Creative Ways to Use Printable Mini Envelopes in Your Journal

One of the funnest objects to put inside of your creative journal are mini envelopes. I love to use them as mini time capsules! If you want to turn your journal into a creative sanctuary, then playing with mini envelopes will become your new obsession. Below are my five favorite ways to use mini envelopes.

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1. Secret Messages for the Future

This is the most common way us journaling people use mini envelopes. I personally like to write a profound small observation, quote, or affirmation that's relevant to my life at that time. (I find it best to keep it on a positive note.)

Then I simply tuck it inside the envelope. I pick a random date in the future and seal it until that date comes.

2. Little Artworks

For any artist (or artist in training) reading this, you can also create tiny artworks, like doodles or collages, that fit inside the envelope. The envelope becomes a pocket-sized gallery in your journal.

I like to make color swatches from my current art arsenal, like markers or gel pens, to remember my favorite supplies, and I love to make little doodles as well.

3. Tiny Vision Boards

I cut little graphics from magazines or print them out from Pinterest and stuff the envelopes with things, feelings, experiences and other objects that I want to see more in my life. It's really cool opening these years later and have the opportunity to witness some of those things become an actual reality.

4. Current Obsessions

Some other things that get documented into my mini envelopes are obessions! These are things like whatever video games I'm playing, songs I'm listening to or even my favorite foods at the time! Think of TV shows, compliments/slang you are hearing, fashion trends, restaurants or stores visited and so much more. There are so many facets of our lives that seem minuscule but can hold a lot of good memories.

5. Notes or Trinkets from Others

Here's a cool idea: ask the people who are close to you for mini autographs or if they are willing maybe a small message (a good way to ask them: what is something you want to remember X years from now?)

Even if you don't get them to write anything down, you can write the information you capture yourself with their name on it and put it in your journal. I like writing down anything profound I hear from others that I want to remember.

Where To Get Mini Envelopes (Look Out for the Printable)

Your local arts and crafts store may have these in stock or I always suggest checking thrift stores our discount shops near you. Some of my most common finds in the thrift store are mountains of envelopes that people don't use. Or you can get this super cute tiny blank mini envelope set and decorate it to make it your own!

If you're finding it hard to find some,I got you! If you're into fun, vibrant colors check out my journal ephemera here to help you get started.

Have Fun With Your Creative Journaling

Adding mini envelopes to your journal can be more than just a creative or aesthetic touch—it’s like bringing in little pieces of YOU into your journal pages and spreads.

Each mini envelope holds a piece of you, a moment in time that you’ve stored away to revisit in the future. Whether it’s a secret message, a tiny artwork, or a snapshot of your current obsessions, these envelopes become keepsakes of who you were and what mattered to you at that moment.

There’s something deeply sentimental about knowing that one day, you’ll open these little pockets and be transported back to a memory, a feeling, or a dream.

New to creative journaling? Read this if you're wondering where to start!