jessicaNdesigns packaging.

Oh, how I have a fondness for pretty packaging. I am always looking for packaging inspiration so I thought it would be fun to do a little "pretty packaging link up." 

Here's the deal: If you have a handmade shop or just love pretty packaging, write up a blog post with pictures of your packaging or pretty packaging that inspires you. Share with us what your favorite supplies to use are + put together a little resource list.  Then come back here & link up! I will be featuring a few of my favorites next week so we can all get inspired by pretty packaging!

I have a love affair with kraft + washi tape. I can't get enough of either! So they are an obvious choice for my packaging.  I use recycled kraft tissue paper, bags & boxes for my packaging. 

I had 2 custom stamps made for my packaging a while back.  I think they add that extra something to my packaging as well as reinforcing my brand to my customers. 

Since I redid my logo 2 months back, I still need to update my stamp for my shipping envelopes with my new logo. (On the to do list.)

Using the colors of your brand in your packaging is very important! I select 100% recycled tissue paper in kraft & peach for my silverware. I wrap each piece in the tissue paper then seal it with...that's right, washi tape! :)

I have WAY too much washi tape, I can't seem to stop buying it! I already stocked up on Christmas tape for this Holiday season! I think it will add a festive touch to my Holiday packaging! 

Every package I ship gets a care card & business card included. (They are also being updated as we speak with my new logo) I am super glad I decided to invest in the care cards. I think it adds something extra, reinforces my brand to customers & informs customers on how to best care for their products.

I bought these ADORABLE kraft thought bubble note cards from Owlbot & I just LOVE them! I use them to include little messages or notes with packages! Too cute!

I am always looking for better & different ways to package my items. I recently purchased kraft bags & lace doilies to use in my packaging.  Although it takes more time & added effort, I believe it is worth it.

Everyone loves to open a pretty package, and I think that's one of the benefits of buying handmade.  Almost everything I buy from handmade sellers is wrapped and packaged so lovingly.  It's those extra touches that draw me to a shop & make me want to keep going back!

My list of resources:

♥ Tissue Paper: Pixies Passion

♥ Lace Doilies: owlandthistle

♥ Washi Tape: Fawn & Flora, Pretty Tape, Wishy Washi Tape

♥ Kraft Bags: Pretty tape
♥ Business Card Design: Yellow Heart Art
♥ Business Card PRINTING: Midaugh Printers

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Grab a button & link up your pretty packaing! 

Pretty Packaging Link Up: let's get inspired!

via we love citrus

Oh, how I have a fondness for pretty packaging.  I am always looking for packaging inspiration so I thought it would be fun to do a little "pretty packaging link up."  

If you have a handmade shop, start taking some pictures of your packaging, the supplies you use etc. + put together a little resource list.  If you don't, start gathering some pretty packaging inspiration & get a blog post together. 

NEXT TUESDAY (10-23-12) I will share my shop's packaging + some inspiration & host a link up! Then you can come back and link up your blog post featuring your shop's pretty packaging or your pretty packaging inspiration! 

Here are some places to look for inspiration:
♥ Wishy Washi Tape
♥ We love Citrus
♥ Fawn & Flora
♥ Pinterest

So mark your calenders for 10/23 & get your post ready to come back and share! I will then do a follow up post featuring some of your pretty packaging inspiration! 

DIY Faux Vintage Pull Down Map.

I have a total crush on vintage pull down maps! I can remember being in grade school & sitting there pulling them down and letting them fly shut. I can still remember the sound + smell they made! 

I would love to own an authentic one, but they are so expensive! So I opted for a cheaper alternative! Make my own faux version! 

I started with these super cute & cheap prints from On Paper, an incredibly cute store I found on a recent trip to Columbus.  They were $5 each & I got a few different ones! LOVE! You can also purchase them on their website!

I glued the edges of the paper to dowel rods I cut to size. 

I used a tab from the back of an old photo frame I don't use to create the faux pull down look. Simply screw it in the center of the dowel rod!

I put nails in each side of the dowel rod & twisted wire around them to hang the map. 

This project was easy & really created a great look!  I'm still holding out for the day I find an authentic vintage pull down map for a steal...but until then, this one creates the look I wanted!   

I loved how it turned out so I decided to make one for Lucy's Nursery!  Oh, and stay tuned tomorrow for a mini home tour of the rest of my living room! 

Did you make something or complete a project this week?

Grab a button, Link up & share!

<a href="http://jessicandesigns.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab127/jessicandesigns/cirlcew1.png" /></a> I will be linking up with: Whipperberry Tatortots & Jello Vintage Wannabee Sundae Scoop Sew Chatty Today's Creative Blog 30 Handmade Days

DIY Washi Tape Coasters & A Linky Party

I have seen so many cute coaster projects floating around the internet & when I found a stray tile in my downstairs bathroom, I decided to make one for my studio.  

What you will need:

• Ceramic Tile
• Washi Tape
• Mod Podge
• Paint Brush

My favorite places to get my washi tape are:

♥ Fawn & Flora

♥ Cute Tape

I like the look of ripped tape, so I decided to rip instead of cut mine.  I started on the edge & wrapped the tape around the tile. Then I started placing the tape on the coaster how I thought it looked pretty.  

Keep going until you get the entire tile covered & the desired look.  Make sure you wrap the tape around the edges so it is sticking on the back. 

Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire coaster (I did a total of 2 coats) & make sure you apply some to the tape that is wrapped around the back so it does not start to peel off.  

It's the pretty, little, simple things like this that make me smile! Every time I sit my coffee on it, it makes me happy.

I'm also kind of in love with the inside of my new mug from T.J. MAXX! 

While I had my tape out, making things pretty, I decided to decorate the tape holder my brother in law made me.  I love that little thing! 

Pretty + functional = the best kind of things.

A few of my favorites from last week's link up:

♥ DIY Tile Coasters (which inspired today's DIY) by Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted.

♥ Inspiration Board by Gussy Sews- I have plans to make a similar one for my studio! 

♥ Hutch re-do by Rustic Living- I just ADORE how she took the bottom doors off & added wire baskets!

Did you make something or complete a project this week?

Grab a button, Link up & share!

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