Making Junk Mail Useful
I cut the envelope open with a letter opener (unless the flap can easily be opened without cutting). Uses: store coupons, to do lists, store receipts.
If it has see through window on back, with plastic then when I am done with the envelope, I cut that out with border to use for crafts. Put 2 back to back and put a fortune cookie paper inside. Glue 3 sides then fill with confetti or glitter. Seal 4th side = gift tag.
Use the inside and outside to write lists, etc. If it has flap reuse for mailing or see above. The insides: find and cut out my address-use as return label on mailings with glue stick. There is normally an extra envelope or 2 use them! Colorful paper gets saved for crafts; confetti, paper punches and shredded for packaging gifts.
If there is plain paper with a blank side it gets saved for lists or writing on. Any images that can be saved for collage get saved, too. If you have to store anything fragile save the unusable paper and scrunch for protection. Anything else unusable gets recycled!
By Caeridwen from Kent, Ohio
Feedback About This Post:
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
Great ideas folks. All junk mail with a return envelope in it.It is always taped neatly to a solid house brick (which is wrapped in news paper), and put back in the post, an idea broadcast on radio once. They pay extra postage.
Post by Ausjulie
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
There are about 2,760 search results "for thriftyfun junk mail" on google but handmade paper beads made from security envelopes & also pendants will always top my list ! http://www.google.com/search?hl=en& ... US276&q=security+envelopes+craftzine
Both ideas are awesome. Neither of the ideas are mine. Other uses (just scanning down the results page include): napkin rings,and a tiny house! I love to look at craft ideas & projects! It really starts my heart pumping!
Post by melody_yesterday
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
I too save junk mail and reuse the blank space for everything. I make grocery lists, scrap paper stacks for beside my phone, daily lists, etc.
My latest use for the influx of paper that comes into our home, including newspapers, finished crossword puzzle books, fast -food drink carriers,etc., is as cat litter. The cat hated it at first, then decided that recycling paper wasn't that bad. It's saving me at least $10 a month.
Post by fab4mom
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
My dad saves the security envelopes for me (printed design normally black or blue inside) & gives me a bundle of them every so often. I save mine too & from those I cut long slender triangles to roll paper beads.
Post by melody_yesterday
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
Good idea and the back of blank paper can be used in the printer for non important printing.
Post by 1stborn
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
Use the plastic windows on the envelopes for picture frames. put a magnet on the back and put your child's picture in it and hang it on the refrigerator! it will keep the picture clean!
Post by craftypatty
RE: Making Junk Mail Useful
This is a good idea, I also give return envelopes to my kids to play office or postal carrier with, and they love them.
Post by poepadoe
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