifts, or small items.
Making an origami envelope with rectangle paper is a delightful and accessible craft that requires no special tools or materials. Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or a complete beginner, this step-by-step guide will provide you with clear instructions and helpful tips to create a beautiful and personalized origami envelope.
Before you embark on your origami journey, gather the necessary materials: a rectangular piece of paper, scissors if needed to trim the paper, and a ruler to ensure precise folds. Choose paper with a weight and texture that suits your desired outcome. Heavier paper, such as cardstock, will result in a more sturdy envelope, while thinner paper, such as origami or regular printer paper, will create a lightweight and delicate envelope.
How to Make an Origami Envelope with Rectangle Paper
With a few simple folds, transform rectangle paper into an elegant origami envelope.
- Prepare rectangular paper.
- Fold in half vertically.
- Unfold, then fold in half horizontally.
- Unfold, make diagonal creases.
- Fold bottom corners to center.
- Fold top corners to center.
- Tuck top flaps into side pockets.
- Fold bottom flap up.
- Insert flap into pocket to seal.
Your origami envelope is ready to hold your message or gift.
Prepare Rectangular Paper
The foundation of your origami envelope is a rectangular piece of paper. The size and aspect ratio of the paper will determine the final dimensions of the envelope. For a standard-sized envelope, a sheet of A4 or letter-sized paper works well.
- Choose the Right Paper:
The type of paper you select can greatly influence the outcome of your origami envelope. Heavier paper, such as cardstock or origami paper, will result in a sturdy and durable envelope. Thinner paper, such as regular printer paper, will create a lightweight and delicate envelope. Consider the purpose and intended use of the envelope when choosing the appropriate paper weight.
- Trim the Paper (if necessary):
If your rectangular paper is not already a perfect rectangle, you may need to trim it to ensure precise folds. Use a ruler and scissors to carefully trim the edges of the paper, creating a clean and even rectangle.
- Orient the Paper Correctly:
Before you begin folding, orient the rectangular paper correctly. Place the paper in front of you with the longer sides horizontal and the shorter sides vertical. This orientation will ensure that the folds align properly and result in a symmetrical envelope.
- Score the Paper (optional):
Scoring the paper along the fold lines can help to create crisp and precise folds. Use a bone folder or the blunt edge of a knife to gently score the paper along the intended fold lines. Be careful not to cut through the paper, as this will weaken the envelope.
With the rectangular paper prepared, you are now ready to embark on the exciting journey of creating your origami envelope.
Fold in Half Vertically
With your rectangular paper prepared, the first step in creating your origami envelope is to fold it in half vertically. This initial fold establishes the central axis of the envelope and sets the foundation for the subsequent folds.
To make a precise vertical fold, follow these steps:
- Align the Edges: Place the rectangular paper in front of you with the longer sides horizontal and the shorter sides vertical. Ensure that the edges of the paper are aligned and even.
- Bring One Edge to the Center: Take the right edge of the paper and carefully fold it towards the center of the paper. Crease the fold firmly with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Fold the Other Edge: Next, take the left edge of the paper and fold it towards the center, aligning it with the crease you made in the previous step. Press firmly to create a sharp crease.
- Flatten the Fold: Once both edges are folded towards the center, unfold the paper completely. You should now have a vertical crease running down the center of the paper, dividing it into two equal halves.
The vertical fold serves as a reference point for the subsequent folds, ensuring that the envelope is symmetrical and well-proportioned. It also creates the basic structure of the envelope, with two flaps on either side that will eventually form the enclosure.
With the vertical fold in place, you are ready to proceed to the next step of the origami envelope-making process.
Unfold, then Fold in Half Horizontally
After making the vertical fold, the next step is to unfold the paper and then fold it in half horizontally. This horizontal fold creates the top and bottom flaps of the envelope and further defines the envelope’s structure.
To make a precise horizontal fold, follow these steps:
- Unfold the Paper: Start by unfolding the paper completely, returning it to its original flat state.
- Align the Edges: Place the paper in front of you with the longer sides horizontal and the shorter sides vertical. Ensure that the edges of the paper are aligned and even.
- Bring One Edge to the Center: Take the top edge of the paper and carefully fold it towards the center of the paper. Crease the fold firmly with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Fold the Other Edge: Next, take the bottom edge of the paper and fold it towards the center, aligning it with the crease you made in the previous step. Press firmly to create a sharp crease.
- Flatten the Fold: Once both edges are folded towards the center, unfold the paper completely. You should now have a horizontal crease running across the center of the paper, dividing it into two equal halves.
