A Little Packaging Design Fun for the Holidays!

Packaging orders and shipping them out is actually one of my favorite things!  There is just something about wrapping things up and putting labels on things that makes me uber-happy.  I think it appeals to the OCD-ish side of me that likes repetitive crafty tasks.  This year I decided to try something new....

I was having all sorts of quality issues with the jewelry boxes I was using, namely that they kept coming covered in dried glue. We were having to do so much work to clean them up that it wasn't worth it anymore, so I decided to switch to flocked velvet-like bags.  Once I did that, though, I needed some sort of insert card that would provide stability to bracelets, necklaces, and even serve as care instructions or a gift tag when needed. So, I started designing!  I began with my basic business card:

I kept my trademark syringe and relocated some text for a simple, classic card that leaves me enough room to apply a care instruction sticker or to write a gift note:

Then I started goofing around in a graphics program and created a card to use for summer into fall.  It looks really bright, but these are printed on matte business card stock, so it's actually more muted and doesn't burn your retinas, lol.

Next, I created a basic winter motif using a variation of a HOPE filter reminiscent of those Obama posters:

And then I went a little rogue and made one that's truly Christmas-y:

I can't wait until November when I can break out the  holiday ones! So now, I love shipping even more... as if that was even possible!

~Lori
P.S. FREE U.S. SHIPPING with code FREESHIP at checkout. Min. order $25 before shipping. Limited time only!

It's a wrap ... more handmade boho bracelets

I'll be spending a lot of today stitching my brains out, so I thought I'd take a moment before I begin to showcase some of the latest designs I've made...

Night Owl... he's watching you!

A double wrap of remembrance...

The Forgotten Forest Triple Wrap

Preppy Meadow

Set of 2 Destination Wedding Triple Wraps

 Never Promised You a Rose Garden

You can see all of my bracelets here. Back to the grind...

~Lori

Recent Handmade Purchase--Jersey Screen Printed Scarves

Well, it's time to divulge some more favorite handmade purchases of late! So here's a little tidbit about me: I'm a very hot-natured person. I'm never the person sitting in a restaurant or the movies complaining about being too cold. In fact, my hands stay so warm that friends have used me as their personal heater when they come in from the cold. Because I'm always toasty, I miss out on some really cool accessories because I'm afraid if I don them, I'll explode. Well, this winter in NC has been particularly chilly; we've had more snow and wind than we usually have the entire winter, and it's not even February yet, so I decided to buy a scarf I'd had my eye on and give it a shot. Result? FULL ON SCARF-LOVE. Jersey knit scarves are light-weight because they're made out of t-shirt material, and I often just wear a scarf and no jacket because it keeps me warm enough! Here are the ones I bought...

Roots Tree Sheer Jersey Triblend Scarf, Zen Threads, $17

(I bought this in black with a white print.)

Sheer Jersey Cotton Scarf, Flock Design on Asphalt, Limeyts, $18

Vintage Damask Scarf in Chocolate, ellembee, $22

Screen Printed Jersey Scarf in Tri-Coffee with Red Line Drops Print, Michelle Brusegaard, $25

(no, that's not me, lol)

I'm addicted to these scarves now because they're so super soft and lightweight and pretty. One of the really cool things about this type of scarf is that artists can print their own designs on them, so it's like walking around with warm, cozy, functional art! I have my eye on some others right now, but I'm trying to pinch my pennies.

Hope you enjoyed! Be nosy and see what else I've bought and bragged about!

~Lori

New 2010 Personalized Silver Snowman Ornament at Risky Beads

I've had this design in my head for awhile, and I finally got it done!  He's customizable, too!

Ain't he a cutie?

~Lori

Wordless Wednesday-Forest for the Trees

Time to get keen on serene...

Among Friends No. 2 Oringinal, 24"x18", Mae Chevrette, $275

Winter Sleep 8x10 Canvas Print, Kim Schweitzer Art, $20

Winter Forest Original Encaustic Painting, Susanna Jarian, $75

Aspen and Bunnies, 11x15 Original Watercolor, Ghart, $25

Wee TreeO Wee Three Tree Original Waterolor, Kim Bade, $13.50

Winter Solstice Archival Print, Cristina Berretta, $18

Winter Woods Original Canvas by Irene Machine, $180

I'm in a very zen place right now. How 'bout you?

~Lori

SALE this weekend!

Take 15% off your order this weekend at Risky Beads! This little guy really needs a home. His name is Downsized.

these times

they are tough

as I'm sure you know

look what happened

to this guy

no bailout

for snow.

He's already had to go thru life with a horrible name and only a head, so have a ♥ why don't ya, and adopt him before he's just a carrot. :(

Sale is valid at Etsy, ArtFire, and Zibbet. If shopping Etsy, please convo first so I can adjust your price. Use coupon code at checkout at ArtFire: 15pRB. Prices are already adjusted at Zibbet. They make it easy. At Etsy, I have to do each one at a time and my shop is too big!

super sekrit: Sign up for my mailing list at time of purchase and get an extra 10% off 1 item. Just say 'sign me up' and give me your email address.

~Lori