MPU: Envelope Booklet

Envelope books/booklets, flip books, mail folders and what-not seem to be all the rage right now. I went on a binge making them a couple of years ago until my interest petered out. Now that they’re “new” again, I want to make them, hah.

For this swap we’re going to focus on making an envelope booklet. There are different ways to make these things, but I’m going to lay out the way I make them to help this be a little less scattered.

So! Get 3 envelopes of the same size and (moving in the same direction) attach them to each other flap-to-back, like so:

Make sure to give yourself a little extra space at the gussets so folding will be easy and you can add your goodies without the booklet getting all wonky. When the envelopes are attached to each other, the left side will fold on to the middle and the right will fold on top of that, enclosing the entire booklet. It’ll become a self-mailer. Leave the pockets of the envelopes open - do not glue them closed.

Once the booklet is constructed it’s time to decorate it! I usually collage, which reinforces the construction. You can also use envelopes made from pretty papers, or paint/stamp/doodle your envelopes before constructing the booklet. Whatever method, prettifying is up to you. The last step before sealing up the booklet is to add something to each pocket. Each pocket of your envelope booklet needs to have a different enclosure: something handmade (by you), something supply-based/store-bought and then a note.

When you’re finished and have the goodies enclosed, fold it together and use the last flap remaining just as you would with any other envelope. Seal it & address/stamp the front. I recommend taping the sides, just to help it all stay together in transit. I’ve mailed these easily for 1-2 First Class stamps + a non-machinable surcharge. If you stuff it to capacity it'll easily fall into the package bracket - keep this in mind when choosing your enclosures.

Here are some of the previous booklets I’ve made:

Rad booklet

"Pretty" booklet inside & outside

Travel inspired booklet