Step 1: Print Wax Seals
We started with the little red seals that would eventually finish each envelope.
You can find a wax-seal-style graphic online or use a design from a site like Canva. Print several of the red seals onto regular printer paper so you have one for every letter you're planning to make.
Step 2: Cut Out the Wax Seals
Next, use scissors to carefully cut around the outside of each printed seal.
As you can see from our process, we cut fairly close to the irregular red edge of the design rather than leaving a big white border around it. Then, set the finished seals aside. You'll attach them after the envelopes have been folded and aged.
Step 3: Make Your Own Envelopes
You don't even need to buy envelopes for this project. We made ours from regular sheets of white printer paper. Although we didn't document making the process, making the envelopes are pretty easy.
To recreate the folded style shown in our photos:
- Lay a sheet of printer paper flat.
- Fold the sides inward so they overlap slightly toward the center.
- Fold the bottom portion upward to create the body of the envelope.
- Fold the upper portion down to create the large triangular-looking flap.
- Crease each fold firmly so the envelope holds its shape
Step 4: "Seal" the Hogwarts Letter
It's time to mark your letters with the Hogwarts stamp of approval. Take the wax seals you cut out earlier and use double-sided to attach to them to your envelopes that way the folds won't come undone for the next and final step.
Step 5: Brew a Cup of Tea
This is what gives ordinary bright white printer paper a much more aged appearance.
Either tea bags and hot water or a Keurig machine will work fine. And its important to let the tea cool enough so that you can comfortably work with it. Grab a kitchen basting or pastry brush, the type of brush you might normally use to brush butter or a marinade onto food, and have fun making your envelopes look aged.
The Finished Hogwarts Letters
For such a simple Harry Potter DIY, this ended up being one of those little details that can completely change a movie night.
You don't need real parchment. You don't need a wax-sealing kit. Regular printer paper, brewed tea, a kitchen brush, scissors, printed wax seals and double-sided tape are enough.
Scatter the Hogwarts Letters around your home or simply place them in disheveled stacks around your home, add your favorite Harry Potter snacks and decorations, turn down the lights, and you've got a wonderfully simple way to bring a little bit of the wizarding world into your movie night.
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