What to Do with Old Envelopes

Envelopes. We get them in the mail, toss them aside, and forget about them until one day, you realize that you have a whole stack of them piling up.

Whether they’re plain, decorated, or embossed with your address, old envelopes can accumulate quickly, but instead of sending them to the recycling bin, there are countless creative and practical ways to repurpose them. From fun DIY projects to practical uses, envelopes can have a second life beyond just holding letters.

In this blog post, I’m going to dive into the various things you can do with old envelopes, whether you’re looking for ways to declutter or simply enjoy a creative project.

Some ideas might surprise you, while others will help you be more eco-conscious. Whatever your motivation is, let’s explore how to make the most of those unused envelopes.

Table of Contents

Crafting With Old Envelopes

Repurposing old envelopes into crafts is a great way to reduce waste and add a personal touch to your home décor or gifts. Here are a few crafty ideas that can transform an old envelope into something new and beautiful:

A. Decorative Envelopes:

If you have plain or colorful envelopes lying around, consider using them to create decorative pieces. Whether you’re making greeting cards, scrapbooks, or photo albums, old envelopes can add texture, dimension, and a unique look to your projects.

How to Make Decorative Envelopes:

Select an envelope with an interesting texture or color.
Trim the envelope to fit into a larger piece of art, like a scrapbook page.
Use the flap for adding handwritten notes or stickers for a personal touch.
Experiment with stencils or stamps for added design elements.
Adhere it to the background, creating layers in your art.

Old envelopes can give an instant vintage or retro feel to any craft project. You can even decorate them further using watercolor paints, stamps, or washi tape for a more vibrant effect.

B. Envelope Wallets and Pockets:

Repurpose your envelopes into small wallets or pockets for storing cash, receipts, or small notes. This can be a practical and fun DIY project that also gives old envelopes a new purpose.

How to Create Envelope Wallets:

Take an envelope and seal it shut.
Cut a slit along the side to create a top-opening flap.
Add decorations like stickers, fabric, or washi tape to personalize your wallet.
Use a paper punch to create a hole for threading a string or ribbon to close it.
Fill it with small items like coupons, tickets, or even gift cards.

These DIY wallets are great for keeping small items organized in your purse or bag, and they make for wonderful handmade gifts.

C. Origami and Paper Creations:

If you enjoy origami, you can turn your old envelopes into paper cranes, flowers, or other origami shapes. The textured paper of an envelope can add character and depth to your creations.

How to Fold an Envelope Into an Origami Crane:

Flatten the envelope if it’s creased.
Cut the envelope into a square.
Follow a traditional origami crane folding tutorial, and voilà you’ve got a beautiful paper crane made from an old envelope!

This is a great way to recycle, and the colorful designs and prints on some envelopes can make for very unique paper art.

Organizing and Decluttering

Old envelopes don’t always have to be turned into decorative pieces. They can also be incredibly useful when it comes to organization. If you’re looking to declutter your home or office, repurposing old envelopes as storage solutions is a practical and eco-friendly approach.

A. File Organization:

Old envelopes can serve as easy, simple files to organize your papers. Whether you’re sorting bills, receipts, or personal documents, using envelopes for organization is a great way to store paperwork neatly.

How to Use Envelopes for Filing:

Label each envelope based on its contents, such as “Bills,” “Receipts,” “Tax Documents,” or “Important Letters.”
Add any relevant documents to the envelopes.
Store the envelopes in a larger box or filing cabinet for easy access.

This system allows you to keep your paperwork organized without the need to buy plastic file folders. Plus, you’re reusing materials you already have at home!

B. Seed Storage:

If you’re a gardener, old envelopes can be perfect for storing seeds. Whether you’re saving seeds from your own garden or buying them in bulk, old envelopes make for a great, inexpensive storage solution.

How to Store Seeds in Envelopes:

Label the envelope with the name of the seed, the variety, and the date of collection or purchase.
Place the seeds inside the envelope and fold it closed.
Store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

These envelopes are especially handy because you can store multiple types of seeds in one place, and they fit easily into a drawer or box.

C. Drawer Organizers:

Envelopes can be cut and folded to create dividers and organizers inside drawers. They are perfect for organizing smaller items like office supplies, jewelry, or craft materials.

