Follow these step-by-step directions to create a DIY paper wallet or custom cardholder.
1.) Begin by selecting any of our fine papers. We recommend a fibrous paper, like this Houndstooth Indian Fine Paper, so the paper won’t tear as you make creases and folds. Cut paper to 12″ by 12″ using scissors.
2.) Fold your 12″ by 12″ square in half. Consider using a bone folder to get a clean fold.
3.) Open the paper so you are once again looking at a 12″ by 12″ square. Now fold the left side in to the center crease you created in the previous step. Next, fold the right side into the center crease.
4.) Keep the left and right sides folded into the center crease, as completed in the previous step. Looking at the paper hamburger style, fold the left side in toward the center 2 inches. Gently crease with a bone folder. Repeat for the right side.
5.) Next, keeping your paper folded as outlined in the previous step, you’re going to create corner flaps within the fold you’ve just created, for each side. For the left and right sides, fold the inside, bottom of the two inch column away from you, toward the crease, to create a small triangle. Gently crease. For the top of each side, instead of folding out toward the crease, tuck the paper inward, creating a triangular fold. Gently crease.
6.) Keeping your folds in place from the previous step, fold the rectangle in half, hamburger style. Gently crease. Release slightly to tuck the outward facing triangular flaps in toward the crease for both the left and right sides.
7.) You should now be looking at a rectangle, approximately 8″ by 3″. To complete your wallet, simply fold in half, hamburger style, to create the 4″ by 3″ rectangle pictured above. Gently crease.
8.) Feel free to embellish your wallet with accenting papers or stickles glitter glue!
Add your cash or cards and you’re in business!
that looks really easy to make and it’s cute, too.
i’ve seen a paper wallet at a store and it was like $12. perhaps there was more to it but your instructions are very clear. I like it when you add photos, too, that really helps.
I really like this idea; sometimes I give cash as a gift, and instead of using a ‘bill holder’ card, I can make a clever paper wallet! (With some gift money inside)!