Can we make a pact? Can we each promise that as we package up Halloween treats, Thanksgiving surprises, or Christmas and Hanukkah presents that we will try at least one new packaging trick shared on Highlowaha?
Me? I've picked up quite a few new tips. I love the idea of using lace to wrap packages; I'll search high and low for the metal tags Peggy mentioned, And, I'll steal the easy, but quirky suggestion of covering packages in fun words like, "Quack."
How about you? Tell me the trick or treat you are willing to commit to trying and be entered in a drawing to win a supply of today's featured item. Here are a few more you can "choose to use."
Today we will cover letters P through T.
- P: Paper Cutter, Postcards, and Paint Pens. My husband bought me my paper cutter for Valentine's Day one year and it is, by far, one of the most used items in my artillery of creative tools. The nice thing is that most paper cutters (mine is a Fiskars) have interchangeable blades. Mine can cut, score, or perforate paper. I have a lot to say about postcards, but for that I'll wait a couple more weeks. Finally, paint pens... Look at how I used paint pens to decorate the plastic barrel of fun I sent T. Shay during our USPS Prank.
- Q: Quotes: I wandered a craft store a few weeks ago to make sure I wasn't missing an essential tool or item and, to be honest, to search of items that start with crazy letters like "Q," "V," and "X." The only thing in the entire store I could find that started with the letter "Q" was quilling paper. Quilling is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. It's not something I've ever done and, though I love paper, I don't see myself delving in anytime soon. As for quotes. Google is a great resource for over literally over a million quotes. Here's one that caught my eye. "The great accomplishments of man have resulted from the transmission of ideas and enthusiasm."
- R: Ribbon, Raffia, and Rubber Cement: Today will be sponsored by the letter "R." I like all the letters we're featuring today, but "R" starts the name of some of my favorite goodies. I love ribbon, raffia, rubber cement, and rubber stamps (though I am not very proficient with them). Ribbon I love and I will talk more about why under today's featured item. Raffia is sort of like ribbon, but I use it when I want the package to have a more "earthy" feel. Today I am sending Cassie the baked good she won from bobbing for apples. I am wrapping them in brown paper, so I'll use raffia and some shred (matte not shimmery) to finish off the package. Check it out. Rubber cement. I love it. No lumps. You can rub off the excess rubber cement, and if you make a mistake you can remove what you have glued without ruining the picture or clipping.
- S: Stickers and Sharpie Markers: My sticker collection rivals my neckerchief collection and Aunt Annie's accessory collection. I have A LOT of stickers. To me, they just add a little something to the outside of an envelope or box. Amy shared with the group in Philadelphia that she likes to use stickers of people's initials to address their boxes. I have been the lucky recipient of Amy's packages and it is true. Receiving a package bearing your initials in bright colored letters automatically brings a smile to your face. It's become a trademark of Amy's over time. Do you have a package trademark? I don't, but I want one.
- T: Tubes, Tissue Paper, and Tags: I love tubes. I think you can have totally tubular fun when using it to send a package. Flat and square = predictable. Circular and long = F*U*N! Tissue paper I like to buy in "folds" of assorted colors. I feel like it makes any package seem a touch more luxurious (maybe not the perfect word, but you know what I mean). Tags. Tags are even more abbreviated than the small note cards we talked about yesterday. They are a perfect way to attach a name or a short note without compromising the "look" of the package. Take a look.
Sticky note vs. Decorative tag
Today's Featured Item: Ribbon.
A quick note. All ribbon is not created equal. Today we will compare three ribbon choices - curling ribbon, satin ribbon, and wired ribbon. Curling ribbon is the least expensive and most frequently used. When I use curling ribbon, I usually double it or even quadruple it to make sure it looks fuller. Satin ribbon is a great way to upgrade your package. It's a touch nicer than curling ribbon and often comes with decorative patterns (a roll at hobby Lobby is $1.00, on sale). Finally is wired ribbon. To me this is the easiest ribbon to work with, because you can move it and shape it however you like. Take a look at the same package, all wrapped in brown paper but using three different kinds of ribbon.
Announcements:
Blog-a-thon: Help spread the word. The Blog-a-thon will not take place this Friday. Due to limited participation, we have moved the date to Wednesday, November 5. We have also shortened the length. Sign ups for the new date will begin on Saturday.
Helping Hand: I got word yesterday that an update has been on the Helping Hand website. Check it out. We are getting closer to the the deadline for making contributions for the family we adopted for the holiday season.
