With shop updates comes the need for packaging supplies. Since I finally managed to add some things to the shop, I also found myself creating some functional items, like display cards for brooches and envelopes for card sets.
I actually enjoy this part of the process. I like being able to be creative in order to achieve a purpose, a useful goal. And this was all about expanding the designs I already have in place and making them work in a new way.
Along that vein, I thought I might share how I make my tags and business cards, just for kicks. It’s a simple process that requires minimal effort and expense—just the way I like it!
First, I use a business card template in Microsoft Word, simply adding my shop name and web info to it. A standard business card is just the right size for my tag design. I use my own personal font, aptly named “Gretchetto,” that I created with a free online program. (It doesn’t actually look like my real handwriting when the letters are all strung together, but I like it anyway.)
Then I print the page on pre-cut business cards that my hubby has had sitting around for ages. I’ll probably switch to regular old card stock and cut them myself when I run out of the pre-cut version, depending on what works out to be cheaper.
After separating them all, I’ve got a nice little stack of cards waiting for the final touch. I ink up my hand-carved large cloud stamp (seen in my header above, as well), and place it on the table ink-side-up. Then I center my cards face down over the stamp, carefully place them onto the stamp, and rub gently to transfer the ink.
(I used to do this the other way ’round, with the stamp being placed onto the card, but I found I can be more accurate in my layout if I put card to stamp instead.)
Once finished with the printing, I leave some of the cards as-is for business cards, and I cut the rest into cloud shapes, of course using the print as a guide. I feel more crafty when I use my X-acto to cut the clouds, but sometimes I settle for scissors, as I’m faster that way.
I punch holes in each side of the tag with a 1/16″ punch, thread some twine from front to back on one side, back to front on the other. Tie a bead onto each side of the cloud, twist around a package, and voila! I like that the process is relatively fast, thanks to the printer, but still retains a touch of handmade, thanks to the personalized font and the stamp.
I also use a similar method to create stickers for closing up envelopes that keep my hand-embroidered greeting cards safe until they reach their new owners. (The envelopes are made of waxed paper cut to size and closed up with a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine.)
I love simple, pretty packaging, don’t you? Especially when it costs virtually nothing and makes use of or resuses items you’ve got on hand. Now I just need to keep myself busy making the things for wrapping up in that packaging!
EDIT: I’d almost forgotten: My Creative Space is back! Pop over to kootoyoo to play along and say hello to Kirsty! I’ve run out of time to visit everyone tonight, but it’s on my list for tomorrow. See you then!
I need to work up some new cards and tags myself. The shop is looking great and I am loving your brooches! Do you do all this after the kidlets go to bed? Lovely work :)
written on January 27th, 2010, at 11:22 amOnce again brilliant ideas! Thanks for sharing and inspiring…
written on January 27th, 2010, at 3:56 pmBeeeeeaaauuutiful packaging!! Love the ‘brooch cards’ – looks really effective :)
written on January 27th, 2010, at 6:31 pmTruly beautiful packaging.
written on January 28th, 2010, at 2:01 amit’s great that you’ve created all these with stuff you had around and your skills :)
written on January 28th, 2010, at 4:30 amthey look perfect.
I love what you’ve made here. I love this part of the process to (as long as I have enough time!!). Great idea to have your own font – how cool! Nic
written on January 28th, 2010, at 6:45 amthis is fabulous! i would like to try to do this next time around, thanks for the “class”…your brooches are lovely going to check them out!!elk
written on January 28th, 2010, at 7:33 amExcellent! I’m particularly loving your brooches and tags you made for them. I have made tags with a digital print and added my store name & link with a stamp on them. Handmade tags are the best :)
written on January 28th, 2010, at 9:03 amI love the cloud & the tags & the packaging & the brooches and all that you do! It’s divine! :)
written on January 28th, 2010, at 11:19 amYay! These are just stunning! So glad I found your blog…
written on January 28th, 2010, at 11:28 amLOve your brooches and the envelopes.
written on January 28th, 2010, at 2:58 pmThanks for your lovely comment on my blog.
I love the handmade touches on your business cards and tags! I will need to think of something soon too as I am trying to creat new packaging for my creations!
Your brooches are so lovely! I love working with felt too but did not have a chance lately…
Thank you for your comment on my blog and entering my giveaway:)
written on January 28th, 2010, at 4:18 pmI love the cloud design, it’s cute and modern but not twee in any way. I’m not sure I would have the patience though! :)
written on January 28th, 2010, at 6:13 pmLove the packaging so much! It is as much fun as making the items, isn’t it? Your brooches and cards are just so beautiful. I really love your stitchery :) K
written on January 28th, 2010, at 10:13 pmyour packaging is gorgeous!
written on January 28th, 2010, at 10:45 pmI just love all those bits and pieces – paper and string and tape! I’m a real stationery girl!
I love that packaging – it’s perfect. Handmade but not too fussy. I just found your blog and I’ll be back to visit again soon. x M
written on January 29th, 2010, at 12:40 amYour packages are so adorable!!
Bye bye Marieke
written on January 29th, 2010, at 3:37 amThanks for stopping by… I love it when small business and BIG business make their own business cards. I think it shows simple our intensions are genuine and honest… no crazy corporate stuff!! Go Girl!!
xo Steph
written on January 29th, 2010, at 5:39 amim loving your brooches and clever, simple and beautiful packaging. love the use of stamping!! : )
written on January 29th, 2010, at 7:33 amReally beautiful packaging! Love your hand carved stamp, I’ve been wanting to have a go at making my own for a while as I’m a bit stamp obsessed at the moment! May give it a go now I’ve seen how great yours are!
written on January 29th, 2010, at 3:29 pmBeautiful packaging and lovely things shown!!!Congratulations!! I ´ve just found this site and it´s lovely!
I am an architect from Uruguay and love creative sewing despite I have not enough time to do nowadays
Well done!Go ahead!
written on January 29th, 2010, at 6:00 pmLovely and inspirering ideas for packaging. Found you through creative spaces
written on January 30th, 2010, at 1:17 am