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Make your Handmade Products Stand Out! Using Creative Packaging

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Rated G. (Control what you see)

How can you make your products look special?

 

There are some easy and creative ways to make your handmade products different from the rest at festivals or shows and make a special surprise for customers ordering your products. This lens is all about using creative packaging to make your creations stand out from the crowd and make them memorable for your customers.

How much time and effort you want to put into your packaging is totally up to you. You can quickly create simple stylish packaging or spend more time creating something totally customized to your business.

Why Is Creative Packaging Important? 

Cuttlefish necklace with packaging

You are competing with not only other producers of handmade products but with mass produced items. Your handmade products are more expensive than those from a factory assembly line, but, for very good reasons. The extra time, effort, and expertise (not to mention passion) that goes into handmade products are what make them worth the extra price to your buyers. Your packaging needs to reflect this care, effort, and passion.

Books on Creative Packaging 

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Customizing your Hang Tags 

Instead of basic white price tags or stickers try making your own creative tags or have some printed for you.

Ideas for making your own tags

Print tags out on colored card stock.
Use big shape punches to create fun shapes for your tags.
Use colorful ribbon, yarn, or embroidery floss to tie your tags on.
Add beads or tassels to the tag for added decoration.
Emboss the tags.
Add color with markers, colored pencil, or watercolors.


Noadi's Art Hang Tags

These are my current tags (I plan a redesign soon). Not only do they have my business name for my customer but they also have my contact info, background on my creations, and how to care for my polymer clay creations. I think the glass bead on each adds a nice touch.


You can use these same tips to create custom earring cards as well.

Business Cards as Hang Tags 

Memorable & Unique business cards

Another easy option for hang tags is to take your business cards, punch a hole in it, and add a piece of ribbon or string. MOO does incredible beautiful photo business cards.

VistaPrint has Free Business Cards for just the cost of shipping, they're nice but not quite so pretty. They also make free custom rubber stamps.

Tips and Resources for Making your Own Tags 

Jewelry Hang Tags and Earring Cards
Tips for jewelry hang tags and earring cards that lend your jewelry a very professional impression and give your customers a way to keep in touch with you.
GalleriaLinda Showcase: How to Make Beautiful Earring Cards!
How to Make Beautiful Earring Cards! Now that I am addicted to making earrings after I took a wire wrapping class, I have had to figure out new photo elements, as well as how to display and ship the earrings.
Make Jewelry Tags from Business Cards
Make jewelry tags from business cards that you have printed professionally online, for a fantastically professional look. Pamela Vale shows you how to do it cheaply and easily.

Beautiful Custom Printed Tags on Etsy 

There are some wonderful shops on Etsy that sell unique hang tags.

Etsy :: BarkingDogsBoutique :: Scrapbook and Paper Craft Boutique
Handmade Cards and Tags
Etsy :: maxandbella :: Welcome to Max and Bella!
I am a graphic artist by nature and LOVE to create so if you have a special request, please convo me and I'll do my best to create something spectacular for you. =) Please note that a $5. custom design fee will apply. Thanks!
Etsy :: KnottyStash :: KnottyByNature's sister store!
Lots of pretty tags.
Etsy :: pacokeco :: Pacokeco's Scribbles - Yummy Paper Goodness
Yummy Paper Goodness
Etsy :: entertainingangels :: ....prettier than e-mail & cheaper than hallmark....
....prettier than e-mail & cheaper than hallmark....

Pretty Hang Tags on Flickr 

Some inspiration to look at.

Hang tags for scarves by wink designs

"Wink Designs" hang tags/ gift tags for patchwork scarves made...

merry xmas etsy hang tags :) by starrdesign

new custom hang tag order i shipped today to my lovely client meredith :)

50 assorted hang tags by Past Work

SOLD

hang tag galore by lutterlagkage

A bunch of new tags for the shop. Finally!

