Altered Junk Envelopes

Saturday night after putting the kiddos to bed, I tried my hand on altered envelopes for a swap on Facebook group. I planned to only sit for an hour but I couldn't stop. It was so satisfying to give another life to otherwise-go-to-recycle-bin-return envelopes that come in credit card junk mails. I kept those return envelopes thinking I might be able to use it for something but I never did.

I never tear patterned paper for crafting before. I didn't like the look. I was wrong!! I love the look of my altered envelopes - the tear, the "mess", the franken-look. I wouldn't know if I didn't try it. Lesson learned! Never say "don't" before you try it.

I am worried about the additional weight. So, I decide to use tissue paper and pretty origami paper I got from Daiso. Most of the paper towel I used also came from Daiso.

At the beginning I was too heavy handed (see the big envelopes). Then I realized USPS sorting machine might not be able to handle the heavy background or the full "newspaper" look (I remember hearing the busy background caused confusion in sorting . So, I toned down my fun. I hope the phrase tissue paper I used won't cause issue with the sorting machine.

It was a relaxing and "no brainer" craft. I just used whatever my hand picked from the pile of tissue paper and origami paper on my working surface. I only used scissor to trim off the excess and glue to adhere them. So far, this is the only crafting I could do without worrying my toddler will mess up with my pretty designer paper. I could just use the torn paper she made. I might as well employ her to tear the papers for me. She will have fun helping Mommy and Mommy has fun crafting. Don't you agree?

Happy Crafting,

Sherls