Make a Message Envelope
Fold and decorate a homemade envelope to hold a secret message using paper, scissors, glue, and stickers while practicing measuring and neat folding.
About this activity
Fold and decorate a homemade envelope to hold a secret message using paper, scissors, glue, and stickers while practicing measuring and neat folding.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed.
- 2
Step 2
Fold a rectangular sheet of paper in half lengthwise to check the envelope size.
- 3
Step 3
Use a ruler and pencil to draw two vertical lines 2 cm from each short edge to mark the side flaps.
- 4
Step 4
Fold each short edge inward along the pencil lines to form two neat side flaps.
- 5
Step 5
Fold the bottom edge up about two-thirds of the paper height to form the pocket base.
- 6
Step 6
Fold the top edge down about 3 cm to create the closing flap.
- 7
Step 7
Use scissors to cut a small triangle from each bottom corner where the side flaps meet the pocket base.
- 8
Step 8
Apply a thin line of glue along the outer edge of the bottom flap.
- 9
Step 9
Fold the side flaps over the glued edges so they sit on top of the bottom flap.
- 10
Step 10
Press the side flaps down firmly to seal the pocket.
- 11
Step 11
Decorate the outside of your envelope with coloring materials and stickers using neat strokes.
- 12
Step 12
Write a secret message on a small piece of paper.
- 13
Step 13
Fold the message neatly until it is small enough to fit inside the pocket.
- 14
Step 14
Slide the folded message into the envelope and tuck the top flap closed.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished Message Envelope and secret message on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make a message envelope?
Start with a square or rectangular sheet of paper. Measure and mark the center, fold the bottom edge up two-thirds, then fold the side edges to meet or overlap slightly. Trim a triangular flap from the top section if needed, tuck the top flap over the folded sides, and glue the side seams so only the top stays open. Insert a secret note, then decorate with stickers, markers, or washi tape for a finished look.
What materials do I need to make a homemade message envelope?
You’ll need paper (origami paper, printer paper, or cardstock), scissors, a ruler, and a pencil for measuring and marking folds. Add a glue stick or double-sided tape to seal the sides, plus stickers, markers, colored pencils, and washi tape for decorating. For younger kids use safety scissors and pre-folded templates; for older kids include a hole punch and string to create a tied closure.
What ages is the message envelope activity suitable for?
This activity works for preschoolers through tweens with adaptations. Ages 3–5 enjoy decorating and using pre-cut templates with adult help for cutting and folding. Ages 6–8 can measure, fold neatly, and glue with supervision. Ages 9+ can design complex envelopes, practice precise measuring, and try variations like windowed envelopes or patterned paper for independent crafting.
What are the benefits of making a message envelope?
Making envelopes builds fine motor skills through measuring, folding, cutting, and gluing. It teaches basic geometry and following steps, encourages neatness and patience, and sparks creativity when decorating. The secret-message element supports social skills and letter-writing practice. It’s a low-cost, screen-free activity that boosts confidence as children create a useful finished product they can give to friends or family.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of hard-to-find materials like glue, a ruler, or stickers?
If you don't have glue, use clear tape folded over the outer edge where step 9 calls for glue; substitute a straight book edge for the ruler in step 3 and cut shapes from magazines as stickers for decorating in step 12.
My envelope sides won't stay sealed—what should I check or do?
If the side flaps won't stick when folded over the glued bottom flap in steps 9–11, press them down firmly for 30 seconds, add a small strip of tape along the seam, or trim the corner triangles cut in step 8 so the flaps sit flat.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For toddlers, pre-fold the paper and pre-cut the corner triangles in step 8 and let them decorate and insert a short note, while older children can precisely measure the 2 cm side flaps in step 3, design patterned flaps, or add a button-and-string closure to the top flap made in step 6.
How can we make the Message Envelope fancier or turn it into a longer project?
To enhance the envelope, use colored cardstock for the rectangular sheet in step 1, cut a small plastic window before folding the bottom flap in step 5, add a sticker or wax seal to the top flap in step 6, and include a coded message inside to create a treasure-hunt game.