How to Create Drawer Organizers:

Cut the envelope along its edges to create a flat piece of paper.
Fold the paper into strips and arrange them inside your drawer to create sections.
Label each section with the appropriate item (e.g., “Pens,” “Pins,” “Buttons”).

Using old envelopes in this way helps you avoid buying plastic organizers and gives you a quick and easy way to declutter your space.

Gift Wrapping and Personalization

One of my favorite ways to reuse old envelopes is by using them in gift wrapping. Whether you’re wrapping a birthday present or just giving a little something to a friend, old envelopes can add a personal touch to your gift-giving process.

A. Envelope Gift Tags:

Old envelopes are perfect for making personalized gift tags. Their unique textures and colors give each tag character, and it’s a great way to add a creative spin to your presents.

How to Make Envelope Gift Tags:

Cut the envelope into smaller pieces or use the flap to create a tag shape.
Use a hole punch to create a space for ribbon or string.
Decorate with a personal message, drawing, or even a stamp.
Tie the tag to your gift using string, twine, or ribbon.

B. Mini Gift Pouches:

For small items like jewelry, cash, or gift cards, old envelopes can be turned into mini gift pouches. These pouches are simple to make, and they add a charming, homemade touch.

How to Make Envelope Gift Pouches:

Seal the envelope shut and cut a decorative edge along the top.
Add a label or design on the front of the pouch.
Slide the gift inside the envelope and tie it with a ribbon for an extra special presentation.

This technique is not only easy, but it’s also a great way to add a personal touch to your gift wrapping while avoiding waste.

Practical Household Uses

Repurposing old envelopes doesn’t always need to be crafty—it can be incredibly practical as well. Here are some simple and clever ways to use them in your everyday life:

A. Quick Note Holders:

If you often need to jot down quick reminders or notes, old envelopes can act as temporary holders. You can fold them up and keep small lists, reminders, or phone numbers inside them. This helps to keep your space organized without wasting paper.

B. Makeshift Bookmarks:

Old envelopes can be trimmed into bookmarks for your books, journals, or planners. They’re simple to make and can be personalized with fun designs, quotes, or inspirational phrases.

Table: Repurposing Old Envelopes – Ideas & Uses

Idea	Materials Needed	Steps
Decorative Crafting	Envelope, scissors, tape, glue	1. Cut and shape the envelope into the desired form. 2. Decorate with paint, stickers, or stamps. 3. Use in scrapbooks or greeting cards.
Seed Storage	Envelope, pen, seeds	1. Label the envelope. 2. Place seeds inside and fold the envelope. 3. Store in a cool, dry place.
Gift Tags	Envelope, scissors, string	1. Cut out a tag shape from the envelope. 2. Hole-punch and tie with string. 3. Decorate with personalized notes or designs.
File Organization	Envelope, labels, paper	1. Label the envelope. 2. Insert important documents. 3. Store in a filing system for easy access.
Mini Gift Pouch	Envelope, ribbon, decorations	1. Cut and fold the envelope into a pouch. 2. Add small items. 3. Tie with ribbon or string.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While repurposing old envelopes is a great way to get creative and organized, there are a few mistakes you should avoid:

Not Labeling Properly: One of the biggest mistakes people make when using envelopes for organization is not labeling them correctly. Make sure you clearly mark what each envelope is for this will help you stay organized in the long run.

Overcomplicating DIY Projects: It’s easy to get carried away with decorating or crafting. Try not to overcomplicate things. Simple projects can often be the most effective and beautiful.

Not Considering Envelope Size: Be mindful of the size of your envelopes. Some items, like seeds or documents, might require larger envelopes, while others such as bookmarks will work better with smaller ones.

Conclusion

Old envelopes don’t have to be tossed out with the trash. Whether you’re crafting, organizing, or gifting, there are endless possibilities for giving them a second life.

From creating personalized gift tags and organizing your office supplies to getting crafty with DIY projects, repurposing old envelopes is an eco-friendly and creative way to make use of materials you already have.

Repurpose old envelopes for crafting, organization, gift-giving, and more.
Simple DIY projects can add a unique personal touch to gifts and home décor.
Avoid mistakes like poor labeling or overcomplicating your projects to make the most of your old envelopes.

If you’ve got a stash of unused envelopes at home, it’s time to get creative! Try one of the ideas mentioned above and let me know how it goes.

Or, share your own envelope repurposing ideas in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this post with friends who might find these tips helpful let’s make sure those old envelopes don’t go to waste!