Growing plants from seeds is so rewarding. From just one little seed you coax out an entire plant, vegetables, and flowers. Avid gardeners love to get the new seed packets each year for this reason, but also because they are attractive in themselves. Next year, don’t throw away or just recycle seed packets – save them, reuse them, and craft with them.
Reusing Seed Envelopes
The simplest way to make use of your old seed packets is to reuse them. There are two easy ways to do this:
- Seed holders: Simply reuse seed packets for their intended use. If you collect seeds at the end of the growing season, save those packets for an easy way to keep them separate and identified. You can seal the packets into sandwich bags or plastic containers for storage.
- Plant labels: Alternatively, you can turn the packets into labels for your vegetable garden. Attach the packet to a garden stake in the ground where you planted the seeds. To protect against weather, cover them with plastic bags or laminate the packets.
How to Use Empty Seed Packets in Crafts
If you’re wondering what to do with old seed packets because you don’t need row labels or seed containers, consider crafting with them. Here are some ideas:
- Decoupage decoration: Decoupage is the art of gluing paper to a surface. Seed packets are perfect for this and it’s easier than it looks. You just need a foam brush and decoupage glue or medium, which you can find at a craft store. Decorate a garden pail, plant pots, a garden bench, or anything else you can think of using seed packets and decoupage.
- Framed prints: For your most attractive seed packets, create wall art. A nice frame of a pretty packet is an easy decoration for a powder room or kitchen. Create several for a series.
- Seed streamers: Make a cute streamer or banner decoration with old seed packets. Laminate seed packets or decoupage them onto a sturdier surface, like a piece of plywood or cardboard. Punch a hole in the top of each and string them on a length of twine. Hang it across your back patio or deck railing for a garden party.
- Refrigerator magnets: Decoupage or laminate the packets and glue a strip magnet to the back for cute refrigerator magnets.
- Garden wreaths: Craft a garden wreath from spent vines for a rustic door decoration. Attach pretty seed packets by tucking them between the vines or hanging them using twine. You can laminate or decoupage to make them last longer.