Every time I go to the post office to mail an Etsy order I get comments on my packaging. More specifically, my padded envelopes. They seem to love them, although I haven’t heard any feedback from customers. Hmm…
Since my blog and online business name is Restyled Junk, I try to carry that through to the packaging. I haven’t figured out a clever box idea, but I like to use wallpaper scraps for my envelopes. I can never pass up wallpaper at yard sales, so I have a lot. To make them padded, and to keep the cheap recycling going throughout the process, I use bubble wrap that my husband brings me from work. It’s headed to the trash anyway, so I figure I am saving the landfills. I’m also saving my money.
I’ve made these in several different ways depending on the order size and weight, wallpaper sizes I have on hand, bubble wrap I have on hand, texture of the paper…well, you get the idea. Different elements may change the construction slightly.
Cut a piece of wallpaper that is at least twice the size of your order, plus an inch or two on all sides. I like to cut it too large. It can always be cut down as I go.
Choose a piece of bubble wrap that is larger than your cut wallpaper. If your bubble wrap isn’t large enough, you can piece it together with packing tape. Just keep in mind that you do not want the tape to be along the stitching line. The sticky will yuck up your needle.
Fold the wallpaper in half with the pretty side facing out and crease the fold. The folded edge will be the bottom edge of your envelope. Well, the “bottom” edge for explanation purposes. I actually used a wallpaper border for this tutorial and the folded edge is one of the sides.
Fold the bubble wrap in half with the bubbles on the inside. Slip the folded wrap inside the folded paper.
Now it’s a matter of squeezing and holding with your fingers to keep everything together and lined up. Straight pins won’t work for this project. I have used clothespins to hold the sides together, but I think they get in the way. I’ve also used hot glue between the bubble wrap and the paper, but I really don’t think it’s necessary. Do what works for you.
Starting on one side of the envelope, sew from the folded edge to the top using a long sewing stitch about 1/2 inch from the edge. Back stitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Repeat on the other side of the envelope.
Trim the seams to approximately 1/4 inch.
Fill the envelope and sew the top closed in the same way. Trim the edge.
The address labels can be pretty much any blank paper you have around. Sticky-backed labels can also be used. After addressing the labels, place them where you want them on the envelope. Using clear packing tape, tape over the labels and continue all the way around the envelope. I do this even if the labels I used were sticky–backed. This prevents the labels from lifting off. Vinyl wallpapers and different humidity have proven to be unreliable in holding the sticky. I would hate for the order to go missing because the label peeled off.
There you go. A unique envelope that took less time than going to the store to buy one, and you didn’t spend a thing.
Enjoy!
I WAS FEATURED!!
Places I’m partying this week:
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Sunday
Weekend
I didn’t comment on it, but I did love it. It felt like my package was that much more special!
LOL! Thank you, Cindy! Nothing like fishing for compliments, huh?
Wow, that is very cool and I can bet your customers are very pleasantly surprised when they get your package in the mail. Thanks for the great idea!
Liz
Cyndee,
Your packaging is wayover the top!! I absolutely loved it, all of it, and I would continue to wrap like this as well. Thank~You so much Cyndee!!
Thank you, Nancy! So glad you liked it!
This is such a great idea. I love that it reuses things that would just clutter the land fill.
Ruth
What a wonderful idea – you are so creative!
I think you should sell those too. Since you have an over abundance of supplies. I,would rather buy from you than the post office.
Teresa, I would, but there are too many things that need to be completed ‘after’ the envelope has been filled. The opening sewed closed, addresses made, then packing tape over the label, and wrapping around the entire envelope to prevent the address label from coming off.
Now that is too cool! I would love to receive a package in the mail wrapped like that, it would make me feel so special that you went way out of your way to make it look so lovely. Very neat idea.
You’re the most clever and this is just darling! It is an envelope too pretty to open! 😉
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Oh my gosh, I just love this! What a clever idea, and so cute too!
I’m just stopping by to let you know I featured this on my blog today! Thanks so much for sharing! You can check it out and grab a Featured button here: http://practicallyfunctional.net/2013/02/the-fun-in-functional-link-party-38/
This is such a great idea, I love it!
That is so simple it is brilliant! We’d love to have you join us for the Photo Friday Blog hop- have a great weekend 🙂
Girl, u rock!
Cyndee, this is so pretty! You will be one of the features at the Make it Pretty Monday party on Monday at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a feature button for your blog. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
This is awesome!!! Thank you for sharing in this week’s Rustic Restorations Weekend!
what a great idea definitely pinning. So glad you shared this at my link party, can’t wait to see what you have this week.
This is the most clever idea! I mail to my daughters out of town so I’m always buying those envelopes they sell at the P.O. This is prettier AND less expensive. Thanks for sharing, Patti@OldThingsNew
Bonjour, I am a French reader of your blog. This is a great idea. It is a pleasure for you to make them and I am sure people noticed the effort but some are not at ease with “thank you”. Anyway, I thank you very much for sharing, I love the idea.
Amitiés.
The Fun In Functional! {Link Party #38} - Practically Functional
[…] DIY Padded Envelope Tutorial – Restyled Junk How fun is it to have personalized envelopes for mailing your stuff?! And this tutorial makes it look easy! […]
Beautiful packaging! If I received it as your customer, I would love it! I’m one of those people that would keep it and then after it sits in my desk drawer forever, eventually reuse it. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this great idea at Simple & Sweet Fridays. Love it!
Jody
This is a great idea! I make card envelopes from calendar pages, so I think this is cool.
Beautiful packaging and such a creative way to use up old wallpaper and bubble wrap. I’d love to receive a gift in the mail wrapped in your envelope – so pretty! I’ll be pinning this and also will be on the hunt for pretty wallpaper rolls at garage sales this summer!
What a fantastic idea! I’m off to share this with all my seller friends!
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Make it Pretty Monday – Week 37
[…] can mail me anytime. What a special way to send and receive a package. Pop on over to Restyled Junk to get the tutorial. […]