If your mailbox is anything like mine, it is full of junk mail and advertisements every week. Instead of tossing it into the trash or throwing all those papers into the recycling bin, use them to create some of the most beautiful home-made greeting cards to send to your friends and family.

I used to throw all that stuff into the recycling bin. Then I realized that I could turn my junk mail into greeting cards for birthdays and holidays. Not only did I have everything on hand to do it, but I could also save money too! Not to mention reducing my carbon footprint. That is a win-win in my book.

What you need

The supplies you need to turn junk mail into greeting cards are probably already in your home. I use paints, markers, and even broken crayons. (Toddlers produce these by the thousands!) I also take advantage of some of the free printables and fonts from Creative Fabrica. Add some ribbon, fabric scraps, and glue and you can create hundreds of these beautiful greeting cards.

I use a fabric glue for the fabric and ribbon. For all other gluing purposes, I simply use PVA glue or a glue stick. I find that the PVA and glue stick holds paper to paper well. There are times I might sew around the edges of the greeting card using a colored thread just to add a little more interest.

Other things you can use when you turn junk mail into greeting cards is glitter (the bane of the crafting world), embossing powders, and alcohol inks. Use gilding wax if you have it, to add that touch of gold for those special cards. And don’t forget that little gems and stickers can make a huge difference when you add a few touches and apply them to the greeting cards.

Envelopes

You may think you need to buy envelopes when you turn the junk mail into greeting cards. This is not true. Since there are already so many envelopes that the junk mail comes in, put them to good use. Repurpose the junk mail envelopes to use for your home-made greeting cards.

I tend to make the envelopes first when I turn the junk mail into greeting cards. This way I know just how big I can make the cards. If I do happen to create a greeting card that is larger than the envelopes I made, I simply print out a design paper from Creative Fabrica and turn it into just the right size envelope I need.

Assess the Situation

The first step in turning your junk mail into a lovely greeting card is separating the various mail into categories. Make a pile for thick cards, one for small papers, and one for envelopes. Sometimes my junk mail includes little cards, such as fake credit cards or business cards. I love these because they make the perfect piece to add a sentiment to the front of the greeting card.

I also sort the junk mail envelopes into those with windows and those without. The ones with windows work great to make little spots so an image can be seen through the window. You can be even more creative and turn these windows into a pocket to hold money or a small charm.

The Creative Process

The first thing I do is unfold all the different papers and cards in the junk mail. I can see what pieces of the junk mail I will turn into the greeting cards. I can also spot any pieces that I will not use. Don’t forget to look inside the envelopes because sometimes the inside is printed with a very pretty design. You can use those patterned papers as backgrounds for the greeting cards.

The next step is turning those papers and cards into workable backgrounds. I do this with either acrylic paint or gesso. I like using a brayer to put the paint on because I often blend the colors to make an ombre effect. I use the gesso to cover up stubborn spots that may show through the acrylic paint. Once the papers and cards dry, I cut and fold them into the size of greeting cards I want to make. I leave some of the papers alone because I may need a bit of paper as an insert or as a piece under the sentiment.

I use rubber stamps, pictures from magazines, and digital images I get off Creative Fabrica for my focal point on the front of the card. Or I may use a combination of all three to turn my junk mail into greeting cards. It just depends on the card. When I use junk mail to make holiday greeting cards, I tend to decorate the front, inside, and even the back.

I print out the sentiments in a variety of fonts and colors to match the type of greeting card I am making. I have also used my rubber stamps to create sentiments for the inside of the card. My favorite stamp is one that says, “You know it has been a good day when you didn’t bite or hit anybody”. This stamp looks like it was written by a little kid, and always brings a smile everyone’ face when they read it. You can also write the sentiment out in your own hand writing. Sometimes, those are the best because what you write comes straight from the heart. Those types of greeting cards are truly special.

Special Flare

When you turn your junk mail into greeting cards, you have the chance to add your own special flare to the cards. If you have designer paper punches, pull them out and give the card a decorative edge. Or punch out small circles and other shapes to make a bit of confetti for inside the finished card. I have a butterfly corner punch that is really cute to use on the outer corner of the greeting cards I make.

No matter how you decide to turn your junk mail into special greeting cards, remember to have fun with the creative process. Think of who the person is who is receiving the card when you begin creating. You will produce a one-of-a-kind special greeting card that the recipient will treasure so much more than a store-bought card.