Paper to Go

The Letter that Becomes an Envelope

One of the reasons that I started an on-line site is that I wanted to keep a record of things that I didn’t want to forget. The paper-folding sequence shown above is one that I have already forgotten once. Fortunately, James Higby, who learned it the same day that I did, something like 15 years ago, continued to make these folds, and I was able to look at an envelope he made, then recreate the steps for this post, which will now forever be at my fingertips.

Since it’s the season to write thank you notes, this seems like the right time to post these instructions. What I like about this structure is that I can start with a standard size paper, which I have either created an image on or not , then make a sequence of folds which transforms the paper into an envelope that has a precious feeling to it.

If you start with a paper that has an image on it, like this one:

…then be advised that the image should be visible after the first fold.

The fun thing about using printed paper is watching how the image is transformed by the folds.

Here’s the snowflake paper as a finished envelope…

..one side…

…and the other side.

And here’s a few, ready to go:

I have to say that I am partial to the envelope on the lower right, which is the stock page scavenged from the Wall Street Journal. A perfect thank you envelope for a gift of money?

Once you’re done with your thank you notes, may I suggest that you take a look at Hannah Brencher’s site http://www.moreloveletters.com/? Each week her organization mails out a “bundle of love letters to a person in need. Sign up for the Love Letter Alert List to get the letter request in your inbox.” Very cool.