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!