Packaging: The Handmade Touch

What Set's You Apart?

Hi all.

Let me ask you something. When you receive a gift ( no matter how small), and the giver of said gift has taken the time to package it special in some way, does it mean more?

Does it make it more memorable?

If you're small business owner, do you think how you package your products (or services) makes a difference?

Do you think of your packaging as part of your branding?

Consider this.

Several weeks ago I ordered a sweet little pin set I'd been coveting from Marieken's shop, always wear your invisible crown. A sailor man, an anchor and a mustache, as well as Frida Kahlo. 

Well, lo and behold it arrived from the Netherlands and it was all I wanted and more.  Marieken took care to make her product (and my little gift to myself) even more special by packaging it all in a thoughtful way, with lots of touches that added up to big impact.

It was like receiving my gift to myself and lots of extra gifts on top of it.

It came wrapped in sailor man paper and included: my brooches packaged in small glassine envelopes, two Dutch magazine clippings, some bakers twine and washi tape touches, pretty Dutch stamps on the outside of the package, a card that speaks my language (cheese), and a lovely little handwritten note.

The sweetness abounds.

So, wonder...as I work on tweaking and finalizing my re-branding for myself, work on branding for my clients, package prints to send to customers........is my packing saying all I want it to? Am I making the most of these opportunities to make a good impression? To add extra impact? And are you?


I hope you're having a fabulous Tuesday, the oft-forgotten day. The day that comes after the dreaded Monday. Before the half-way to the weekend Wednesday and the all important we're nearly there Thursday. Followed closely by Thank God it's Friday and of course the 'everybody's working for the weekend'. Tuesday can get overlooked.

I'll take my Tuesday with awesome sauce today, please.

Ciao for now,

PS- I could start a fire today it's so damn chilly and probably will by the end of the day. What is with that?

It's Raining, It's Pouring

Can't Complain About The Rain

We've been quite lucky this summer. The rain drops have been few and far between. This week though, lots of it. Probably can't hurt.

I'm embracing the wet weather today. Then again, I'm not working in it. 

Here's some wonderful rainy day finds from other etsy shops. They're sure to brighten  your day, even if it's not raining where you are:

Check it out......great vintage rain coat complete with hood to cover your noggin'. Look at the details on the arms and hem. Sensible, yet stylish.

copyright cookiesandcream

Classic ducks in raincoat yellow. See, the sun is already shining.

copyright AlicjaVintage

But what if you're going 'out' in the rain? You know, 'out' to dinner, or dancing, or a party. Pow!

copyright crazyhotclothes

Shouldn't your pooch be covered too? Just had to include this. It makes me laugh.

copyright TyTzu

Hey! Who turned off the sun?

copyright idillard

If all else fails.  Me me me me me.............just warmin' up.

copyright funnyfaceart

You can always hope for a rainbow.

copyright mixko

Almost forgot. Bates Mercantile Co. has one that fits into this category.

If there's no rainbow, you can hope it's only raining posies.

Havin' fun at CraftyScrappyHappy!

Jaime at CraftyScrappyHappy was nice enough to give me the floor for the day. I've posted this really easy chair makeover on Mercantile Muse before, but if you missed it, by all means check it out. Be sure to take a look around while you're there because Jaime is one serious project master. She's a peach of a gal too!  LOVE her projects and her blog.

More FREE Printables On The Way

Be on the lookout. I've been working on some more free printables for you all.  They're not quite done yet though, but they will be soon. They'll include more gift tags and a blog planner for those of you who are 'bloggin fools', among other things. You're so kind for hanging out at the Muse, that I think it's the least I can do.

Thanks again for being here, smack dab in the middle of the week. Hope it's great wherever you are. See you on the flip side.