DIY | Pretty Postage & Packaging

Before I officially open my little Etsy shop (which has been something I've been saying I'm going to do for about a year now. Really sorry about that...) I thought I'd experiment with pretty postage and packaging ideas. I like to get crafty and have fun with ink, gift tags and twine now and again. ;)

My postage and packaging hasn't been perfected yet, but its a nice start. Maybe once you've read this post you'll have some sweet p&p ideas of your own!

1. For my equipment, I gathered a circular rubber stamp, brown wrapping paper (from eBay), gold & black ink (from Hobbycraft), twine (from any garden centre), tape, scissors and a flower stamp (from Hobbycraft)

2. I cut a large piece of brown paper and lay it on a flat surface.Then, using my circular stamp and gold ink, I created a golden polka dot print across the paper. Leave it for about an hour to fully dry before handling it.

3. Once the ink is fully dry, you can wrap your item! I've been practising my wrapping 'technique' (because i'm so messy when it comes to gift wrapping!)

4. Using a flower stamp that I bought from Hobby Craft I stamped a black vintage-inspired flower on the front of each tag. I have about 500 tags and I stamped them all in one go, because even though it may seem time consuming, doing things in bulk will save me a lot of trouble.

5. Done! I tied my polka dot package with twine and it is ready to be delivered to a new, happy home! Craft yourself a similar pretty package and remember to send me pictures if you do! I'd love to see.

DIY chalkboard mugs

Chalkboard paint can jazz up almost anything, including mugs! So here is a chalkboard mug DIY tutorial, from me to you. If you're planning on selling your mugs, I suggest you look into a more professional method. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy creating and using your very own chalkboard mugs!

1.       Get your tools together. This will include a collection of mugs, chalkboard paint, a brush, chalk and masking tape. I bought my chalkboard paint from a local craft store, but you can buy it on eBay or Etsy.

2.       Wrap the top of your mug in masking tape, as shown in the picture. Try to create a straight and even line with the tape! This will make your mugs look more professional

3.   Apply one coat of paint, horizontally, and leave it to dry for one hour.

4.   After the first coat of paint has dried, paint anther coat vertically, and leave the mug to fully dry for 24 hours.

5.   Lightly rub chalk over the chalkboard surface of the mug so the chalkboard looks more natural.

F O L L O W   M E

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Sponsor Feature | Acute Designs

Todays' sponsor feature is on a very beautiful Etsy shop called Acute Designs, ran by the very talented Regina Morrison. Acute Designs sells handmade accessories, with a special focus on bridal accessories, so if you're yet to find the perfect veil or hair piece, take a look! I've posted some images of the 2012 bridal collection here- I think its all so beautiful- but Regina also sells pretty hair clips and headbands for us non-engaged girlies.

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