Pumpkin Patch: Don't forget. Enter our pumpkin carving contest by submitting a picture of your Jack-o-Lantern to kkolkmeier@gmail.com by Wednesday, October 29 at 5:00 p.m.
Signing off until tomorrow...
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12 comments:
dr. b, you would be proud of my use of ribbon yesterday!! i remembered how katie always used to roll the tshirts and put ribbon around them- a small thing, that makes them look so much nicer. BUT our giveaway from PR this year is a sunglass clip for your car. so we also bought cheap sunglasses to stick in them, and put them in every welcome bag!!! SO with the left over sunglasses and clips, i also tied one in with the shirt to hand out to key faculty and staff!!! they are too cute, and i will send a pic of them soon...its all about the packaging!!!
Two tricks I will definitely try...using the shape to write the address on...that's easy and I can certainly do it and using Cheryl's tip to draw circle's on the box and fill them in, leave them clear, write initials in, etc...another thing I can certainly do.
This post includes some of my faves... including paint pens, rubber cement, packaging tubes, etc.
I think I'm going to commit to trying the cellophane thing. I've never really done that before.
Cellophane bags too... they are in the party section... you know, the goodie bags? Also, white and silver kind are in the wedding section... clear works great with confetti or curled ribbon inside to add color! If you wanted to buy in bulk... I think if you do a google search on clear bags . com... all sizes and shapes....
P - pretties.... pre made clusters of flowers, fruits, pine needles... picks to make wreathes... tuck them on top of the package
Q - quail feathers? you can add store bought feathers as a topper, tucked in the ribbon
R - ribbon, ribbon, ribbon...love rafia too! (oooh, I've got to get more of that!)
S - smells....when they open the package... who (well unless you have allergies) wouldn't want a Pumpkin spice holiday scented candle? Clean Sheets spray air freshner, Apple Cinnamon plug-in... or the cinnamon scented pine cones at the entrance to Michael's?
T - tape... we're past the school supply season... but make a point to stock up when you see it on sale... you can never have too much tape... as long as you know where you put the extras... in time of need!!
Cassie, the shirts and glasses sound cute! I'm proud of you for remembering the small details- like rolling a shirt! Life is all about the packaging!
The item I will "choose to use" is the circles Cheryl talked about for on top of the box. I think I'll try it out with the next package I send.
I'm also interested in checking out the metal tags Peggy mentioned.
P- Paint. Because I'm artsy that way. And even more important a little PLANNING. I'm such a last minute type of person but with a little planning it can be even better.
Q- quiet. When I sent Maureen's package with the cirlces, I sat in bed and I remember it being completely quiet and peaceful. It was nice.
R- Ribbon! I love it! If you have a truly special gift upgrade the curling ribbon to the real stuff.
S- Scissors! And sharp. Or with the fun edges. or Sponge brushes! easy to use, cheap and disposable.
T- I choosing tissue paper. too. Something new I've been doing, especially for my mom who doesn't need a thing... I pick up little itmes like sticky pads, magnets, all of the stuff for under $5 and I wrap them all individually in tissue paper using coordinating colors and curling ribbon. Put them all in a box and it's a ton of fun to open even though each item is completely small they seem bigger because I took the time. :)
What will I try? I have already picked up Amy's initial sticker idea. Love it. I've already added krinkle to my packages. Love it. I think I will try to look for more than just the regular box for wrapping and shipping. Especially since I scored a bunch of tubes from when my office moved. And, I want to be more aware of my planning.
Just checking in to say hello unfortunately its a busy day and I wont be able to put thought into the post. Have a great day everyone!!!
Metal Tags:
for those who commented... I posted a picture of them on my blog... visual aide if you will
http://prdesigns.blogspot.com
Come out, come out where ever you are! It's a bright, sunny, and brisk day in Dallas. Is it funny that I expect the energy level of my blog to be reflective of the Dallas weather?
It's true. When the weather is great, I expect readers across the country to feel the energy and to jump in with two feet wanting to participate.
When the weather is dreary, I brace myself for minimal involvement.
At this point, only four of you are eligible for today's treat (Heather, Helping Hand, CSP grad, and Cheryl).
It's not too late!
Since I already use stickers and sharpie markers a lot, I promise to use mod podge, and tubes!!!
I'm going to try a little bit of everything suggested this week. I'm not a packager at all. I stick things in bags and that's it, usually without tissue paper. I know you're cringing now.
I am definitely going to make an effort when it comes to packaging. You all have convinced me. I especially love the cellophane idea. Simple but with major impact.
You're right, Nicole. I'm crying! But, I am hopeful those days are numbered now that you have a few simple tips.
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