Looking for a fun, no-fuss paper craft that’s perfect for tucking in notes, gift cards, or a bit of cash? This folded envelope book is a sweet and simple project that comes together without any glue—and it only takes a single sheet of paper!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to fold your way to a charming 3″x3″ envelope-style book, complete with pockets and a creative closure. Let’s dive in!
✂️ What You’ll Need
- 1 sheet of paper (9″ x 12″ works great!)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Bone folder (or the back of a spoon)
- Scissors or craft knife
- Optional: sewing machine, glue stick, or double-stick tape
- Optional: elastic cord and a button for a closure
📐 Choose Your Size
To make a 3″x3″ book, you’ll need a 9″x12″ sheet of paper. The important thing is to keep a 3:4 ratio between the height and width of your paper.
Want to try other sizes? Just scale the ratio:
- 6″x8″ = 2″x2″ book
- 12″x16″ = 4″x4″ book
…and so on!
🧾 Step 1: Score and Fold
- Mark thirds along the shorter (9″) side of your paper. Make pencil marks at 3″ and 6″, then use your ruler to connect the dots and score.
- Fold along the score lines, pressing down with your bone folder. Then fold the paper in half (short edge to short edge), and again into quarters along that same edge. You’ll now have 12 squares on your page.
✂️ Step 2: Cut and Fold the Flaps
- Use scissors to cut along the lines where you marked the center of the short edge, stopping when you reach the fold. This creates slits for your flaps.
- Next, fold those squares inward to create little triangular flaps—these become the envelope pockets!
- Bone fold the flaps down: top flaps first, bottom flaps second.
📖 Step 3: Fold into a Book
Now accordion-fold your page to create a four-panel book with built-in envelope pockets. It’s starting to look like something magical already!
🧵 Step 4: Add Decorative Touches
No glue is needed, but if you want your pockets to be more secure:
- Use a glue stick or double-stick tape to hold flaps down.
- Or add a line of machine stitching along the seams for extra charm and durability.
🎀 Step 5: Make a Closure
Want to finish it off with a handmade touch?
- Take a small piece of 1mm elastic cord and a button.
- Thread the elastic through two holes in the button.
- Wrap it snugly around the folded book and tie a knot in the back.
- Trim the ends—and voilà! Your book now has a sweet little closure.
🌸 Bonus Tip
You can use double-sided paper for an extra pop of color or pattern inside and out. Even wrapping paper works beautifully—as long as it’s not too thick.
🎁 A Perfect Gift (or Gift Card Holder!)
This little envelope book is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just-because surprises. Slip in:
- Gift cards
- Love notes
- Affirmations
- Tiny tags or journaling prompts
It’s one of those projects you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
If you try it, let me know in the comments—or tag me on Instagram so I can admire your version! Happy folding!
—Ali
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Hi! I’m Ali Manning
Years ago, I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love creating new designs, learning about different techniques, and expanding my collection of paper. But what I love most about bookmaking is the community.
Through Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed-media artists, and crafters. We all share a love of book arts and crafting, just for the joy of it.
I believe that bookbinding and book arts are for everyone, regardless of skill level or equipment. All you need is a little creativity and, of course, paper!
What fun. I’ll make these slightly larger to hide the gift card.
Thanks for the neat idea!! 😍
You’re so welcome, Jennie! Hope you had fun with it!
The directions as printed are not quite right-the cut isn’t made along the center of the short edge (whose center isn’t marked) but along the center of the long edge.
This is a cute idea. Where do we find printed paper that is larger than 91/2 X 11”? I know I can find 12” X 129, but what about dimensions larger than that for this project? Paper that large is hard to find even in plain white. I’d live to know a source. Thanks so much!
We could use paper that comes on a roll and cut to size. Substantial wrapping paper would work. And brown craft paper on the roll could be decorated!
Sheets of hand died marbled paper would be lovely!
Oops, I made a mistake on my numbers above! I meant 8 1/2” X 11” and 12” X 12”.
Where do we find double sided 9 x 12 paper?
Your written directions say to cut at the center of short edge. But that is not what you show or what works. You cut at score mark at center of long edge right?
I am enjoying your videos. I would love to know where to get the two sided patterned paper and the easy envelope book tutorial. I have been looking all over for nice quality printed paper like that. I appreciate your help.