Shipping Tag by queenbeeamy

Letterpress printed Hang Tag.

Captured Crow Hang Tags ~ Orange by pumpkinseedmama

Just listed these on ebay.

Hang Tags by Kevin Mungunfun

These handmade hangtags include a stencil on one side and custom artwork on the ...

craft show hang tags by circleinthesand.etsy

recycled from boxes.

Hang Tags - Set 1 by Outlined.

Made from Amy Butler paper.

Set of 15 Pink Brown and Mint Green Retro Gift or Hang Tags by Paper-Pixie

See profile for more info

Handmade Recycled Paper Hang Tags by Claudia's Creations

This set of hang tags are 100% post consumer waste handmade recycled paper.

Lily Hanging Gift Tags by AlbinaRose™

DIY Design Book 

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Creating Beautiful Packaging Video 

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More Video Tutorials for Creative Packaging 


Holiday How-To #1: Packaging

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Holiday How-To Series: #2 Branding your shipping materials

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Etsy Holiday How-To #3: Temping Hang Tags

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Sewing Jewelry Bags : About Sewing Jewelry Bags

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Box with Scalloped Lid

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Custom Gift Bags and Boxes 

Noadi's Art Jewelry Gift BagsGiving your customers something to keep their purchases in is a very helpful touch that they will appreciate. But instead of a plain bag or box give them something special. Try some of these ideas for making your gift bags and boxes stand out.

Spicing up gift boxes.

Use custom printed stickers
Or a custom rubber stamp
Sign them
Add ribbon around the edge
Decoupage vintage clipart onto them
Add a charm or button on top
Use ribbon or cord to make a carrying handle
Draw or paint on them.


Embellishing gift bags.

Add beads to the drawstring
Print out your logo onto iron-on transfer paper and iron the design onto the bag
Screen print your bag. Here is a DIY screenprinting tutorial
Sign the bag using fabric markers
Use iron-on transfers or applique.
Add a hang tag to the bag.


Try making your own bags and boxes!

Examples 

Some more of my packaging

Earrings packaged in small plastic bags with colored cardstock backing and labels printed with my business name. You can also see my new tag and examples of the different fabric bags I use.

Tutorials and Patterns for Making your Own Gift Bags and Boxes 

Make a Jewelry Pouch without Sewing - Tutorial
Make a jewelry pouch with this tutorial - it's simple, fast, elegant, and no sewing is needed!
Good Luck Gift Bags - the purl bee
Very cute bag pattern. I adapted it for making my gift bags.
YarnEnvy: How To Make My Leetle Bag
As promised, I made another Leetle Bag and documented the process for you.
How to Make Jewelry Boxes
You can make jewelry boxes for your customers quickly and easily, with this fun do-it-yourself project.
Origami Instructions - Origami Box Instructions
Origami folding instructions - Use pretty colorful papers for gift boxes to make them stand out.
Gift Boxes by Shala
Free Printable Boxes by Shala
Packaging Templates
Different box designs.
» Packaging vettoriale gratis » Idee Montabili
Vector based package designs. Site is in Italian but it's pretty self explanatory/
Craft Leftovers » Boxing Up Giving
These boxes are great to add a little extra something special to any small gift. I like them for any kind of jewelty, stitch markers, and other small handmade goodies for friends.

Pretty Gifts Bags and Boxes on Etsy 

Sellers with great containers for your products.

Etsy :: gamiworks :: gamiworks ~ International and Wholesale Orders Welcome!
Chiyogami Gift Tins
Etsy :: lisasshop :: Lisa's Shop
Cute bags, boxes, envelopes, etc.
Etsy :: tweedylane :: Tweedy Lane Designs
Pouches
Etsy :: boxbliss :: Custom Designed & Sized Packaging for Products & Favors
Custom Designed & Sized Packaging for Products & Favors
Etsy :: paperpanache1 :: PAPER PANACHE
Cello Bags - cellophane candy bags
Etsy :: CobwebSupplies :: CobwebSupplies
Organza bags, vinyl bags, bottles and boxes.

