Waste not, want not - make your own upcycled envelopes

Over the holidays I needed to come up with a quick, unique way to "wrap" small gifts for my customers. My requirements: allow the buyer to look at their purchase before giving it as a gift, be eco-friendly, have a modern aesthetic, and not be particular holiday specific. I came up with 3 different size envelopes made from the pages of magazines.

Since I don't knit or crochet, this is a great project to keep my hands busy in front of the TV. After I read my magazines, I go through and tear out the pages and save them. When I have a pile, which is often, I make a batch.

The bigger envelopes are great for invoices and extras in my shipments. The smaller ones are perfect for my bookmarks and jewelry. By simply using envelopes I had on hand as templates, I was able to come up with some styles that worked for me.

What you'll need:

envelope template(s) - I'll come back to this post and link to the envelope templates I use (I need to make them), so check back or make your own by gently tearing apart your favorite envelope.

scissors

glue stick

marker

Simply trace your template onto your magazine page, fold, glue the edges, and viola...you have a really cool new envelope! You can easily tweak your own template to create sizes and shapes that suit your needs.

Repurposing at its finest

Many months ago, I was visiting one of my clients. She owns a great boutique that sells everything from clothes to household goods. Her eclectic store even carries a line of beautiful carpets that can be chosen from a wonderful sample display.

I noticed quite a number of samples propped in the corner and inquired. They were discontinued sample squares that she sells to customers who often used them as plant coasters. As I began thumbing through them I commented on how beautiful they were and that it was a shame that there weren't more uses for them. Bending a piece in my hand, I formed a shape that reminded me of a clutch (handbag). Ah, yes, make a handbag...that's what I do...I didn't know how but I figured I'd give it a try. So, I purchased 3 squares hoping that I'd actually get around to making a little bag out of it.

I often acquire obscure items with plans of up cycling them into objet d'art. More often, said items get buried to never be seen from again. Well, I am happy to say I actually did as I'd hoped and here is the result:I have yet to make the other 2 squares into bags, but hope to soon. In the meantime, this little one of a kind (ooak) number can be purchased in my Etsy shop.