Tuesday, January 31, 2012

step up your packaging: thumb tack and magnet boxes

Do you remember how I packaged my thumb tacks and magnets for my final 2011 show?
The tacks worked all right in the jewelry boxes, but the magnets didn't work so well.  I had so much else to do for this show that I let it be and focused on other things.  People still bought lots of the magnets.  But it was something that I wanted to return to in the future.

Usually I let people choose their own magnet and tack sets instead of packaging them myself.  I'm going to continue doing that, BUT I will still provide packaging.  Better packaging.
My plan is to have a few boxes out on my display table that people can grab and fill as they please.  We'll see how it goes.

What did I use for the inserts?  The metal is from one of these sheets.  I bought several of those sheets a few years ago for a project for Jake.  He hasn't used all of it yet.  I know that the piece photographed is smudged, but 1) you don't notice when magnets covering it and 2) most of the metal pieces aren't like that.  You can slice this metal (fairly easily) with regular scissors.

The cork is left over from my coaster project.  I was surprised how readily available it is.  Just about any big box store or chain office supply store carries it.  It isn't the thickest cork out there by any means, but it works just fine for packaging.  I used a craft knife to slice my cork.

I propped the boxes up so you can get a good lighting angle.  The inserts look better when they sit naturally in the boxes.

I had different labels on the boxes at my final 2011 show that I had designed specifically for that show.  In the future, I'll be using the labels pictured above.  You really can't include your contact information too many times.  In addition to giving it to the buyer one more time, you may be passing it on to a different recipient if the items are given as a gift.

If you sell thumb tacks and/or magnets, how do you package them?  For those who don't sell either of these items, what have you done to improve your packaging lately?

Stay tuned later this week for some more developments that I've been working on for my upcoming open house.

Newest article:
Looking for older articles?  Click here!

Where I linked up today:
Treasury Tuesday

I included this post in Michelle's Delicately Constructed Friday - 2/3/2012.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Scavenger Hunt and I Heart Macro on Monday

Welcome to another edition of the photo Scavenger Hunt and I Heart Macro!  Enjoy!

1) Smile
Jake and I were in need of a new homemade dessert and something to put a smile on our faces this past week so I made chocolate chip cookies.  I don't have a special recipe for them; I just use the one the back of the chocolate chip cookie package.

2) Stand Alone
I thought that you'd enjoy seeing a picture that I didn't take at home.  Jake and I went to a college basketball game over the weekend.  If you're friends with me on Facebook, you can see more pictures from this game later this week (I don't have them up yet).

3) Rusty or Something Old
I have no idea how old this Pyrex is.  I got it used back in college.  It still pours perfectly even with that crack in the front.

4) Artificial
I only use real vanilla extract for baking, not artificial.  Yep, that is a pretty big bottle!  I bake pretty regularly so I will use it all.

5) Repeating Pattern
This just hit me as I was taking pictures for my art drying rack post.

Check out Ashley's blog to see what other people submitted for the themes this week.




Here's my photo for I Heart Macro.
I took very few jewelry photos this week.  The same will be true this next week, too, as I have some other priorities for my upcoming open house.  More on that soon.  I am still listing, though.  This is one of my newest, available right here.
studio waterstone

Where else I linked up today:
Photobucket

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Treasury Round Up

I was away from my computer almost all day yesterday and will include the treasuries from yesterday in next week's round up.

It's been another good treasury week!  Please help me thank the curators who featured my work this past week by visiting their shops and checking out their treasuries.


Judy (JNOriginals) included my Beaded Bracelet - Periwinkle and Black Leaf Dream in her Pink and Blue Just For You treasury.  I love the mix of items here.  Check out Judy's Crochet headwarmer with flower, denim blue, adjustable width.


Karen (jewelryandmorebykat) included my Beaded Cuff Bracelet - Embellished Square Stitch - Red/Purple in her Purple with red treasury.  This is a small collection, but all of the items here are gorgeous.  Check out Karen's Little Girls green beaded bracelet.


Sarah (SisterSallys) included my Beaded Cuff Bracelet - Skinny Wrapped - Sunshine Yellow Gold Accented in her You are my Sunshine! treasury.  This is a perfect collection for this time of year when a lot of us need a little extra sun.  Check out Sarah's Purple Infant Tutu.


