How to Make a Recycled Stationary Set

In honor of Earth Day and April's Holiday Handmade Crusade Theme, eco-crafting, I completed two Christmas gifts this month. My recycled magazine sets are for my two teenage nieces, but they would make a perfect gift for a letter-writing fan of any age.



This project is cheap, because it uses common found materials, earth friendly, because it is made from upcycled junk that is totally recycle-able and the finished product is just plain cute. What's not to love?

Materials

• An envelope. I think the one that I used was 4"x5"


• Paper with fun imagery on it. Think magazine pages, junk mail, old catalogues, etc.


• Paper with a clear enough surface to write on. Think recycled office paper, lined paper, graph paper, etc.


• Glue Stick


• Writing Utensil

Tools

• Scissors


• Pinking Shears (Optional)

Step One: Make the envelopes.



Take your envelope apart carefully, and unfold it. Use your unfolded envelope as a template to create your recycled envelopes by tracing around the template envelope onto your fun paper with a writing utensil of your choice. Fold in the appropriate tabs and glue with your glue stick. Careful not to glue the top tab shut, or you won't be able to use your envelope! Repeat for however many envelopes you would like per set. I made five envelopes per set.

Step Two : Making the Stationary Flats

Use more of your fun paper. Choose one side to be the "party side" of your flat. Use your scissors to cut the paper down to a size that will fit into your envelope.



Decide how much of a margin you would like on the "business side" of your paper. Cut your writing paper to reflect that margin, and glue to the business side of your flat. Trim around the edges with pinking shears if you like.



Repeat for however many flats you would like to have in your set. I made ten flats per set.

Your recycled stationary is now ready to use!