5 Ways to Creative Mailing Ideas

There are not many people who don’t love getting mail. I am not referring to credit card offers and Valpaks. I am talking about envelopes and packages that elicit excitement in wondering who it’s from and what’s inside. (In case you can’t tell, I REALLY like getting mail. If you want to make my day, send me a little something!)

Unfortunately, sending mail doesn’t fill me with the same waves of joy and anticipation. Instead it’s more likely to involve scrounging around a drawer or closet in frustration trying to find some adequate packaging. Today’s post features five ideas to make sending mail a bit more fun and less costly.

1. Wrapping Paper Padded Envelopes

Kirstin and Jordan from KoJo Designs turned wrapping paper into these beautiful padded envelopes. After hot gluing bubble wrap to the paper, they sewed the edges to create the envelope and then used pinking shears to give them a finished look. I always debate whether or not to wrap gifts before mailing them, so this is the perfect solution! Imagine how lovely these would be for the holidays!

2. Fold-Your-Own Envelopes

Su of TangleCrafts shares her template and tutorial for making your own envelopes or self-mailers at Craft Leftovers. What I love about this is that you can use scrap paper to create a basic envelope for everyday use or opt for decorative paper to dress it up a bit. This is especially helpful if you like to make your own greeting cards. Why not be even more of an overachiever and make a coordinating envelope?

3. Fabric Postcard Invitations

Want to really wow your party guests? Follow Diane Gilleland’s tutorial at Craftstylish for creating fabric postcard invitations. After sewing and quilting her fabric, Diane then glued on a cardstock postcard with the party information and zigzag stitched around all four edges. If you are wondering if these can actually be mailed, the answer is yes! Diane mailed one to herself, and it came back looking just as lovely as when it left.

4. Custom Postage Stamps

Ashley from Ashley Brooke Designs created custom postage stamps for her sister’s upcoming wedding. Ashley created this adorable “Southern Love” illustration in honor of where her sister’s fiancé proposed and the locale of the wedding. Obviously, Ashley is a super-talented designer! If you’re not quite as artistic as Ashley, you can also create postage using your own photos.

5. Repurposed Cardboard Mailer

Recycled Wares turned a cereal box into a cardboard mailer. This seriously is so easy, as it only involves a bit of folding and cutting. As an added bonus, you will be doing your part to save the planet since it involves reusing. I won’t lie though. Being the frugal girl that I am, I am most excited about the fact that it only costs me a little packing tape and a cardboard box from my recycling bin. I cannot wait to give this a try!

What creative touches do you add to your outgoing mail?

Thanks for visiting “5 Ways Saturdays!”