Erika (ArtfulRising) included my Beaded Bracelet - Pink/Red Rock Garden in her Love in All the Right Places treasury.  This collection is so inspiring with all of the lovely red and/or heart items.  Check out Erika's Handmade Journal - FAITH with bird - Custom, Personalized Sketchbook.


oneofakindbabydesign included my Beaded Cuff Bracelet - Skinny Wrapped - Sunshine Yellow Gold Accented in her Sunshine State - I wish I was here! treasury.  A lot of us share that sentiment right now.  Check out oneofakinfbabydesign's Custom Personalized Button Initial Artwork Jewelry, Hairbow, Hat Organizer.



Thanks to those who linked up with me last week!  Here are a few of the items that they featured last week.  Click on the photos to check out the product listings.

 


I am really touched by all the people who I have inspired to start their own treasury round ups with awesome shop features and write ups!  Please link up with me and grab a button for your own post.  I know that not everyone posts these rounds ups on Sundays, which is fine.  I will leave this link up open all week.






treasury round up

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Saturday Link List: the Valentine's Day edition

Welcome to my first holiday edition link list for 2012!  I got started on Valentine's Day crafts early this year and also got started on my link list early.  I've been building my Valentine's Day Pintrest board since late December.  You can click on the link to see the full set of items.  It's mostly craft ideas: cards, decorations, and more with a few other things thrown into the mix.

I did write one Valentine's Day article on HubPages.  I may still write at least one more, but this is what I have for now.
As always, if you missed an article of mine when I originally posted it on my blog, click here!

Here are just a few other links that I love from my board.

I like cutting hearts by hand, but I need to get a heart punch at some point so I can make projects like this.  This is on my "to do" list for sewing paper.


Tracy has written a bunch of articles about ice art projects.  Isn't this beautiful?

There are so many fun projects out there for paint samples.  My father-in-law owns a True Value, so I'm going to have some up the next time that we're there.
Source: ohcrafts.net via Rose on Pinterest

Where do you buy paper dollies (that aren't terribly expensive)?  I really want to make some of these for Valentine's Day next year.

Jamie loves to create scrapbook printables for all sorts of different holidays.  Check out my Pintrest board for a couple other great scrapbook printables as well.

For those of us who like the concept of conversation hearts but don't really enjoy eating them, this is a great alternative from Jenny.

I featured one of Ashley's items yesterday and then found her blog through her Twitter account later in the day.  She has an awesome blog!  Check out this great Valentine's Day pencil tutorial.


Again, you can check out the board for the complete set.  Have fun with all of your Valentine's Day projects this year!

Create your own link list and grab a button for your post or simply spread the word on your blog.






Saturday Link List

Did I feature your work here?  Grab a button for your blog or web site!
Saturday Link List



Did you use one of the tutorials from my link list? Leave me a link in the comments or send me an e-mail (randomcreative28@gmail.com) with your photos and stories. I would love to post them here.

Stay tuned next week for a brand new batch of recipe links!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Friday Feature: when the going gets tough

Thanks so much to everyone who linked up with me this past week for my Friday Feature link up!  Here are just a few of the great finds that they featured.  Click on the photos to check out the item listings, blog posts, etc.

 

Some weeks in life are really tough.  It's great to have some reassuring words and images during these times.

Keep Calm and Carry On Sign - Solid Wood - Distressed - Pick Your Own Colors - Large by WordWhipped

Stay Strong Aluminum Bar Key Chain, hand stamped, 2 sided customization available by riskybeads


Wall Picture - Just Breathe - Pink 12 x 18 Relaxing Wall Decor Poster by TheWallaroo

Large 'For I Know The Plans I Have For You...Jeremiah 29:11' Vinyl Wall Decal by InitialYou

Hand Dyed Silk Wrap Bracelet with Believe Charm, Smoky Quartz, and Pearl by charmeddesign1012

Keep Calm and Trust God Vintage Dictionary Print Upcycled 8x10 by TheRekindledPage


When all else fails, if a cute animal picture can't cheer you up a little, I don't know what will.  (I love this one, too.)
Cat Hugging Yarn B&W Photo Greeting Card by mistergandme

What words and/or images do you turn to when things are rough?

Also, I'll be featuring Valentine's Day greeting cards next week.  If you want me to consider one of your card listings, please leave a link in the comments.








Grab a blog button!
Friday Feature


Were you featured in this post?  Grab one of these buttons, too!



Friday Feature


Where else I linked up today: