Gussy Up Your Gfts on a Budget: A DIY project-Archive

Original Post 3/2009

Hey family, I originally wrote this post March 1st. I have been blessed to receive several sales that weekend. As I was preparing the previous orders, I received an order that happened to be a birthday present for Jessica of "Or So She Says" blog . So I wanted to present something special but I had no gift boxes or spare tags..not even a organza bag nutthin!! Oh, what's a seller to do??

Well I did what I always do..IMPROVISE

Then I remembered..I purchased these beautiful tags from TimelessPaperArts and decided to use these tags as center pieces for "gift bag boxes". I told Timeless about my idea and how I would blog about how I used her cards.

Here is what I presented Jessica's gift in.

I will show you HOW I did it in tomorrows' post. I have gotten alot of compliments from customers. I asked Timeless if she would consider making custom tags.. that would be cool!.

Here is a TimelessPaperArts recent blog post with her latest tags: Scalloped tags=featured-customer Visit TimelessPapersArts wonderful shop and her beautiful blog. http://www.timelesspaperarts.blogspot.com/

Time to get ready to go to Brooklyn this afternoon..it's a 90 minute train ride from the Bronx:-P

Be Well,

Ny

Crazy for Cards -Weekend Work Part III

I just received word from the buyer as she LOVES the cards;-) I am sooo happy!! So I couldn't wait to post about them tomorrow. Here are the set of cards that I made for her. I took these pics before I shipped them.

These are the three Mother's Day Cards:

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These are the feminine birthday cards.

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These are the masculine birthday cards

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Some have text inside them and some don't and range in size from 4x5.5 -5.5 x71/2 I had a blast making these. Here is the feedback I received tonight.

"Nyblaque has the most beautiful hand made cards I have ever had the pleasure to purchase! I loved the first ones I bought so much I ordered an entire box and paid LESS than I would have even at discount stores! I can't wait to start giving them to my friends"-Iced Lilac-Missouri

Custom orders are the best as they give you a chance to create something totally unique and tailor made for the person(s) who wants them.I would love to do have an opportunity to make a set again.

Thanks for visiting - Happy Crafting.

Be Well,

Ny

Crazy for Cards-Weekend Work Part II

Hi there, other than the new jewelry, I was also working on a boxed set of 24 assorted cards! The largest set I have ever made ! Woo hoo:-)

The first set I've made this custom Valentine card set for an Etsy client back in January 2009.






I was fortunate enough last week to receive a custom order of 24 Assorted birthday cards from a return customer in my bonanzle shop. I showed her the different paper and embellishments I had in stock at the time. The materials pictured she approved to be used in her order..However, she hasn't heard from her regarding her order yet so I will just post the "layouts" of the cards that I used.


I am so excited as this was my second custom order but my 1st box set for cards ever!. I want to show you so badly the finished product but I am waiting for her to review her package first;-) These just some of the layouts I used..just in case she may take a peek from my blog, but I used most of the colors papers.

As soon as I hear from the client I will post the finished cards tomorrow;-) I can't wait.

Be Crafty,

Ny

Gussy up Your Gifts on a Budget Part I-Making the Box

Hey Family,


I didn't get a chance to go out today for Simple Sunday...and since the offspring are napping right now, I am finally sneaking in a little bit of time to start off the tag/gift box project I've been talking about. Since I can't post the whole thing, I'll break it up into two parts. My children don't sleep very long and they would be very annoyed to see me on the PC right now!


First- The Box..

I didn't buy the boxes this way, but I am sure there are some stores that sell them.

The gift boxes I use were made from recycled gift boxes for watches that my son's father used to sell YEARS ago. He has alot of them so I won't be running out for a while.



If you happen to have any old watch jewelry boxes lying around and want to try this here is the basic things you will need:

A drill- I used a dremmel drill as pictured.

A standard 12" ruler

Permanent Adhesive- I am using Beacon brand Magna-Tac 809. it's smelly so I suggest you keep the young ones at bay and wear a mask so you don't inhale the fumes...and some gloves too.

A pair of scissors


So, I took cut and pulled out the lining, velvet and plastic covering, pulled off the old hinges( ok , that part I shouldnt have done..so leave the hinges on!!!) and this is what box pieces look like bare:


Each pieces measures 4" tall x 3" across x 1 inch thick or wide. I used a Dremmel drill with a 3mm drill bit and made the two holes you see here. Again, leave the hinges on..it was a P.I.T.A. to put the hinges back together and re-set to the wood pieces.


Since I was pressed for time I could not get a good pic of the all the material I used but I will list them for you:

Black medium grade construction paper.. about two 8x11 pieces.
Black corded string
Tags, Embellishments, your own business cards or shop/website stickers as the centerpiece.


I used the stickers that TheIvoryMagnolia had ordered for me as a Christmas present.
I'll post how I made put the box together made it look all purrrty and presentable tomorrow night. ;-)

They're waking up....gotta go! Happy Sunday

Ny

Simple Sunday

Snow- Something about the snow makes pictures look so surreal even jewelry photos:)

Sewing- I tore apart my old jeans and finished sewing the pockets closed to make jean mini-purses out of them--up cycling is so fun..I'll have some more pics tomorrow showing what I did with them. These will be sold in my Artfire shop
Sentimental - I just listed these two cards in my Etsy shop. These can be given to a loved one ANYTIME and great for family and close friends.
Although the cards are tagged for the holiday, not everyone celebrates Valentines Day..so I wanted to offer cards that are good to express love any day, by adding "non-traditional and "sentimental" tags as well.

How was your Sunday?

Be Well,

Ny