Custom Bubble Mailers 

Bubble mailers are those cute little padded envelopes that are great for sending small items. They also work great as protective packaging for your small items sold at shows and festivals. 27 Things has a great tutorial for making your own cute custom bubble mailers out of colorful art paper.

Make Your Own Bubble Mailer Tutorial

Alternately you could cover pre-made mailers with wrapping paper, add a custom sticker, or rubberstamp of your logo to one.

Photos of Handmade Bubble Mailers 

Double Trouble Bubble Mailers by 27things

custom order: handmade bubble mailers, 20 pieces

Retro Stylin' Double Trouble Bubble Mailer // Olive set by 27things

set of 1 ~6x9" and 2 ~4x6" handmade bubble mailers

Double Trouble Bubble Mailers 2 by 27things

6"x9" handmade bubble mailers

Bubble Mailer Back by paraparatara

Crafty Goodness

Bubble Mailer Front + Back by paraparatara

DSC04816 by neccies

I made this bubble mailer using instructions from

Vintage paper bubble mailers by Swirlyarts

Bubble mailers made with a vintage children's dictionary. This is the front and ...

. packaging by Street & S z a h

Handmade bubble mailer.

making emelopes! by 27things

Are we there yet? The pile grows.

Lavender Lovelies by 27things

Set of 3 handmade bubble mailers.

Explosive Alphabet by 27things

Set of 2 handmade bubble mailers.

Vintage paper bubble mailers by Swirlyarts

Bubble mailers made with a vintage children's dictionary. This is the back and t...

Bubble Mailers to Decorate 

100 #2 8.5x12 KRAFT BUBBLE MAILERS PADDED ENVELOPES #2

Amazon Price: $19.75 (as of 10/07/2008)

50 #0 6x10 KRAFT BUBBLE MAILERS PADDED ENVELOPES 6 x 10

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

100 #1 7.25x12 KRAFT BUBBLE MAILERS PADDED ENVELOPES #1

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

Other Easy Ideas 

Try incorporating some of these into your packaging.

Instruction or care sheets. Make these colorful as well as useful.
Custom rubber stamps.
Use embossing powder to give your stamps some added impact.
Custom stickers (you can buy sticker paper for printing them at home).
Business cards. Include one or two with each purchase.
For jewelry makers make custom earring and pin display cards.
Ribbons are always an easy touch.

Packaging Resources and Inspiration 

TheDieline.com: The Leading Package Design Blog
The Ultimate Package Design Blog! TheDieline.com defines good graphic design and product packaging in consumer products in industries such as food and drink, bath and beauty, alcohol, and more. Well designed packaging establishes consumers' perception of the brand and the product. We showcase the be
Packaging Digest
The online packaging resource for delivering packaging solutions to packaging professionals
DZINE - PACKAGING DESIGN
Smitten by packaging design
COLOURlovers :: Color Trends + Palettes
Find design inspiration with thousands of palettes and color schemes to fall in love with. Influence color trends by rating, commenting and sharing.
70 Amazing Business Cards - Fubiz™
Business card inspiration.
Beautiful and Expressive Packaging Design | Monday Inspiration | Smashing Magazine
Packaging design has the primary goal to attract customers' attention. For this purpose, package designs can not simply inform customers, but also provoke feelings and communicate emotions. An effective packaging looks attractive, impresses with its
10 Innovative Packaging Ideas - 9/8/2008 - Packaging Digest
Is your product getting ignored? Here are some great ideas on how to make your packaging stand out, get more attention, and sell better.
Seasonal Creative Label Packaging Ideas
Graphics.com: The shared resource for creative design. The shared resource for creative design.

Packaging as Branding 

Your packaging can be a great way to help brand your business.

