Mini envelopes on planner pages filled with recycled fortune cookie fortunes

I save my fortunes from fortune cookies and I thought I would recycle them into a fun little daily surprise on my August planner pages.

I punched tiny square envelopes and a tiny rectangle envelopes out of a variety of pretty scrapbook papers.

I laid them out on the planner pages alternating rows of square and rectangle tiny paper envelopes.

After gluing the envelopes together with a bit of glue stick I then taped them along the top edge with a variety of Designer Choice GoWashi tapes on each day of the month. I then folded each of my recycled fortune cookie fortunes and placed them in each envelope. I bet it will be fun to open one up each day.

I plan on reversing this process and each day put an accomplishment of the day in each envelope. Another idea is to write a quote each day and slip it in the envelope.

Here is a scan of some of my fotunes for you to download if you don’t have a stash of your own:

I recently stumbled across this super creative project on Instructables – “Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders” – and I had to share it with you all because it’s just the kind of craft that checks all my favorite boxes: recycled materials, hands-on creativity, and fun for literally any age.

The idea is simple but genius—roll strips of recycled paper (think junk mail, old magazines, leftover printer paper) into cylinders, then arrange and glue them to form a unique abstract face. You can make it funky, realistic, Picasso-inspired—whatever your mood or style dictates!

What I really love is the blend of eco-conscious crafting with true artistic expression. This isn’t just another kids’ project—it’s something you could easily do with a group of little ones, a classroom full of teens, or even as an adult art therapy or weekend wind-down activity. It’s super relaxing and surprisingly satisfying seeing all those paper rolls come together to form something new and expressive.

The tutorial itself is easy to follow, with plenty of visuals to guide you along the way. You don’t need any fancy materials—just glue, paper, scissors, and a board or piece of cardboard to serve as your canvas.

I also appreciate how this project leaves so much room for personalization. Want to make it into a full face? Go for it. Prefer to focus on a single eye or mouth? Totally works. You can even play with color schemes by choosing papers with a certain palette, or painting over them once they’re rolled.

In short: this is a total keeper for anyone who loves crafting with purpose. It’s the kind of project that sparks creativity while gently reinforcing the idea that beautiful things can come from what we usually throw away.

Highly recommend giving it a go—solo or with a group. And if you try it, tag me or drop a pic—I’d love to see your recycled masterpiece!

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