Goodies in the mail …

As you read this, Jim and I are probably in the city or en route!

I decided to take the day off so we could spend the day together in NYC – We plan on grabbing lunch at Les Halles (yes, Anthony Bourdain’s home base) then spending the afternoon wandering around the Museum of Natural History (so stoked).  I can’t remember the last time we took a day off to have a good time and just enjoy each other’s company … This is a much needed mini-getaway.

Anyway!  In my absence, I wanted to share photos of some recent packaging materials I purchased:

I was in dire need of twine so I bought a couple (hundred) yards – Loving the pale grey color.

I also treated myself to two rolls of washi tape!  Now, I usually secure each tissue-wrapped package with a home-stamped sticker, but I felt like shaking it up a bit with these little rolls of goodness.

I can honestly say wrapping each item for shipment is one of my favorite things about running my shop – I love knowing that that extra layer of paper adds a little intrigue when the recipient opens his or her package …

What are your feelings on packaging?  Do you have fun with it?  Or do you think it’s unnecessary?

Impulse Buy

I came across this vintage gem quite by accident in my “suggested shops” on Etsy a couple days ago and gasped.  Jim, sitting on the couch next to me, peeks over and simply says 2 words: Get it.

So what item made me click through the PayPal checkout faster than a speeding bullet?

:: cue angel choir ::

You might be wondering:  Jeez, Sash … I see these old crates all over the place – What’s the big deal?

A-Treat Bottling Company was founded in Allentown, PA in 1918 and it’s sodas are only available extremely locally.  I grew up outside of Allentown and when my family hosted BBQs and picnics, it was bottles and cans of A-Treat, not Coke or Pepsi products, that filled our beverage cooler.

Since Jim also grew up in the area (though we didn’t know each other at the time), A-Treat is a drink that is near and dear to both our hearts.  We are so happy to have brought this dilapidated old crate into our home – It will be well-loved.

Have you ever made an impulse buy because of a feeling of nostalgia?

[soda can image source]

Little Batch Love

This weekend I received a few goodies in the mail!  I ordered some more neodymium magnets and embroidery hoops for the shop so I was stoked to receive those, but I also took advantage of the sale section in Little Batch Botanicals’ shop on Etsy!

Jim (who has sensitive skin when it comes to bath products) and I just LOVE Jen’s selection of soaps, lip balms, etc.  They smell good, they are of excellent quality and you just can’t help but feel special when you use them.

We bought a selection of soaps and I needed some hand cream so I purchased hers in Coconut – Amazing!!

I met Jen during my first craft show back in September – She is just a wonderful, fun and talented person – You can check out her delicious bath products here!

Goodies in the Mail!

Last week, while we were in Florida, I got a whole bunch of packages in the mail!

I needed more tissue paper to wrap my felt goodies (and I figured I could also use some to prepare for holiday gift wrapping) so I purchased some recycled, kraft tissue paper by Green Earth Supplies!  I’m still trying to hone in on my brand “look” and I really like how my bright-colored items stand out against a neutral background, so white or kraft colors work well.

I also needed more envelopes to ship orders and, after receiving my free sample in the mail, I ordered a bunch of mid-sized mailers from EcoEnclose. Their packaging is 100% compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, reusable (each mailer contains 2 sticky strips so you can reuse each a second time with ease!) and affordable!  Check out their website for more info and to request a free sample!

I also received my Love Moose Pin from Magasin!! It may look familiar because I featured the little guy on a previous Hump Day Finds.

So cute!  I couldn’t wait to wear it – It makes me happy!

Was the mail man good to you this week?

Craft Show Prep: Brooches

This weekend I gave my hands a break from cutting and sewing felt and instead worked on my brooch packaging.  I simply cut a rectangle from white and brown card stock, rounded the edges, stamped on my logo and pinned on my goodies!

Embroidered Brooches

Apple & Pumpkin Brooches

Amoeba & Paramecium Brooch

I also ordered some delicious mint twine last week from Bird Haven which arrived on Saturday!  I will be using it for various packaging things: attaching tags, DIY kits, decorating, etc.

Mint Bakers Twine by Bird Haven

Jim and I also went stick hunting to find a branch that will work to hold my ornaments as a craft show display – I aim to do a DIY tutorial on that when we get around to making it!