Friday, January 28, 2011

How to Make Seed Envelopes Out of Seed Catalogs

I really hate getting duplicate catalogs. Somehow, both my name and my husband's name got on this seed catalog database and now we get two catalogs. I'll have to call them and have them remove my name.  My first thought was to chuck one of the catalogs into the recycling bin, but then I remembered something.  I saw on the blog A Way to Garden, that the Hudson Valley Seed Library sold their seeds in these pretty seed envelopes designed by local artists.  I liked their envelope template.  Then I remembered how one of my favorite seed companies, Urban Farmer recycled magazines to make their seed envelopes.  I thought, I can do that too!!
In Illustrator, I created a template based on what Hudson Valley Seed Library uses.  You can download a PDF of the template here.  I printed the template and traced it over a page of the seed catalog.
Trace the template on the backside of page that will be the inside, because you don't want to see the pen markings on the exterior side.  After tracing it, cut it out.  I chose this page, because I will put radish seeds in it.  ;)
Fold back the curved ends.
Glue the 3 sides.  Be careful with how much glue you use.  A little goes a long way.
Put the seeds in and close the top flap.  I printed out the seed information on a Avery 5160 mailing label.  This one is for French Breakfast seeds that I am sending to Greens and Jeans for exchange for some of her seeds.
I decided to make two envelopes.  One small one that I will put into a larger envelope.  Just to keep it more organized.  If you want to do this, just increase the size of the template PDF above.
I really like how these envelopes came out.  Aren't they cute?  And the fact that it was recycled out of seed catalogs makes me even happier!

24 comments:

  1. That's pretty darn neat, we have got to try that with some of our catalogues.:)

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  2. Hi,
    Great job recycling! Those look really cool too:-) I was looking at all your snow... WOW!!
    Stay Warm:-)
    Bella

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  3. That is really cool, and looks like something I could do! Thanks so much!

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  4. That is so cute. I will be starting seed saving in earnest this year so this is a perfect and thrifty way to do it. Thanks for this valuable info. Have a nice weekend.

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  5. What a great idea! I work with grade one in a childrens garden and this would be a wonderful rainy day project.

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  6. Now I am deeply in the mood to trade seeds (anyone want or need Purple Artichokes seed)

    Do you mind if I post your idea and a link to this page? Two Frog Farm (http://twofroghome.com/) does a weekly post called Friday Favorites where she shares the best blogs she has read. Since I am no good at flowers I thought I might try this once a week or so..... so?
    Deborah

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  7. Very cute! It is a nice thing to do with all those unasked for catalogs from certain companies, I always get a little perturbed that the paper was wasted on something I didn't order - now I know what I can do with them!

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  8. What a fabulous idea!!! Such an incredibly cute envelope. Come to think of it, seed catalogue cutouts would be great for all sorts of paper crafts. :)

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  9. What a great idea! Thanks for the tip!

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  10. This is such a great idea! I'll be reposting this on my FB page.

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  11. I LOVE this idea! I still have LAST year's catalogs with the actual pictures that I purchased from. I HATE duplicate catalogs! What a waste!

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  12. What a great idea, thanks for sharing!

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  13. Those are too cute. I love the idea. I'm saving off the template to give it a try!

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  14. What a great idea and so simple to do! Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  15. I haven't gotten seed catalogs for a long time, because I find the seeds I need locally. I have a co worker who has a catalog I plan to look at, and I may order some seeds along with him.

    I want to print your template and use it with a magazine I'm willing to part with. I do have some of those. I love how your packets turned out!

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  16. Neat idea. I should use my old seed catalogs to make seed envelope as they always send new ones even you don't order them.

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  17. I was very happy to receive these in the mail. The packaging is awesome. Thanks for the seeds.

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  18. Love that!!

    You are the Chinese Marta Stewart

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  19. Went to use the template and it was GONE! :(

    I'll try to wing it. Thanks for the great idea!

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