A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Pass the Envelope Please!

May 19, 2009 By Spoonful of Sugar - 42 Comments


With the current economic climate, it has never been a better time to embrace Green Crafting. Being able to repurpose or recycle bits and pieces from around your home is very satisfying. Crafting with recycled materials is also great for kids projects – it teaches them about recycling as well as crafting on a budget. I have been very interested in all the projects popping up lately using recycled security envelopes. 

I kept all my envelopes that came in the mail last week. Today I had some fun putting them to good use! First up was a mini shopping pad to keep in my handbag, made from a cereal box, paper, and decorated with security envelopes. 

I love the soothing, understated patterns of security envelopes – perfect for embellishing gift tags!

Here are some small envelopes made to store small templates from sewing projects. 

Here are some other cool ideas:

Security Envelope Projects at Junk Mail Gem

Business Card Envelopes at Crafting in a Green World

Inside Out Security Envelopes at Design * Sponge

We also wanted to thank the wonderful Sandra @ Pepperberry & Co for bestowing us with an award recently. Sandra makes so many stylish products including journal covers and snap pouches. Be sure to check out her awesome tutorial for making iron on labels!

Our blogging friend, Tania, from Jet Craft Books is having a 100th post giveaway with some very generous prizes! Please drop over to enter.

Posted by Lisa

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« Inspiring Magazine
Autumn Activities »

Comments

  1. two hippos says

    May 20, 2009 at 12:39 am

    Not just good ideas, but that recycyling can look so great.

    Reply
  2. K-Sue says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    You are so talented. These are sleek.

    Reply
  3. Tania says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    I can’t believe I have let the possibilities of security envelopes pass right by. Very slick stuff indeedy – and thanks for making me open up my eyeballs to endless possibility!

    Reply
  4. Journeying Five says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    amazing! that takes recycling to another level! so cool!

    Reply
  5. Christy says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    You’re simply amazing!

    Reply
  6. Thimbleanna says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    I kept reading, thinking — where are the envelopes? I don’t see any envelopes! Then I got it. You are Oh. So. Clever!!!

    Reply
  7. suzitee says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    That’s cool Lisa…really very clever. I love that you have made something useful too, not just decorative. I am finding myself wishing for more bills to arrive in the mail LOL!

    Reply
  8. Renee says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    I am totally ‘huh’. Now I have seen it all. Out of a cereal box.

    You are so incredible. Are you a real person?

    Love Renee xoxo

    Reply
  9. Sandra @ Pepperberry and Co. says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Wow! I’ve never looked at security envelopes in that way before- but they do have some amazing patterns! I’m inspired to save mine now. Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Sandrine says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:27 pm

    Such a good idea,well done and I love your little decorative peg so cute!

    Reply
  11. willywagtail says

    May 19, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    I can’t believe how incredibly beautiful these are. I really must try sewing on cardboard. It looks so effective. Cherrie

    Reply
  12. CurlyPops says

    May 19, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    Such a great idea. It’s amazing just how many envelopes we throw out every day (but not any more)!

    Reply
  13. jannimary says

    May 20, 2009 at 12:30 am

    How cool is that! They really look classy. I think I may have to raid the shredding pile at work and try this out.

    Reply
  14. texmorg says

    May 20, 2009 at 1:19 am

    I will never look at an envelope the same again. I saw some fabulous jewellery made out of envelopes last week, its amazing what we can do if we think outside of the square.
    Linda

    Reply
  15. clare's craftroom says

    May 20, 2009 at 3:35 am

    They look fantastic . Recyling makes them extra good !!

    Reply
  16. Stephanie says

    May 20, 2009 at 4:42 am

    Your cleverness never ceases to amaze me. What terrific ideas and pretty too.

    Reply
  17. Terriaw says

    May 20, 2009 at 5:38 am

    Such great ideas! I love green crafting, especially these projects because they are so useful… and cute!

    Reply
  18. Hillary says

    May 20, 2009 at 6:12 am

    Great idea! What a fantastic and stylish way to repurpose! Feeling like you have something new and beautiful has never been so easy!

    Reply
  19. Rumi says

    May 20, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    Wow! So clever and neat looking. Must start looking at things with a “greener” eye.

    Reply
  20. Cassie says

    May 20, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    I will never look at an envelope the same way! Very clever, Lisa. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  21. Natasha says

    May 20, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    Great idea!

    Reply
  22. Kelly O. says

    May 20, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    I never would have come up with these ideas. Thanks for letting me steal yours 🙂

    Reply
  23. Philigry says

    May 20, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    great ideas.

    Reply
  24. Selina says

    May 20, 2009 at 10:55 pm

    wow! who would have thought, looks too good to use. I have done my bit this week recycling a bookcase I didnt like into a new one!

    Reply
  25. Cheryl says

    May 20, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    You are truly amazing, and once again such wonderful ideas. I always look forward to your posts!

    Reply
  26. Michelle says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:55 am

    what a fantastic idea…so stylish looking…
    and great link to the iron-on labels…

    Reply
  27. Annie says

    May 21, 2009 at 3:08 am

    Great Recyling

    Reply
  28. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    May 21, 2009 at 9:58 am

    my, my very clever. Who would have thought about using security envelopes in such a creative way. Bravo!

