November 22, 2009

Snail Mail Gift Boxes

One of my favorite gifts to give to my mom, mother-in-law and Eric's grandma is a stash of homemade cards. They look forward to it each year too! Usually I package them up in a clear cello bag with a bow but this year I decided to make something different. Let me show you what I've created.

I started out by stamping some cute snails from My Cute Stamps set called Little Forest Friends. I colored the snail body and added a shadow using the Copic Sketch colors shown below. I then stamped the snail shell onto some new October Afternoon paper I scored at my local scrapbook store.

I cut out those images and adhered them to the colored snail images. I then punched out circles to make the snail images into tags.

I then took some office tags I had in my stash and stamped them with Papertrey's Polka Dot Basics II in Spring Moss and Background Basics: Text Style II in True Black.
I layered my tags onto scalloped punched circles in PTI's Spring Moss and Ripe Avocado cardstock. Images were adhered to tags with pop dots and then I added some clear sequins to the tags for a little bling.
Next up, I created the packaging. I used Papertrey's clear boxes and inserted a 4-1/4" x 5-3/4" piece of Everyday Blessings patterned paper. The box is tied with olive ribbon and the tag ties to the box with Papertrey Rustic Cream Twine.
I think it's always the packaging that makes the first impression of a great gift, don't you?
Here's a few ideas for you for the snail mail boxes:

Package up some cards from your stash....I know you have a stash.......and add in some postage stamps. Place them all in the box for a much appreciated gift. Tip: Create cards that are fairly flat (no puffy ribbons) and you'll fit more into the clear boxes.

Or add a few hand stamped tags of your own along with some small envelopes and twine for a small card crafting kit. This would be great for the kids!!
I'm definitely planning on keeping a few of these on hand at all times. Hope you are inspired! I made my list today of all the teacher gifts, etc that I want to stamp. It sure helps to have it all in list form when you start creating those goodies. I'm hoping to accomplish a lot over the Thanksgiving holiday!
Etsy update: I'm adding a few of these kits to my Etsy shop in just a bit.

9 comments:

Sonya said...

I love your work. You are so creative and it is so kind of you to give detailed instructions so that those of us who are not quite so creative can make something beautiful!

Keep creating,
Sonya

Kimberly's Krafts said...

Just precious Mish!! Your crazy talented!! :) Thanks for the inspiration!!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Karen said...

Those snails are so cute. Love the label idea.

Susan Hurley-Luke said...

Lol! The snail mail idea is so cute :) Thank you for sharing!

starsandcards55 said...

as always, these are adorable! what a perfect gift. and as you say, the presentation is as important as the gift. thanks for sharing!

Mia said...

WOW! They are SUPER cute!!!!! Great idea. TFS!!!! :-)

Tami McBeain said...

That little snail is adorable and I love how you decked him out with paper piecing and glitter! Best dressed snail ever! Just perfect as always Mish!

Leanne said...

Very creative, Mish! I agree the presentation is key.

NikkiM said...

Adorrrrable!!

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