Let the countdown commence:

#6. This one is for our friends that may live where the weather is more pleasant, (anyone currently in the snow will have to bookmark it for summer). It’s a tissue paper hot air balloon, and yes it actually flies. Not terribly practical, but gets an 11 out of 10 on the “how cool is that-o-meter”.

#5. If you’re not a play in the snow type, you may have been sitting inside bundled up in blankets and staring at your walls for the past few days (week depending on where you live). It’s at this point you might also be thinking its time for a change, in that case you may want to see how some people are creating textured walls using tissue paper, if you’re not in the mood to remodel you could probably modify this technique in some other creative ways. Oh and kids be sure to ask your parents before you try this (also just asking isn’t enough, they have to answer with a yes).

#4. Perhaps you’ve been using the wintry weather to create handmade products you plan to sell on Etsy or online in general, well then you will probably find this next tutorial particularly useful. Using tissue paper to make a lightbox for photography. Great products sell even better when they have great photos to go with them. Good luck.

#3. If you have been putting off writing your Christmas cards, then you will want to start now, and you can write them on postcards made from cereal boxes and tissue paper. They look great, and you get the added bonus of using up all your recyclable cardboard so you don’t have to get bundled up and take it out to the curb, you can stay inside where it’s warm and cozy.

#2. Handmade gifts are the best kind. This tutorial explains how to make custom candles by transferring printed tissue paper on them. It’s easy to do and the finished product looks great.

#1. Here’s the grand finally the idea sure to cheer you up and make you smile despite the fact that the wind chill made it feel like -3 degrees when you were outside shoveling the drive way this morning (true story). It is… drum roll please… Tie Dyeing T-shirts with Tissue Paper. OK, OK tie dye might not be as popular today as it was in my youth, but you get to use bright colors which will remind you of warmer days to come, and tie dye clothing often comes with sayings on it such as “Don’t worry, Be Happy” or “Life is Good” how can that not cheer you up?

Whether you love the snow or hate it, or live in a place where you never see it, we hope you’re having fun today, and if your fun includes tissue paper be sure to let us know what you’re doing in the comments so we can join in!

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: packaging how to, packaging tutorials, tissue paper

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: curling ribbon, packaging how to, packaging tutorials

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: gift wrap, packaging how to, packaging tutorials, wrapping paper

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: packaging how to, packaging tutorials, raffia ribbon, raffia twisters

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: basket box, gift basket, gift basket howto, gift basket tutorial, packaging how to, packaging tutorials

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: frosted gift bags, packaging how to, packaging tutorials

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: packaging how to, packaging tutorials, pull bows

1. A basket

2. Packing Paper

3. Shreds

4. The items you want in your basket

5. A hair dryer

6. Shrink Wrap

7. Glue Dots

8. Curling Ribbon

This simple step by step tutorial will have you making gift baskets in no time.

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: gift basket, gift basket howto, gift basket tutorial, how to make a gift basket

It doesn’t get any faster then Satin Stretch Loops

If a lot of your gifts go in the same size boxes, stretch loops are the way to go. They look hand tied, and all you need to do is slide them over the box. The down side is that they do come in set sizes, but you can use a single length on several sized boxes, place them lengthwise on smaller boxes and width wise one bigger sizes, you can even slide them over opposite corners on different shaped boxes. Overall if you’re pressed for time stretch loops are an instant solution.

Star Bows

Star bows are the classic example of fast. You just peel and stick, it’s as simple as that. Star bows come in a range of sizes from these mini bows

all the way up to these. They also match many of our curling ribbon options, which allow you to keep a consistent theme whether you need a bow, or just some curling ribbon.

Pull Bows

Pull bows are a great invention they make it possible for anyone to tie a bow. You select the size bow you would like, and then just pull the ribbons, and like magic a perfect gift bow appears right before your eyes. These are fast, more elegant then star bows and really easy to use since they come pre-sized.

Pull Bows on A Reel

Pull bows on a reel give you a bit more control then other pull bows, because they are on a reel you can make the bows as big or small as you want or the tails as long or short as you want. They take a little more effort then the pre-sized bows, but if your wrapping gifts in different sizes it’s well worth it.

Curling Ribbon

Curling ribbon is one of the most popular types of ribbon available, and for good reason. It comes is just about any color finish or style, it is really inexpensive, and it looks great. While it’s technically not a bow, I thought it was worth the mention because it is so versatile, and it’s easy to curl all you need is a sharp edge.

We hope you got some new ideas here that will make your life easier and your packaging look better. If you have additional ideas or favorites leave a comment we always enjoy feedback.

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.

Tagged: curling ribbon, gift bows, pull bows

1) Does the packaging match your business image?

Packaging tells a story, how your customers relate to that tale, will depend on your choice of design and materials. At the least, a gift packaging vendor should offer a variety of choices, with changing seasonal themes, in addition to a staple selection of gift bags, boxes, tissue, ribbons & bows.

2) Are they easy to contact?

Nothing is more frustrating than wading through a maze of automated voice prompts, or speaking to a tech support rep located half way around the world. Choose a company with an onsite call center, with friendly reps who answer the phone on the first few rings.

Is it easy to contact them via other methods? Check to see if they are available via email, or chat with customers online via Twitter or through blog comments.

3) Are deliveries timely?

A packaging company should follow your deadlines, not the other way around. Be sure to choose a partner that warehouses most of their product, instead of a vendor who relies primarily on drop ship programs, which may take weeks to arrive.

4) Do they understand, and solve your problems?

You may understand that packaging plays an important part in your success, but maybe you don’t feel crafty when it comes to tying a bow or making tissue flares. Find a company that teaches you how with illustrations or video tutorials.

Besides packaging, maybe you’d also like a vendor who’s in touch with the broader challenges faced by independent retailers. If that’s true, choose a partner who provides advice and tips, for operating and marketing your retail business successfully.

5) Do their values mirror your own?

Perhaps you wouldn’t feel right about supporting a Chinese factory that pays their workers $1 a day to manufacture paper bags. Or maybe you’re concerned about the environment, especially the waste created by over-packaging. If that’s the case, choose a gift packaging distributor who sources products made in the USA, or a vendor with a full line of recyclable and recycled content packaging.

What Do You Look For In A Packaging Supplier?

Feel free to add other criteria you look for when choosing a gift packaging supplier to the comments section.

Origionally posted at retailpackaging.com Custom Printed Packaging is our Specialty.