While treasure hunting at some garage sales and a flea market today, I came across one of my favorite childhood books.
The book had clearly been loved, abused, and well read, as evidenced from the missing cover, torn pages, and random crayon scribblings on some pages. I thumbed through the tattered remains, wondering what I could do to save it from a certain trip to the dumpster. A while back, I made coasters out of old Scrabble boards but dismissed that idea because pages weren’t sturdy enough. The seller waved off my money, and I walked away brainstorming.
And then I had an epiphany.*
I skipped home and tore through my stationery crate for envelopes in a variety of sizes. I unglued the envelopes and used them as templates to create envelopes with the illustrated pages that I could rescue. Then I cut them out and glued the flaps together, save the top flap.
I plan to use these envelopes to hold invoices for client purchases in my newest venture–an Etsy shop**. I won’t need to address them, so they will work perfectly.
I am looking forward to recycling all kinds of picture books to create envelopes that I can use in the mail and for my shop. For mailers, I’ll have to hunt down pictures that have some blank space where I can squeeze in a name and address.

*I felt like Max looks when I discovered that others have already laid claim on this crafty idea. Thought I was so original!
**My shop, Peppermint Natty, should be fully stocked and running by October 1st. I plan to sell vintage, retro, and generally kitschy stuff that I love. Nothing like a little cross promotion among friends, right?









Welcome aboard, I'm Natalie! I'm 36, married to a dream boat, and live in New Jersey. It's all about books here! I read, recommend, review, and revel in them.




In addition to a review, I rate each book using bookmarks (in lieu of stars). My reviews are subjective and reflect personal preference.
He said, She Said