Tutorial Tuesday: Brown Bag Envelopes

As you already know, I have an Etsy store but I also sell stuff on eBay occasionally.  And as you can imagine, at times, I am doing quite a bit of shipping.
I have heard of people making their own mailing envelopes and I really like the idea of having something that stands out to my customer as being different and makes a lasting impression on them.
It starts with the lowly brown paper bag.
Cut the bag open by cutting down the side and the cutting off the bottom.
Fold the bag in half and lay flat.  Measure and trim the bag so that it the right size depending on what you are shipping.  I was shipping men’s shirts so I did 13×17 inches.
Fold back one side, of what will be the opening of the envelope, a few inches.
To line the bag, grab a plastic grocery bag and cut the bottom off.
Spread the bag flat and lay inside the trimmed brown paper bag.
Sew around the perimeter with a contrasting thread in a wide zig-zag stitch.  Reinforce the start, the corners and the end.
Cut off the extra piece of plastic bag from the opening.
Print out a custom label with your logo on it and tape it to the envelope.
Will I never use another store bought envelope? Of course…but these are super easy to make and look so much cuter!

Due to stolen content, I have found it necessary to only show a snippet of my blog posts in my feed. Thank you for understanding that I want to keep the content I work hard to create on my website where it is originally published: thegunnysack.com

Comments

  1. Brilliant! I really like this. Plus I love how you are re-using something!

  2. Great idea! I love the stitching!

  3. this is a great idea – very unique and a good way to stand out! thanks for visiting my blog and commenting – means the world to me :)

  4. Fabulous! I would be so happy to have one of those arrive in the mail!

  5. This is very cool, I love this idea!

  6. GREAT idea!! Thanks so much for sharing.

  7. Genius! Genius! Genius!

  8. Another genius idea! I love that it differentiates yourself. And it’s always soo much fun when you order something in the mail and it comes in such cute packaging! Great job!

  9. Another crazy good idea! I don’t think I’ll be able to buy shipping envelopes again – this rocks!

  10. Wow! That is such a great idea! I love it. I may be trying this in the future, though I’ll have to find the time. Thanks for posting.

  11. This is a great idea…thanks for sharing it!

  12. Such a cute idea! I love buying handmade – how fun to receive a handmade purchase in a handmade envelope!

    Visiting from Inspired by You Wednesday :)

  13. What a clever and adorable parcel envelope! I’m all about making my own regular envelopes but never considered anything on a larger scale. I especially like how you have lined yours. It’s fabulous!!

  14. What an awesome idea! I LOVE going green! And, I never seem to have those large envvelopes on hand!!

  15. Great idea when you need a custom sized envelope or just want to do something different. The plastic liner is a great idea and I’m sure it helps the items arrive safely.

  16. fantastic Idea. Thanks so much for sharing- I never would have thought of that.

  17. Genius idea!! Love it :)

  18. What a great idea! Looks awesome!

  19. I LOVE this idea!

  20. how clever and fabulous! Love it! malia

  21. newest follower ( -:
    malia

  22. Darling post. I love the idea of the special, individualized envelopes! I shared this post on my Friday Favorites for tomorrow. Thank you for sharing the great idea. I am excited I found your blog–just became a follower!

  23. You are so clever! I love this idea. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!

  24. this is an amazing idea! love the look of it!
    xo dana
    thewonderforest.com

  25. this is darling, seriously…super creative. love it. thanks a mil for linkin up to Whatcha Got Weekend! XOXO

  26. ps: new follower ;)

  27. Wow – what a great idea! And so simple!

  28. Great idea! :) Thank you for sharing!

  29. This is such a great Idea I love it!! =) Now I just have to start asking for paper bags!! I was browsing your Etsy store and I saw that your from Minnesota =) I live in Minnesota too! Not near the cities a few hours north, but its always fun to find someone that lives in the same state! =) I am your newest follower!!

  30. Very smart! :) Following from I Heart Naptime link party. Would love to have you link this up to my {wow me} wednesday link party going on right now over on my blog {if you haven‘t already!}. Hope to see you there.

    Ginger
    gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com

  31. oh heavens…PINNING! Love this!

  32. Hi! I was just wondering how much it would cost to mail one of those homemade envelopes?

Speak Your Mind

*