    Reply
  29. Knit Sew City Girl says

    May 22, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    I love all the things you have made, and so good for the environment.

    Thanks for all the links too.

    Mary

    Reply
  30. Shannon says

    May 23, 2009 at 9:37 am

    I would have never thought of this – and love, love, love the way those patterns look! I am going to recycle an empty cereal box into a paper tray so I can start saving those security envelopes! As always, thank you for the superb ideas.

    Reply
  31. A World in a PAN says

    May 23, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    Great ideas! You’ce got so much talent!

    Reply
  32. Melissa Goodsell says

    May 24, 2009 at 1:08 am

    That’s really lovely and such a great idea,
    Melx

    Reply
  33. Rachel says

    May 24, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    They look great! And we all get so many envelopes in the mail each week!

    Reply
  34. Cascade Lily says

    May 24, 2009 at 11:40 pm

    This is a slap-head moment: why didn’t I think of that??? LOL – what a great idea. Will try it here too!

    Reply
  35. Handmade in Israel says

    May 25, 2009 at 7:07 am

    These are fabulous! Love the security envelope idea.

    Reply
  36. Karen says

    May 25, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    What great ideas and fun use of patterns!! I love how green and chic these look at the same time…really fab stuff here!:>

    Reply
  37. Alison Boon says

    May 25, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    You have such wonderful ideas

    Reply
  38. Jelly Wares says

    May 25, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Great post on green crafting!!! I love all of the ideas you’ve touched on in this post, very inspiring…

    Take Care
    Jodie 🙂

    Reply
  39. Katherine says

    May 25, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    I love recycling projects and you always come up with some gorgeous and inspiring ideas!

    Thanks Lisa!

    Reply
  40. SewDelish says

    May 27, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    These look fantastic. Have put this in my stumbleupon blog for you

    Reply
  41. Linda says

    May 27, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    such fabulous ideas, so neat and gorgeously made too

    Reply
  42. RecycleCindy says

    May 28, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Great post on how to reuse and recycle those junk mail envelopes. I love that you have recycled something that is otherwise considered junk. Way to go and so cute too!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight for your sewing table, a book weight for cosy reading, or a scented sachet for your drawers. Small, sweet, and so satisfying to sew. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric: Something Blue by Tilda
@tilda_australia#sewingproject #tildafabric #beginnersewing #scrapsewing #Tildasomethingblue
Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in mi Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in minutes — the Pyramid Weight. Use it as a pattern weight, scented sachet, or even a book weight… all from one triangle of fabric. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric is Something Blue by Tilda, releasing 1 June 2026 — with thanks to @tilda_australia.#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #freepattern #sewingtutorial #sewinglove
The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite wa The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite ways to use up leftover fabric strings. Today’s version is made from patchwork strips — a fun, relaxing sew that turns scraps into something beautiful and practical.The Scrappy Strips Pouch pattern has two versions - patchwork strings and selvedges - and two sizes. Comment SELVEDGE (or SELVAGE) for a link to the pattern.Pattern Details: Scrappy Strips Pouch Sewing Pattern is in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ScrappyStripsPouch #ScrapBustingSewing #PatchworkPouch #StringQuilting #SewingProjects
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.Here’s how I install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — simple, sturdy, and it gives the Ribbon Pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and secure the result is.Fabric shown: Tilda Something Blue, releasing June 1 — thank you @tilda_australia for the beautiful fabric.✨ If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #sewingtips #handmadeeveryday #sewingtools
The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑s The Ribbon Pouch is one of my favourite quick‑to‑sew gift bags, and I couldn’t resist making a light and dark version using the new Tilda Something Blue collection. Both pouches use the same print in different colourways — such a pretty way to show how fabric choice changes the whole mood.They’re finished with satin ribbon threaded through grommets, and topped with a tiny star tag. The boxed base helps them stand beautifully, and the ribbon closure makes them perfect for birthdays, thank‑you gifts, treats, or little treasures.This is a beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, quick project you’ll want to sew again and again. Pattern includes 3 sizes.If you’d like the pattern, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Pattern Details: Ribbon Pouch (3 Sizes) available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric Details: Tilda Something Blue - releasing on 1 June 2026. Thanks to @tilda_australia#TildaSomethingBlue #TildaFabric #SewingPattern #BeginnerSewingProject #QuickSewingProject   
Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to Sewing with scraps is one of my favourite ways to get creative — small pieces, leftover corners, charm‑square offcuts… they all have so much potential.Here are 10 scrap‑friendly projects that use small pieces beautifully. They’re quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for gifting ✂️✨Save this for the next time you want to turn your scraps into something pretty.Which one would you sew first?  Tell me in the comments — I love seeing what you’re making.Patterns are available in my pattern store (link in profile) or comment PATTERNS and I will send you the link. #scrapsewing #scrapbusting #scrapfriendly #sewinginspiration #sewingideas
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Cord Cosy
  • Tips for Threading a Needle
  • Travel Accessories to Sew
  • Liberty Tissue Cover
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Happy Scrappy Cards
  • Life Lessons from Sewing and Quilting

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar