Stationery Swap Kits

It's so nice to see you!

Last week, I updated the look of some plain gift tags by adding some baker's twine and floral fodder:

They look so fun and festive! I can use them to turn a paper bag or a gift box from blah to TADA!

But I made so many, I thought, "Why not share these gift tags?"

It reminded me of the stationery swap kits that I've been fortunate to receive from fellow stationery lovers.

This envelope was from Kelsey (@kelsonplanning) who I met at a travel journaling workshop. She gave everyone an envelope!

Inside are these pieces of ephemera and stickers to decorate a journal or scrapbook...TADA!

These wax seals and washi tape collection are from Michael (@theenchanteddesk). I met him at a letter writing workshop.

Stationery lovers and journal enthusiasts are some of the most thoughtful people on earth! It wasn't required but they did it anyway as a way to share their stash. This kind gesture also made them more memorable. I felt so bad that I didn't have anything to trade with them.   

So maybe it was time to make my own stationery swap kits.

I saved this printed tissue paper from a package.

I cut the paper into smaller rectangles.

I turned them into envelopes, gluing the open sides together, and leaving one side as a flap. Also, I decorated the envelope with a floral rubber stamp and a sticker label. 

It serves as packaging for my handmade gift tags...TADA! I can also include D.I.Y. stickers and handmade stationery.

On the blank labels, I can write "Handmade for You," "A Little Something for You" or personalize with the recipient's name. I can even add my business card or links to my website and social media accounts if I want to make more lasting connections.

And that is how I turned some plain paper from blah to TADA! I can't wait to make more stationery swap kits so that I'm ready when the occasion calls for it. 

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Floral Gift Tags

Thank you for stopping by today!

I was rummaging through some gift wrapping supplies and I found these:

They are gold gift tags that I got at Ikea many years ago. While they are cute and versatile, they are looking a little blah, don't you think?

I drew some flowers and leaves on cardstock, painted them, and outlined them using a black fineliner pen. Instantly, we have scrapbooking or collage fodder...TADA! 

I cut around the different flower shapes to make them look like die-cuts. Then I attached these on the gift tags using a glue gun. 

I also added some confetti (the little paper dots left inside a hole punch), securing them in place with more glue. Then I looped baker's twine to the little hole on top of the gift tag.

Look at my gift tags now! It's like they got a glow up from a tropical vacation! They are ready to embellish gift bags and gift boxes, with a sweet note inscribed on each one.

And that is how I turned plain gift tags from blah to TADA!

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You may subscribe here if you'd like my future blog posts delivered straight to your inbox and you can follow me on Instagram for more crafty ideas.

Three Things for July

Oh July, you're here! 

July means picnics and barbecues and eating outdoors. I'll bring a cake to the potluck and dress it up with whipped cream and berries...TADA!

July also means road trips and stopping by flea markets to go thrifting. I love the hit of nostalgia when I see little toys like these that I used to collect: the Trolls, Muppet Babies, E.T., Ziggy, and Monchhichi. It brings me back to a simpler time...TADA!

July also means weekends at the beach for rest and relaxation...TADA!

I hope your July will be filled with all your favorite things!