Interview with Gretchen of Junk Mail Gems

Junk Mail Gems' reconstituted junk mail jewelry is one of the cleverest things I've seen in a while. Who knew that paste and paper could look so ... sturdy? The questions, the answers:

How did you get started making paper beads?
I actually remembered making them way back in Sunday School as a little kid. One Sunday, we made paper beads out of recycled church programs. When I started Junk Mail Gems and was brainstorming other product ideas where I could recycle junk mail, that was one natural application in my mind!

The security envelope beads are fairly new, and are actually my new favorite. I started making those when I decided to quit making the pocket mirrors due to the number of bad ones that were turning out. I wanted to come up with another way to showcase the cool patterns inside security envelopes, so I could continue to recycle them.

When did you launch your enterprise, and how is business?

I started Junk Mail Gems in 2006. Business has been great so far, and I've really enjoyed watching it grow and evolve as the word spreads over the Web. It's amazing what the Internet can do today for entrepreneurs!

What's your feedback like?

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from people who have visited my site or who have read about me on blogs. Most people commend me for finding a way to make something as annoying and wasteful as junk mail into something beautiful. It was especially fun to see people's reactions in person this spring, when I did my first art/craft show!

Tell us about your work process.

I often try to work on just one task or product per day to help streamline the work process. For instance, I'll spend an afternoon just making magnets, or just working on jewelry, etc. If I don't have a specific order to work on, I will try to use any available time I have weaving sheets of junk mail, which can later be turned into anything from wallets to bookmarks depending on what products I need to make more of. I run three businesses out of my little home office while also being a full-time mommy, so organization is of utmost importance to maintain my sanity. Some days I spend just going through my stash of junk mail -- flattening and organizing the security envelopes by color, separating out the catalogs and magazines for whichever product they work best, and even making the hang tags that attach to many of my products out of business reply cards.

When I come up with a new product idea, I will usually go through an experimental stage where I try different things and test them out to come up with the best solution. Some products go through months of my own testing for durability before I add them to my website. My husband has been testing out tri-fold wallet prototypes for me for the past year! ;-)

Once I do have a product developed and ready to add to my line, I will do a photo session. I then use those photos to add the product to my Website. But before I even put a new product up on my site, I make sure I have a new e-newsletter ready to send out to my subscribers, which is sent out as soon as I update my website with the new products. (I like to give my e-newsletter subscribers the first heads-up that a new product is out.)  After I update my Website and send out the e-newsletter, I then post it on my blog, and that is the end of my new product introduction.

Which paste is the best?

I've recently discovered this Eco Glue and have been using it ever since. I like it because it is eco-friendly and it dries clear and STRONG.

What's your favorite kind of junk mail to convert?

Definitely the security envelopes. It's just one of those pieces that people don't take a second glance at once they remove what's inside. It's really amazing how many unique patterns there are, and they make such gorgeous beads.

What's your favorite piece that you've made?
I really like both the security envelope beads and the magnets. The magnets are fun because every one is totally unique, and people are really amazed at how beautiful junk mail can be when you isolate just a tiny section of it under glass! They are also the first product I started (my products are named "Junk Mail GEMS" after the magnets that look like gems), and they are still the best seller.

Are you involved in any recycling organizations or causes?

I am not an actual member of any organizations as of yet, but have recently been looking into a few options now that I have a little bit of money I can put into it. I'd love any suggestions for good organizations to get involved in. I have in the past donated my products for various environmental fund raising auctions and events and will continue to do that whenever I can.

What's your five-year plan?
As far as my business' growth, over the next few years I plan to put some extra energy into streamlining my production process, sourcing components, and doing a little more marketing. I am looking at forms of marketing that don't contribute to paper junk mail ... more like digital!  As I continue to be picked up by retailers around the globe, I also hope to look into ways I can get some local help with some of the construction of my items when I receive very large orders. In the bigger picture, I'd love to explore ways

that my business can help other people to recycle their own junk mail, and would love to get my products into some larger retail chains to help them recycle their own catalogs -- for example, sell products in stores that are made out of their own recycled Sunday paper ads, catalogs, etc.

What's in the near future?

I have been asked to be interviewed for an environmental documentary; that should be happening this summer, which is exciting. I am also working on getting some new products available, such as handbags, tri-fold wallets, and more.