New Business Card Design!

Whenever it's time for me to re-order business cards, I get a little stressed out. I'm always trying to update the look and streamline it more as my business progresses. This time I knew I wanted to go back to full-sized business cards instead of the mini ones I've been using. But seriously, I have no background or training in design so I often feel lost.

I gave myself plenty of time to work on and tweak the design before I actually had to order them. That really helped with my stress level! (Thankfully MOO has an easy-to-use site too.) I love how endearing my owl ornaments are, so I opted to stick with a small variety of them for the image based side of my card. The design is pretty clean, so I'm hoping that the chances of the cards being kept for the almost-art factor is higher.

I just used the last of my previous business cards, so orders will start going out with these! Of course everything still arrives in glassine bags and a kraft paper sleeves. Boxed orders include a snazzy washi tape covered clothespin. Hooray!

Improved Packaging.

I'm pretty sure that my quest to better my shop packaging is going to be the sort that goes on into eternity. Last year when I had this stamp made, I began to attach my goods to manilla tags for shipment, doing away with the hand cut-card stock that I had been using. Big improvement. A few months later I added glassine bags to the mix, doing away with the tissue paper wrapping.  Not only does this look suit me better, but it actually streamlines the process and allows me to package orders more quickly.

At Christmas my packaging was looking like this, with a manilla tag taped across the front. Thanks to the addition of washi tape I was getting there, but the current state of packaging still felt lacking. In the past couple of weeks, I started to cut my own kraft paper sleeves to wrap around the glassine bags, and I'm liking it so much better! It feels more professional to me.

This is now the look of my bare bones packaging. All items are still attached to manilla tags, and then slipped into the bags. The bags are sealed with washi tape, as is the sleeve.

Orders shipped in boxes will also include a sweet mini clothespin that has been lovingly covered in washi tape on both sides. This element is a little more time consuming than I had expected, but I think I've got it down now and I love the accent. Plus I'm pleased that it is a part of the packaging that the customer can keep and reuse.

Next up, I'm working on a new design for my business cards that is more fitting with the new look of my blog. I also plan on going back to full size business cards. Also on the agenda for this year is getting a new stamp made that's more clean and likely text only.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Current Packaging.

It feels like I am forever tweaking my packaging. I simply can't seem to get it just right! It's especially tough for me because there is such a variety of size with my pieces; finding something that works with everything has been a challenge. 

Since the holidays are going to be in full all-out swing next week, I thought it may be a good idea to give you a quick look at where my packaging is right now.

Each owl, necklace, or hair clip is attached to a kraft tag and is then slipped inside a glassine bag. Since the bags aren't entirely opaque I've affixed another kraft tag to the front so that one can't catch a peak of the item inside.

Of course my favorite part is playing with my mountain of washi tape!

Where do you go for packaging inspiration?

Perfecting Packaging :: Logo Stamp

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Meagan from Brown Pigeon. She does a fantastic job hand cutting stamps, and her communication and customer service are even better than her stamps (if you can believe that)! 

I really struggled with the design work for this project and she bore with me the whole way. The final image I sent her consisted of photographic elements, bits of hand drawn stuff that I scanned, and of course, text. It was fun to see how Meagan translated the photo of the owl into a line drawing! I'm thrilled with the finished product, and even more excited to use my stamp to present a more professional image with my packaging.

The rubber of the stamp is already happy, inky, and stained. Just the way it should be. For now I plan to use it to stamp tags and thank you cards although the possibilities are endless!

Pretty Packaging

I've been on a quest for a while now to make my packaging stupendous! As of yet I have not been able to put together anything that stuns me, but here are a few great packaging supplies I've found along the way.

1. Jute String - Brown from olivemanna
2. Manilla Shipping Tags from TheCraftyDragonfly 
3. All natural recycled Kraft tissue paper from HauteCinq
4. Paper Doilies - Leah from packagery

5. Corrugated Wrap from olivemanna
6. Maraschino Red and White Eco-Luxe Baker's Twine from TheTwinery


What are your packaging secrets?