The horizontal fold intersects the vertical fold at the center of the paper, creating a cross-shaped crease pattern. This pattern serves as a guide for the subsequent folds and helps to maintain the symmetry of the envelope.
With both the vertical and horizontal folds in place, you have established the basic structure of the origami envelope. The next steps will involve folding the flaps and securing the envelope.
Unfold, Make Diagonal Creases
After unfolding the paper from the horizontal fold, the next step is to create diagonal creases. These creases will help to shape the envelope’s flaps and define the overall form.
To make the diagonal creases, follow these steps:
- Unfold the Paper: Start by unfolding the paper completely, returning it to its original flat state.
- Locate the Center: Identify the intersection of the vertical and horizontal creases. This is the center point of the paper.
- Fold the Top Right Corner: Bring the top right corner of the paper down and fold it towards the center point. Crease the fold firmly.
- Unfold the Corner: Unfold the top right corner, returning it to its original position.
- Fold the Bottom Left Corner: Repeat the process with the bottom left corner. Fold it up and towards the center point, creating a crease. Then, unfold the corner.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Perform the same steps on the left side of the paper. Fold the top left corner down and the bottom right corner up, creating diagonal creases.
You should now have four diagonal creases radiating from the center point of the paper. These creases divide the paper into four triangular sections.
The diagonal creases serve as guidelines for the subsequent folds, allowing you to create sharp and precise flaps for your origami envelope.
Fold Bottom Corners to Center
With the diagonal creases in place, the next step is to fold the bottom corners of the paper towards the center point.
To make these folds, follow these steps:
- Locate the Bottom Corners: Identify the two bottom corners of the paper, where the diagonal creases intersect the bottom edge.
- Fold the Right Corner: Take the right bottom corner and fold it up towards the center point. Align the edge of the corner with the diagonal crease on that side.
- Crease the Fold: Press firmly along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Fold the Left Corner: Repeat the process with the left bottom corner, folding it up towards the center point and aligning it with the diagonal crease.
- Crease the Fold: Press firmly to create a sharp crease on the left side as well.
You should now have two triangular flaps folded up from the bottom corners, meeting at the center point of the paper.
These folded flaps will eventually form the bottom closure of the origami envelope, securing the contents inside.
Fold Top Corners to Center
After folding the bottom corners to the center, the next step is to fold the top corners in the same manner.
To make these folds, follow these steps:
- Locate the Top Corners: Identify the two top corners of the paper, where the diagonal creases intersect the top edge.
- Fold the Right Corner: Take the right top corner and fold it down towards the center point. Align the edge of the corner with the diagonal crease on that side.
- Crease the Fold: Press firmly along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Fold the Left Corner: Repeat the process with the left top corner, folding it down towards the center point and aligning it with the diagonal crease.
- Crease the Fold: Press firmly to create a sharp crease on the left side as well.
You should now have two triangular flaps folded down from the top corners, meeting at the center point of the paper.
These folded flaps will form the top closure of the origami envelope, providing a secure and elegant way to seal the envelope.
Tuck Top Flaps into Side Pockets
With the top and bottom flaps folded towards the center, it’s time to tuck them into the side pockets to create a secure closure for your envelope.
- Locate the Side Pockets: On each side of the envelope, you should see two small pockets formed by the diagonal folds. These are the side pockets where the top flaps will be tucked in.
- Tuck the Right Flap: Take the right top flap and carefully insert it into the right side pocket. Make sure that the flap is pushed all the way in, so that it is hidden inside the pocket.
- Tuck the Left Flap: Repeat the process with the left top flap, tucking it into the left side pocket.
- Ensure a Tight Fit: Ensure that both flaps are securely tucked into their respective pockets. This will create a tight and secure closure for your envelope.
With the top flaps tucked in, your envelope is now complete! You can use it to hold your messages, small gifts, or other items.
Fold Bottom Flap Up
The final step in creating your origami envelope is to fold the bottom flap up to secure the contents inside.
- Locate the Bottom Flap: Identify the bottom flap of the envelope, which is the remaining unfolded section at the bottom.
- Fold the Flap Up: Take the bottom flap and fold it upwards towards the front of the envelope. Make sure that the fold is neat and aligned with the top edge of the envelope.
- Crease the Fold: Press firmly along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Tuck the Flap In: Once the flap is folded up, tuck it into the pocket formed by the folded top flaps. This will securely close the envelope and keep the contents inside.
Your origami envelope is now complete and ready to be used! You can decorate it with drawings, stickers, or other embellishments to personalize it.
Insert Flap into Pocket to Seal
The final touch to your origami envelope is to insert the flap into the pocket to securely seal it.
