Did you know December 15th is the “safe cut-off” to mail packages at the standard rate to get them to their destination by Christmas? Holy Smokes! Where has December gone? Because we are knocking on December 15th…like now.
Last year mailing packages, for me, was a nightmare. You see, I’m a person that works well under pressure. I don’t like to say I procrastinate, because that just really doesn’t sound too good. I always have one person I just haven’t quite figured out…gift wise. That usually puts me down to the wire and paying extra to have my packages shipped on three day shipping.
I hate to say it, but last year they didn’t even make it in time…ugh.
Shocking? It’s the truth.
We sat around the tree and we all opened all the presents…except the ones from my family. So embarrassing. Plus I missed out on the giddy feeling I always get when someone is opening a present I picked out especially for them. Gah!
This year I am committed to having my act together. To getting it done. To not being the embarrassed one this year…I’ll leave that to someone else thank you. So I thought you might be wrapping presents to ship too. Here are my tips and tricks for wrapping presents to ship…on the cheap.
Tip #1: Think Flat
For once, being flat is a good thing. For years, I have wrapped presents that are pulled out of the shipping box looking a little worse for wear. They are squished, smooshed, and thrown around on their effort to travel across the country. Thankfully, I have a mother-in-law who fluffs them back up for me…love ‘ya Marilyn. But this year I am taking flatness to a new level.
No fluffy bows, no floral picks, no ornaments tied to packages. But how to make them look good?
I thought back to my scrapbooking days and decided that paper was the way to go. I created some printables that can be printed onto card stock, cut out, and added to packages to make them look just as festive as a big bow plus some give an inspirational little message.
Tip #2: Layers
When designing a room, interest can be added by mixing patterns and textures. Making a present interesting is really no different. My favorite way to add interest? Add more paper. Some people like to layer a lot of different ribbons together, and I can totally appreciate that. But I’m always striving to make a present look great while keeping the cost down. Nice ribbon can be pricey.
Here I layered two different papers on the present, then added one strip of ribbon and the paper printable. Using this technique means you can buy a little more expensive ribbon because it will go a little further. When layering papers remember big print and small print go together. Abstract and linear go together. Try to have one color in common between the two papers. I have seen some stunning packages with contrasting colors but that requires a little more of an “eye”.
Tip #3: Plan Ahead
Each year I try to pick a color scheme. This year, there are so many great papers that have a hint of black in them. That was my jumping off point. I hit the dollar spot at Target and the ribbon aisle in Hobby Lobby (not the Christmas ribbon aisle though). My favorite place for paper is T.J. Maxx, if you can believe it. A few ribbons are from last year. Because black was my starting point I just looked for paper that had a hint of black and then pulled in a contrast color, like red, to give it a pop. Buying when the season is over is always a great way to save money. Just be picky about what your picking out and don’t be lured away by a shiny paper that winks at you and says seafoam blue and beige would look so awesome. Put your blinders on and stick to the scheme.
In the spirit of Christmas giving I thought I would share a free printable with you. I included one you can download right now, in case you are in the midst of crazy Christmas package wrapping. Each free printable in the collection will come straight to your e-mail inbox if you subscribe to this little ‘ol blog.
If you have been a dedicated reader, thank you. I’ll be sending these all to you as well.
Here’s your free printable:
Just click here: Dashing All The Way PDF
Have a very, very, Merry Christmas (wrapping) season and a fantastic day!
Nancy
My awesome friend Lucy from Patina Paradise put together this incredible party list. Lucy and I, we like to party at the same places. You should come to the party…it’s a blast:
MONDAYS
Something to Talk About @ Spain Hill Farm 5AM CST
*Show and Share @ Coastal Charm 8AM or 8:30AM
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on The Porch
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 3PM
Inspire Me Monday @ Sand and Sisal 4 or 5PM
TUESDAYS
Moonlight and Mason Jars @ Cherished Bliss 10 or 11AM
* Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style 6pm
* Vintage Inspiration Party @ My Salvaged Treasures evenings at 7 PM
* Dream Create Inspire @ Refresh Living evenings at 7PM
* Swing into Spring @ DIY by Design at 10PM
What’s It Wednesdays @ Ivy And Elephants
WEDNESDAYS
Creative Spark @ Two Purple Couches 9AM
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson 2PM or 3PM
* Share Your Style @ The Vintage Nest + 7MORE BLOGS!!!!! 6PM CST
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours 6PM CST
THURSDAYS
Brag Worthy Thursday @ Bless’er House + 4 more blogs 5AM
Think and Make Thursdays @ Little Red Brick House + 7 more blogs!!! 5AM
*The Creative Circle @ Up to Date Interiors 8AM
Vintage Charm @ Charm Bracelet Diva 9AM
* Shabbilicous Fridays @ The Shabby Art Boutique 1:00PM
*Feathered Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage 3PM
Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted In Thyme 6PM
AKA Design-Weekend Retreat party 7 pm
Creativity Unleashed @ Practically Functional 6pm
*Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home 6PM
the weekend retreat @ AKA Design 6pm
Inspiration Friday @ The Painted Drawer 9PM
FRIDAYS
* A morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market 6AM
SATURDAYS
SUNDAYS
* Silver Pennies Sundays @ Finding Silver Pennies 6 or 7 AM
Inspiration Monday @ Our Southern Home + 6 more blogs! 1 PM
**Amaze Me Mondays @ Dwellings 5PM
