Recycled Paper Bag Mailer
Ever need a large envelope for mailing? Well I frequently need large mailers for some of my recycled bags I ship. Here is a tip I wanted to share on how to make your own paper mailer from a recycled brown paper bag.
I cut the end off the bag and folded it in half. I then stitched up the two sides using the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine. I left the top open to insert my items for shipping.
Click on photos to view full-sized
Here is a close up of the stitching.
After putting my items inside the bag, I then folded over the top and stitched my mailer closed. You can also glue around the edges for extra strength if needed. My recycled paper bag mailer is now ready to address and take to my post office for shipping.
Tags: bag-mailer, envelope-mailer, recycled
Jul 26, 2008
Good idea! The only problem is, since I take my own reusable bags shopping, I never get any paper bags (or plastic ones, either).
Jul 29, 2008
I used to always make my own mailing envelopes, only I actually make cardboard templates to cut out mailers that were just like the store bought and then I glued them together. I make my own envelopes for my cards too. My Print Shop program has a template that prints them.
Jul 30, 2008
Great idea. most of the stuff I mail is out is usually textbooks, so I just wrap them using a paper bag the same way as you would a gift. I love all the different ideas on your site, especially all the plarn crochet patterns!
Aug 04, 2008
[...] All Things Eco Carnival is up at Focus Organic. Here’s a great post about making shipping mailers out of old paper bags. Green and very frugal! I can’t remember the last time I bought a padded mailer. [...]
Aug 05, 2008
GREAT idea! It seems many were already aware of it, but I for one had not thought of it. Thanks!
Debbie: Just ask your bag-boy the next time you’re at the grocery store. They have to give you paper if you request it. My store even gives me ‘extras’ – that is – nothing in them still folded up.
Aug 07, 2008
[...] carnival. I am very happy with this week’s turnout, so let’s keep it going RecycleCindy presents Recycled Paper Bag Mailer posted at My Recycled Bags.com. RecycleCindy says, “Recycle a brown paper grocery bag into a mailer [...]
Aug 11, 2008
Hey, nice work with the stitching. I’m actually impressed with what you have done here. The more I visit and read your posts, the more idea that I get so that I can try out with different new stuff.
Sep 27, 2009
So very smart. Yes I think the use of the zig zag stitching is great. Good for you and thank you for the tip. I will use it…
Sharon
Sep 13, 2010
You have such great ideas. I just found your website tonight and am really happy to see how truly clever you are at being both green and frugal.
I can’t wait to make the paper bag mailer and some of the recycled denim things. I am going to spend a lot of time here, I can see that now! LOL