- Locate the Flap and Pocket: Identify the small flap at the bottom of the envelope and the pocket formed by the folded top flaps.
- Insert the Flap: Carefully insert the flap into the pocket. Make sure that the flap is fully inserted and sits flush against the back of the envelope.
- Press to Secure: Press down gently on the flap to ensure that it is securely tucked into the pocket. This will create a tight seal, keeping the contents of the envelope safe and secure.
- Admire Your Creation: Your origami envelope is now complete and ready to be used! You can decorate it, write a message on it, or use it to hold a small gift.
Congratulations on making your own origami envelope! With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and unique envelopes in no time.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you on your origami journey:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer 1: Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. It involves transforming a flat piece of paper into intricate and beautiful three-dimensional shapes, without the use of glue or scissors.
Question 2: Is origami difficult to learn?
Answer 2: Origami can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. While some origami folds may be challenging, there are many beginner-friendly projects that are easy to learn and create.
Question 3: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer 3: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin and strong. However, you can also use regular printer paper or other types of paper, depending on the project and the desired outcome.
Question 4: Where can I find origami instructions?
Answer 4: There are many resources available for learning origami, including books, websites, and video tutorials. You can also find origami instructions in magazines, newspapers, and even on origami paper packaging.
Question 5: What are some popular origami projects for beginners?
Answer 5: Some popular origami projects for beginners include the paper airplane, the jumping frog, the origami heart, the origami crane, and the origami envelope. These projects are relatively easy to fold and are a great way to get started with origami.
Question 6: Can origami be used for more than just decoration?
Answer 6: Yes, origami can be used for a variety of practical purposes. For example, origami can be used to create boxes, envelopes, gift bags, and other containers. It can also be used to make toys, puzzles, and even furniture.
Question 7: What is the most complex origami fold?
Answer 7: The most complex origami fold is a matter of debate, as there are many intricate and challenging folds. Some of the most complex folds include the Sonobe unit, the Kawasaki rose, and the lotus flower.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: With a little patience and practice, you can master the art of origami and create beautiful and unique paper creations. So grab a piece of paper and start folding!
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, here are some tips to help you on your origami journey:
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you improve your origami skills and create stunning paper creations:
Tip 1: Start with Simple Folds:
Don’t try to tackle complex folds right away. Begin with simple projects that will help you build your skills and confidence. As you become more comfortable with the basics, you can gradually move on to more challenging folds.
Tip 2: Use Quality Paper:
The type of paper you use can greatly impact the outcome of your origami project. Choose paper that is thin, strong, and easy to fold. Origami paper is specially designed for this purpose, but you can also use regular printer paper or other types of paper, depending on the project.
Tip 3: Be Patient and Persistent:
Origami can be a challenging art form, and it takes time and practice to master. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually be able to create beautiful and intricate origami folds.
Tip 4: Use Your Creativity:
Origami is not just about following instructions. It’s also about using your creativity and imagination to create unique and personalized paper creations. Experiment with different colors, patterns, and folding techniques to make your origami projects stand out.
Tip 5: Display Your Origami Creations:
Once you’ve created a beautiful origami piece, don’t just tuck it away in a drawer. Display it proudly in your home or office. You can hang origami mobiles from the ceiling, create origami sculptures for your shelves, or use origami to decorate your walls.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: With a little practice and creativity, you can use origami to create stunning paper creations that will impress your friends and family. So grab a piece of paper and start folding!
Origami is a rewarding and enjoyable art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little patience, practice, and creativity, you can create beautiful and unique origami pieces that will amaze and delight.
Conclusion
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is a captivating and versatile art form that continues to inspire and amaze people worldwide. With its endless possibilities for creativity and beauty, origami can transform a simple piece of paper into intricate and fascinating shapes.
In this article, we embarked on a journey to learn how to make an origami envelope with rectangle paper. We explored the necessary materials, followed a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions and helpful tips, and discovered the joy of creating a functional and elegant envelope using the art of origami.
Origami is not just about following instructions and creating perfect folds. It’s about embracing the process, experimenting with different techniques, and using your creativity to make unique and personalized paper creations. Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or a complete beginner, the world of origami is open to anyone willing to explore its endless possibilities.
So, gather your materials, choose your favorite paper, and embark on your origami journey. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to create stunning origami envelopes, gift boxes, animals, flowers, and much more. Origami is a rewarding and enjoyable art form that brings joy and satisfaction to people of all ages.
Remember, the beauty of origami lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a single piece of paper, you can create countless shapes and designs, limited only by your imagination. Embrace the art of origami, let your creativity flow, and continue to explore the wonderful world of paper folding.