Examples of Creative Packaging on Flickr 

For added inspiration

SENT: Totally Handmade December Package for "coloriffic swap-o-rama" by LimonVerde

I gave to this package my love, all of them are handmaded , i hope my swap pal w...

ButterflyChicBoutique Handmade Gift Box, Pink Splatter, Size ?5? and Pink Textured size ?1.5? by Butterfly Chic Boutique Blog

This is one of my most popular box styles, it's my flower box. Great for packagi...

"Butterfly Delight" - Custom Handmade Buttons w/ Packaging by AWI77

Custom, handmade AW177 buttons, based on my blue and pink "Butterfly De...

Creative Packaging! by luckycoloryellow

This box went with a Narwhal Necklace. So cute!

My Jewelry Oriental Packaging.. by elsakawai™

This is an Oriental Fortune Bag :) that protect the necklace and a fortune note ...

fay wray wrapper by baking with medusa

handmade packaging

Handmade packaging from recycled catalogs 4 by madhatrk

RECYCLE THOSE CATALOGS! This is how I'm wrapping my handmade gifts this year! D...

creative packaging! by scarycake

i don't have any real packaging exept for jewelry bags, and pink paper. but i ha...

set 1 in packages by Euro_Trash

gift-ready packaging now available! by handsinpockets

all etsy and mintd orders will receive free gift-ready packaging... white jewelr...

gamera goodey bag by baking with medusa

handmade packaging

Voila! Finished packaging by imagecapsule.etsy.com

A Vancouver shop has just ordered some jewelry from me for their grand opening i...

soap packaging prototypes by cascioli

lilac-lime scented soap

Pod Packaging by The Intuitive Garden

Pod packaging.

New Year, New Packaging by aquabeet

Aqua is my new packaging, beet is the old. I got such a deal on satin at the fab...

New name card design and packaging by Tinkle Art Room

My new name card and packaging design.

My new package and label by imagecapsule.etsy.com

I just created this new package. I used kraft paper and tissue paper to wrap up ...

Packaging I've been playing with by unordinary_org

Packaging for hand painted necklaces and three packs of old mini-comics and butt...

What Not to Do 

Inconsistent. Keep things looking consistent, I don't mean everything has to be the same, but the style and theme of your packaging should all have a similar feel.

Inappropriate. This should be easy, make the product and packaging match. If it's retro styled give the packaging a retro look. If it's Victorian don't put it in a tied-dyed box.

Unproffessional. If you're here I'm sure your not planning to just slap something together quickly. Make sure glued items don't have edges sticking up, corners aren't ripped off tags, all text is correct and spellchecked.

Presentation at Art and Craft Festivals 

Festivals and shows are a great opportunity to put your packaging ideas to the test. Don't hide all your packaging away in a box behind the checkout area. Put out a little display to show your customers exactly what they'll gets when they purchase one of your products.

Getting Started with Festivals and Shows 

Handmade Business Books 

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Pen a Message 

Leave your comments or questions here.

garywgoldstein

In marketing, we have a budget for packaging. It is important how your product looks. Great lens!

Posted September 23, 2008

seedplanter

I'm going to share your lens with a friend who sews toddler outfits at Etsy. She'll love it. Five *****'s & a fave!

Posted September 09, 2008

MomwithAHook

Fabulous tips. Sweet packaging too.

Posted September 05, 2008

vbright105

Great lens. I am still learning the HTML for all of this! I enjoyed the information here too. Very well done!

Posted September 03, 2008

jeffwend

Beautifuly displayed lens, now it's great that you are so artistic both with your web design along with your home made products. 5* and blessings

Posted August 25, 2008

 
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About Noadi

Hi! I'm Sheryl, I'm a sculptor and jewelry designer, I create in polymer clay and mixed media, please visit Noadi's Art to see my work. I'm obsessed with cephalopods as you will see in many of my lenses.

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I live in Maine with my family and large menagerie of pets including dogs, cats, goats, and a llama.

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