Since I'm still not getting a lot of studio time, I thought I'd show you how I recycle (or upcycle) grocery bags into shipping envelopes and stuffing. I have plenty of boxes when I need them, but never enough envelopes. I hate buying envelopes. It feels like such a waste of money. I re-use large envelopes whenever I can, folding them over, taping on new address labels, whatever it takes... When I finally run out of used envelopes, I turn to the pantry, and my collection of grocery bags, both paper and plastic. If you've purchased any of my work, you may have already gotten an envelope like this.
First I take a grocery bag, cut down one fold, cut off the bottom and then cut the sides into 2 large pieces. Each large piece consists of one short side and one long side of the bag. One of the large pieces makes up a shipping envelope big enough for a few chasing tools or a pendant.
Keeping the grocery store text on what will be the inside of the envelope, I fold it over, length wise, overlap the edges about an inch, and tape.
Then I cut the ends, to make a flap on each end. I always do this very early in the morning, before 7am, so I need lots of coffee.
Now one end is taped and my envelope, stuffed with card and tissue wrapped jewelry or tools is ready to go.
Then I pull out my stuffing material, usually plastic grocery bags. 
I stuff it all in the envelope
and tape it closed.
other side
I weigh it on my kitchen scale
Add one ounce to be on the safe side, and either use paypal shipping for a label or the usps postage calculator to figure out stamps.
Then it's ready to go- a simple sturdy brown paper package. Jazz it up with a drawing or stickers if you must.
There are templates out there. Start with your own computer in the Works or Office files to find a few that you didn't know about. Do a Google Image Search for "box template" or "envelope template" to get all sorts of ideas and patterns free online. (You'll have much better results with Google Image than with regular Google. Trust me.)
way to recycle !!!!!!!
ReplyDeletewe have not been getting paper or plastic bags because were using reuseable ones..but I really should pick some up next time!
Oh, neighbors and friends will always have the bags lying around. You don't even need to pick them up at the store.
ReplyDeletebrilliant! I have tons of paper bags - I am going to have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteyay for recycling!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing! :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea and cool little tutorial!
ReplyDeleteHey! I just saw your comment on my blog from awhile ago. Took me awhile to see they were there. Whoops! Thanks!! Papermaking is so easy and theraputic. I suggest you try it out one day!! Your pieces are amazing. You have talent and I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! I love it!
ReplyDeleteYou rock!! I love this idea... I'm an avid reuser of bubble mailers, and this is even way better!
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful and inspiring, by the way!
I love this, and who does not have a ton of grocery bags. Our customers can't complain that it isn't fancy pants packaging, because we are saving the planet and saving them money on shipping too. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteHow very smart you are. Brains, beauty as well as talent all wrapped up in one package. You possess a combination one doesn't find very often in most people. You go girl!! Thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! I am going door to door to collect bags tonight!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea! Thank you for sharing. I have a ton of bubble wrap. I now know how to make my own packages.
ReplyDeleteYou Rock.
misti