How to Make Upcycled Calendar Envelopes

As we grow close to the end of the year, I started picking up some new wall calendars for our home like many folks, I imagine.  The old calendars, however; still hold some purpose not only to keep track of these final weeks of December but also in terms of mailing needs for next year.  I make upcycled calendar envelopes from every old calendar I can get my hands on.  I use these envelopes for everything from paying bills to mailing thank you cards and more.  These envelopes always get talked about and are a fun way to use what you already have on hand.

These are simple and quick to whip up.  They’re a great cold night project and great for kids too.

Supplies Needed:

• Old Calendars
• Glue / Glue Stick
• Scissors
• Envelope Template (Feel free to print and cut this as a template or simply peel apart an envelope you have on hand for tracing)

Cutting:

Tear apart the calendars, so that each photo is a single page. Lay the template over the photo and arrange so that the center highlights a special or nice spot for the envelope.  Trace the template and then cut along the lines.

Folding & Gluing:

Turn the envelope over so that you’re looking at the dates, not the picture.  Fold up the bottom edge first, scoring with your fingernail.  Fold in the side flaps next again scoring with a fingernail. Run a bead of glue down the edge of the bottom flap and fold the side flaps over, pressing down firmly. 

Let the glue dry for a bit before folding the top flap down.  Store your envelopes like this in a stack, in a drawer, or box. 

Using Upcycled Calendar Envelopes:

Simply address and stamp as usual.  To make mailing addresses clearly visible use labels. I’ve done this for years and have never had a problem with the postal service in delivering these.

Variations:

You can use any number of materials in place of calendars – old magazines, catalogs, etc.  Don’t forget the coloring pages and artwork of children, too.

If this is a project you really enjoy, check local thrift shops for supplies and even search for outdated calendars on ebay. These upcycled envelopes make great gifts. Combine a stack in a theme for friends and put them in a little box or tie a ribbon around them with a nice pen and some labels.