Handmade Paper Challenge: Recycled Junk Mail

Junk Mail Recycled Paper

A little while ago, I told a story about my efforts to be a greener handmade biz. At the end of this story, a few readers challenged me to try a few new things with my handmade paper. As someone who always enjoys a good challenge, I happily obliged and today I bring you the first of my efforts – recycle junk mail into handmade paper!

At first glance, the paper looks pretty ordinary and is a bit stiffer than what I expected. However, when I started going over the paper with a find tooth comb, I noticed interesting textures and tiny chopped up bits of text. As I examined my paper, I began to imagine the possibilities it held beyond paper crafting, such as mixed media, illustration, collage, even papier mache!

Have a look at the finer details below. Imagine what you would or could do with this paper and share your ideas in the comments!

Recycled Junk Mail Detail 1

Recycled Junk Mail Detail 2

Recycled Junk Mail Detail 3

Recycled Junk Mail Detail 4

Recycled Junk Mail Detail 5

Recycled Junk Mail Detail 6

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About Jen

I'm a crafty wife and doggy mom in Kansas who likes to create by hand, take photos, travel and stir the proverbial pot once in a while.
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3 Responses to Handmade Paper Challenge: Recycled Junk Mail

  1. La Alicia
    Twitter:
    says:

    oooh, pretty! when will it make a debut in your store?

  2. Kate England
    Twitter:
    says:

    These textures are sublime! I can imagine using them in digital art, as textures or elements in collages and digital art. I’ve also always been fascinated in the idea of putting seeds into paper, making a greeting card a two-fold gift of both being a card and seeds.

  3. Jen
    Twitter:
    says:

    @laalicia – hopefully today (Mon Jul 19th)! We are switching ISPs so as long as I have a good connection, you’ll probably see it by dinner time tonight!

    @Kate – Somebody had suggested the seed idea and it is on my “to-do” list. Now it’s just a matter of deciding what lovely blooms to try first. :)