Packaging pt. 2 {Blog take over Happy Find}

{I recently made a purchase from Happy Find. When I sent a message to Venus that this was a gift and if she would not mind putting a little note inside, she went above and beyond. Once the package made its way to my cousin, Melissa of Punkin Threads, she was just as thrilled about the packaging as I had been. So this got me thinking, I should ask Venus and see if she would do a package tutorial. And by fate she had be pondering doing one for her blog! So here is part 2. of a genius packaging tutorial. Enjoy my friends Venus is a true artisan!}

Hello sweet friends! It's Venus from Happy Find just poppin' in with Buggie and Jellybean to say hello and talk about packaging. BUT before I get started, let me just tell you how cute is this blog?Okay, first of all, my youngest daughter (yes, daughter) is all into action figures, robots, karate, shooting (and that's a whole 'nother story) and seeing your hubby's transformer is seriously peaking my interest. Can't wait to see the room! And this brings me to the whole point of blogging... I am never ceased of amazement of all the talent that's out there. Connecting with others... being inspired ... and learning new things on a daily basis is just awesome. So thank you Amy for having me and thank YOU, all of you out there for doing what you do!

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Al-righty then, on to packaging!

In my post over at Happy Find, I mentioned using various mediums for your packaging. Recycle-reuse is my main focus. Use what you already have, whether it be brown paper bags, grocery bags, construction paper, pages from a magazines, etc. The options are endless. Be resourceful and get creative!

So with that in mind, let's jump into our first packaging idea:

Got scraps? If you sew, chances are you got scraps. Here I have left over scraps from a thrift find pillowcase.

Take measurements of your product, cut two pieces of fabric (make sure to add extra for seam allowance), place the pieces right sides facing each other and sew three of the four sides. You are basically making a pouch.

Turn it inside out and wallah! Rather than finishing the opening edge, I just used my scallop pinking shears to prevent any fraying.

Use a ribbon or even a strip of fabric scrap to tie shut. Cost: zilch.

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Here's another idea:

Got magazines?

Check out this tutorial for paper gift bags. Follow the instructions and you can make your own paper gift bags for almost anything!

To add a little flavor, I folded the top over, punched holes and slipped a strip fabric scrap to close it.

Fun-fun-fun!

Here's another alternative....

Make your own stickers, using white labels.

Take a label, cut it down to size. Use pinking shears for the edge .

Stamp it up! Draw! Whatever you fancy!

Slap that baby on!

Cute, ay?

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Ready for ONE more?

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Okay Amy, I think you might fancy this one!

Say you have a product that a tube would be a better solution for your packaging. Check this out...

My daughters kept their old calendars. I like using old calendars because for one, it's thick like cardstock paper, two, it has a beautiful print on it and three,

RECYCLE-RECYCLE-RECYCLE!!!

Cut out a page. Clean up the edges.

Flip over your paper with the right side facing down (oops, I didn't take the right shot). Place your product on top and center. Make sure you have plenty of allowance on the top and bottom of the piece.

Gently roll the paper and product into a roll.

Using an adhesive glue roller, glue the edge,

and continue to roll to the edge. Gently press along the edge to make sure there is contact with the glue and paper.

Again, make sure you have space between the edge of the tube and the product.

Now fold down one side of the opening like so. Repeat on the other side. As you are folding the sides, you want to shape the closing in a "U" shape, creating what looks like horns (don't worry... nothing devilish going on here!). There's a method to my madness. You'll see...

So the ends of the tube should look like this.

See?

Here, I'm using twine. You can use ribbon, rope, etc...

Take the twine and wrap it around the tube, going vertically along the front side of the tube.

Cross over the back side like so and bring the twine around horizontally.

Tie in the front.

If you have a business card, punch a hole in the corner and thread it through the twine.

And there you have your very own custom tube! Remember the "horns" on the top and bottom? It keeps the twine in place. See... I'm not completely nutty... just a smidge!

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I can't stress enough how important packaging is in any retail business. You put love and effort to your product... protect it and make it stand out with the right packaging!

I have a few more ideas over here. Take a look!

{I recently made a purchase from Happy Find, who I found through this posting. When I sent a message to Venus that this was a gift and if she would not mind putting a little note inside, she went above and beyond. Once the package made its way to my cousin, Melissa, she was just as thrilled about the packaging as I had been. So this got me thinking, I should ask Venus and see if she would do a package tutorial. And by fate she had be pondering doing one for her blog! So here is part 2. of a wonderful packaging tutorial. Enjoy my friends!}

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It's been fun hanging out here...

take care and

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!