How to Give Paper a Second Life: Creative ways to Reuse your Snail Mail

This month’s story takes us to The Ocean. She’s beautiful, vast, and endlessly giving, yet often mistreated by the hands that benefit from her most. As I was writing the November letter and sealing each envelope, I found myself thinking about that contradiction. Here I am, sending out paper into the world while telling a story about honoring nature.

At first, I felt a twinge of guilt. But then I remembered why I began the Jellyroots Snail Mail Club in the first place. It’s a love letter to connection. To slowing down. To creating something you can hold in your hands. I believe we can enjoy these tangible moments and still care deeply for the Earth. It’s all about mindfulness and how we choose to reuse what’s been given to us.

So, in the spirit of balance and creativity, here are some gentle ideas for giving your Jellyroots mail a second life.

Reuse Ideas for Jellyroots Mail

Your monthly mail is already filled with materials that are easy to transform. Here are some ways to keep their stories going:

• Junk journaling pages: Add snippets of letters, prints, or textures into your journal spreads. Layer them with your own thoughts and memories.

• Collage or vision board additions: Cut out words or imagery that inspire you and build a visual reminder of what you’re growing toward.

• Rewrite affirmations on the back: The reverse side of a letter or print can become a fresh space for new affirmations, poems, or personal reflections.

• Turn envelopes into art or tags: Paint, stamp, or collage your envelopes into gift tags or mini art pieces.

• Use stickers or bookmarks in planners or gifts: Let them mark pages, decorate notebooks, or bring a little whimsy to wrapped presents.

• Create nature journals or poetry scraps: Try writing short haikus, blackout poems, or gratitude lists using pieces of the materials you’ve received.

• Frame writing or art prints: Your art prints can easily become wall decor. Hang them near your craft table, reading nook, or workspace to remind you of the calm and magic you’re cultivating.

Broader Eco-Craft Ideas

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some additional ways to reuse paper in your creative space:

• Origami stars or hearts: Fold pages into tiny shapes and tuck them into jars, gifts, or letters to friends.

• Handmade gift wrap or note cards: Larger paper scraps can become wrapping paper or little handwritten cards.

• Paper beads: Roll narrow strips into beads for jewelry or garlands. It’s meditative and surprisingly satisfying.

• Compost or recycle paper scraps: When pieces feel too small or worn to reuse, place them in your recycling bin or return them to the earth through composting, as long as they’re uncoated and free of adhesives.

Share Your Creations

I’d love to see what you come up with. Share your recycled or reimagined pieces on Instagram using #jellyroots and tag @jellyroots so I can celebrate your creativity and care with you.

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash