Transforming a Junk Mail Envelope

Perhaps you still get junk mail in your mail box? 

The dictionary defines junk mail as "unsolicited mail that consists mainly of promotional materials, catalogs, and requests for donations."

While the amount had lessened over the years, I still receive my fair share of junk mail. Most of it goes to the recycling bin but some I save so I can turn them from blah to TADA! 

This was an envelope I kept from a credit card company. I like that it's bigger than the standard size and made of thicker paper. 

The first step of repurposing this envelope is to cover all the branding and printed matter. I do this with white acrylic paint and a paintbrush. I do about three coats of paint with drying time in between.

Now that the envelope looks like a blank slate, let's use some art journaling techniques like collage. I simply tore magazine pages and glued them randomly on the envelope (both sides). 

Another technique is adding color. I applied green and yellow paint on the envelope using a damp sponge. Sponge painting adds dimension through its unique patterns...TADA!

I'm adding even more collage. I think the birds from this clothing catalog are a good fit. 

A bird cutout for the front of the envelope, secured in place with glue.

And another bird cutout for the back. I used a paper punch and hole punch to make the confetti that I also glued on. 

Here are some of the details up close.

I love how layered it looks and how we instantly transformed junk mail from blah to TADA!

So, how will you recycle your junk mail?

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