Recycled Shipping Options, week 1

So you're really interested in using recycled shipping methods, but are afraid of looking cheap? We here at the Etsy Labs have taken it upon ourselves to create a weekly spot for recycled shipping ideas, show you how to make them, and have them look way cooler than they did to begin with!

Week 1, Super Simple Sewn Envelope:
Here's what you'll need:

Several used flat envelopes, a pair of scissors, a sewing machine and tape.

These are just a few of the many envelopes we have gotten at the labs that we transform into new envelopes to go out with our next shop sale!

Step 1: Cut used envelope along two sides, the long side first and then the bottom.

Step 2: Flatten out envelope,

Step 3: Fold envelope over on itself so the sides on the outside are now blank.

Step 5: Trim off excess ripping and shreds of paper from envelope sides.

Step 6: Feed folded paper through sewing machine the opposite way you cut it, the bottom to the long side and create a curve with the thread when you reach the corner.

Step 7: Cut along thread line on the edge of the envelope to create a clean, rounded edge and a visible thread line.

And voila! Now you have brand new even better than before looking 100% recycled envelopes! Just fold the corners of the top down and fold this triangle down the back of the package and tape down!! You can use an array of sturdy papers including envelope paper, paper grocery bags, layers of newsprint, and my personal favorite: restaurant menus (some places throw away their menus each night...for real).

Ok, I'd love to see some pics of recycled shipping that you guys have made...we will be doing a weekly spot on new ways to recycle shipping supplies into new shipping supplies that look better than before, and are more than willing to feature YOUR ideas....so keep em coming!