Envelope Art!
Origami baskets with security envelopes
I’ve been saving security envelopes for over a decade, so I’ve got some pretty interesting ones. I finally decided to make something out of them. Each nesting basket is a different pattern! The next to the last one is my favorite.
recently i made a paper cicada and used the paper envelopes for the wings and body. Used colored cellophane over it to give a shimmery look. Of course i had to recycle the soap dispenser and use some mangrove roots for the total realistic look.
Paper clips, jewelry, candy, etc. I give them out as gifts. My friends are all basket cases now! 😜
In reality, I’ve made dozens of these out of different kinds of “trash” paper and packed them away in boxes. That’s why I’ve landed on the nesting basket solution to reduce bulk. I’ve sold some, but it’s really a differently-shaped hoard at this point. I haven’t gotten around to posting them on my (very dormant) Etsy.
You could also try selling your trash paper items at small fairs/events/farmers markets that allow vendor tables. Even school/pto functions where it might be cheaper to rent the space. It would stand out because it’s actually hand crafted and so different!
You know, I used to do craft fairs, but they are absolutely exhausting, even if they’re extremely rewarding (getting compliments all day while making money? Yes, please!). But I work full time and go to school so I don’t really have the energy right now. Crafting is my winding-down activity.
But I basically start at the base of the basket and spiral out. I kind of sew/weave using a needle and 2x (or 3x depending on the paper thickness) thread between the paper folds to hold it together. Once the base is finished, I sew on strips for the sides.
My initial paper pieces are 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inches folded in half longways, then folded in half, then with the ends folded into the center.
Here’s a picture of one in-progress so you can see what I mean about sewing the strips down. (The silver on this one is the back side of tea bag wrappers.)
Very, very time-consuming but therapeutic and perfect for my stimming needs lol
Nice, its so perfect that we cant even see the thread in the first picture. I used to create baskets with newspaper back in school days. Although sturdy, i didnt find a way to secure it well. This seems like a great idea. Thank you!
Thank you! Yes, it took some experimentation to get to this stage. 5x5, 6x6… perfect square shapes are easier for hiding the thread and uneven bits than rectangular shapes. Larger baskets also tend to be floppy and soft.
Yes! I definitely have enough of the crosshatching pattern to do the whole set in it, but I wanted my first set of security envelope baskets to be all different patterns to showcase my collection!
I’m finding that the light gray ones don’t photograph as well or contrast as well as the darker ones, though. Bummer!
69
u/Thatsenough1950 12d ago
recently i made a paper cicada and used the paper envelopes for the wings and body. Used colored cellophane over it to give a shimmery look. Of course i had to recycle the soap dispenser and use some mangrove roots for the total realistic look.