Sunday, March 07, 2010

Collecting the mail

I've been collecting used mailing envelopes from a few different sources and recently realized that the collection had grown almost out-of-control. I save the envelopes to make journals, where the envelopes are used as the pages. With my current supply, I was able to make seven journals, with some envelopes left over. So I started with stacks and stacks of these: And finished with these: The covers are decorated with various bits and pieces saved from old mailing materials, like this one which uses a green security pattern for the decorative paper embellished with some clipped postal marks and stamps from Japan. Or in some cases, the embellishments are printed directly onto the envelopes, like this junk mail sweepstakes example. And all of them have envelopes for pages, with all the security patterns, plastic windows, and stamps in tact to make for a very interesting journal-keeping adventure.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is very neat! I like your use of disposed materials. This does make for a more interesting journal.

Emerson Bindery said...

I, too, have been saving security envelopes for the last two years intended for the same purpose! I just haven't gotten around to doing anything with them yet. Great minds think alike! :D

chocolatetrudi said...

I love these journals! I have to admit, I haven't paid much attention to the patterns printed inside envelopes until I stumbled on a tutorial for making gift card envelopes. Now I'll be raiding the recyling basket before it goes out each week.

Anonymous said...

Those are great! I originally opened my shop to make books out of recycled materials- not quite there yet. Lovely books you've made!!

MyHandboundBooks said...

thanks laurabucci, Studio B, chocolatetrudi, and Parkside Harmony!!

this obsession with envelopes started a while ago, actually, you can see some earlier examples here and here!

Cindy Leaders said...

I'm completely inspired! I like using recycled materials, but I think I need to branch out. I'm going to challenge myself to all my March junk mail. Thanks, Rhonda!

Audree said...

I LOVE the books that you make. I can't say it enough: your blog is my favorite! So inspiring! When I grow up, I wanna be like you...heehee!

MyHandboundBooks said...

UsefulBooks, Good luck with your March project! I'll be waiting to see some pictures :)

And thank you Audree :)

SarahUndercover said...

Wow! I am in awe! And a little jealous I never thought of this. But it has inspired me to look around at things I never thought of!

Sarah

MyHandboundBooks said...

thanks undercoverst - have fun finding new things to make books with!

Paisley and Brown Paper said...

Incredible! I've used envelopes for one of my journals and I'm stock piling for another. Your books are wonderful!