Making Altered Envelopes: A Creative Guide to Junk Journaling and Happy Mail
Why Altered Envelopes Are So Popular
Paper crafters love altered envelopes because they’re the perfect mix of creativity and function. Whether you’re sending a letter to a pen pal, adding pockets to a junk journal, or designing happy mail for a swap, altered envelopes let you showcase your personality and style.
They’re easy to make, affordable, and endlessly customisable. With just a few basic supplies, you can transform a plain envelope into a piece of art. Each altered envelope is unique, making them special keepsakes for the person receiving them—or a beautiful addition to your own journal.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you dive in, gather some basic supplies. You don’t need expensive tools—just a handful of items you probably already have in your craft stash.
Basic Supplies:
- Plain envelopes (any size or colour)
- Scissors and glue or double-sided tape
- Scrapbook paper, book pages, or music sheets
- Washi tape
- Stamps and ink pads
- Stickers, die cuts, and ephemera
- Paints, watercolours, or markers
- Decorative napkins for decoupage
- Lace, ribbon, or fabric scraps
Optional extras like embossing powders, wax seals, and stencils can take your envelopes to the next level, but they aren’t necessary to get started.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Altered Envelopes
Step 1: Choose Your Base Envelope
Start with a plain envelope. Kraft envelopes give a rustic look, while white or coloured envelopes offer a blank canvas for vibrant designs. You can also make your own envelope using a template or scoreboard.
Step 2: Create a Background
Cover the front and back of the envelope with patterned paper, book pages, or collage elements. Use glue or double-sided tape to secure your layers. Don’t worry about perfection—the beauty of altered art lies in its handmade charm.
Step 3: Add Layers and Texture
Build interest with washi tape, stamping, or stencilling. Layer different papers, tuck in tags or tickets, and use scraps from your stash to give the envelope depth. Texture can also come from fabric pieces, lace, or ribbon accents.
Step 4: Personalise with Art and Ephemera
This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Add stickers, fussy-cut images, or even small photographs. For a vintage vibe, use postage stamps and old book illustrations. For a modern touch, try bold patterns, doodles, or digital printables.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Functionality
If your altered envelope is going through the mail, make sure to leave space for an address and stamp. If it’s going into a junk journal, think about adding flaps, tuck spots, or hidden journaling cards inside.
Step 6: Seal and Finish
Seal your envelope with a wax seal, a decorative sticker, or a strip of washi tape. For journal use, you may prefer to leave it open so it can hold tags, notes, or small treasures.
Ideas for Using Altered Envelopes
Altered envelopes are more than just pretty stationery—they’re versatile creative tools. Here are a few ways to use them:
- Happy Mail: Surprise your pen pal with a decorated envelope that’s just as exciting as the letter inside.
- Junk Journals: Glue envelopes into journals as pockets, or use them as tip-ins for extra writing space.
- Gift Wrapping: Slip gift cards, vouchers, or small flat items into an altered envelope for a personalised touch.
- Scrapbooking: Add them to scrapbook pages to store extra photos, notes, or keepsakes.
- Organising Ephemera: Use altered envelopes to store stickers, tickets, or small paper pieces in your craft space.
Tips for Success
- Experiment Freely: There’s no right or wrong way to make altered envelopes. Try different styles—vintage, shabby chic, modern, minimalist—and see what sparks joy.
- Use Up Scraps: This is a great project for leftover paper scraps, stickers, and embellishments. Nothing goes to waste.
- Try Themed Envelopes: Create envelopes around holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween), seasons, or colour palettes.
- Balance Design and Space: If mailing, ensure the design doesn’t interfere with address placement or postal requirements.
- Protect in Transit: For heavily embellished envelopes, consider slipping them into a clear plastic sleeve before mailing.
The Joy of Making Altered Envelopes
What makes altered envelopes special is the thought and creativity behind them. Unlike store-bought stationery, they carry a personal touch that reflects your style. When someone receives an altered envelope in the mail, it feels like receiving a little work of art.
For crafters, the process itself is relaxing and fun. Collaging, layering, and decorating allows you to unwind while expressing creativity. Each envelope tells a story—whether it’s part of a junk journal page or a gift for someone special.
Final Thoughts
Making altered envelopes is an easy, affordable, and rewarding craft. With just a handful of supplies, you can turn plain envelopes into unique treasures that spread joy to whoever sees them. Whether you’re a seasoned junk journaler or just beginning your paper crafting journey, altered envelopes are the perfect way to experiment, use up scraps, and create something beautiful.
Next time you reach for a plain envelope, think of it as a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. Add layers, textures, and details—and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation ready for your journal, a gift, or a friend across the world.
