Shout-out to Nashville Wraps

If you haven't heard of them already, they are the phenomenal online resource for all things packaging! So far, I have ordered pillow boxes (for hot cocoa packets in OOT bags), organza bags (for toiletry items in OOT bags), cello bags (for OOT bag snacks), tin tie bags (for candy buffet packaging), and truffle boxes (for OOT bag goodies). Their prices are ridiculously reasonable and order processing/shipping are fast!

If you need any type of packaging for your wedding (or any other event for that matter), check them out. They rule!

DIY Tears of Joy

I have a fascination with Tears of Joy tissues:

So I've decided to make my own. The first step is to order glassine bags. They are the type of bags that stamp collectors keep valuable stamps in. I'm going a different direction- I'm opting instead to keep valuable Kleenex in mine.

They are relatively inexpensive and can be ordered from paper and philately supply stores (like how I worked in a S.A.T word?). I purchased my glassine envelopes from the NOLA Stamp Shop on eBay. The #3 size, which measures 4¼” x 2½”, is perfect for 2 tissues. If you purchase the travel-sized packs of tissues, they are already perfectly folded!

While Wayne was packaging up cocoa, I got to work on the tissue packets:

I ran out of tissues before I could get them all finished, but I'm well on my way to completing this DIY project.

A lot of folks have ordered custom labels from online label vendors, but that gets expensive when you factor in shipping. Instead, I purchased a rectangle paper punch and designed my own labels (which I clearly love to do):

Once I finish stuffing the remaining glassine envelopes, I'll do a ribbon wrap and affix the label on each packet. I intend to include them with the program on each chair.

Packing Cocoa

As I mentioned earlier, we purchased a variety of cocoa packets for inclusion in our OOT bags. Since I'm really into creating custom packaging (if you don't believe me, read this post, this post, or this post), I decided to create cute little pillow packs for the cocoa. I ordered pillow boxes from Nashville Wraps, and when they arrived I enlisted some help to get started.

These cute little boxes are the perfect size for 2 gourmet cocoa packets from Land O'Lakes.

I created cute custom labels:

that I will print on glossy paper, trim to size and affix to the pillow box with a ribbon wrap. So ridiculously cute!

Dessert Buffet Labels

I finally decided that it was time to get the design shop in high gear. And by that, I mean it's time for me to get a move on (or "hubba, hubba" as my grandma would say) and get some DIY projects done now before the time crunch hits later this fall.

--Save the dates: Check (see them here)

--Dessert buffet plan: Check (see it here)

--Labels for dessert favor bags: Check (see them here)

I tried to tie in some graphic elements from our stationery, such as the flourishes and the fonts, but I gave them a little fun personality with the little swirly-doo at the top:

I think it looks like a vintage candy shoppe label, and coordinates with the other elements of the wedding.

I'm planning to hang them on the lids like the cute labels from this gorgeous Amy Atlas design:


Aside from actually baking the cookies and cupcakes (which can't happen until the week of the wedding), I think the dessert buffet is good to go. Oh, except for the fact that I haven't ordered ANY of the candy yet. I am planning to wait until fall so that I won't have to pay for expedited shipping or cold packs. I do; however, have a list of items and online retailers to make the process a little faster!

Candy Favor Labels

Check another thing off my list-- now I've completed the label for the favor bags that will accompany our dessert buffet. I've decided on plain white tin-tie bags that I got from Nashville Wraps for $16.95 (for 100):

I wanted to create labels that matched our stationery design motif, but was a little different to have its own personality.

This is what I came up with:

That makes 3 completed projects (well, completed when my new paper punches arrive and I actually print them out).

--Save the dates: Check (see them here)

--Dessert buffet plan: Check (see it here)

Whew the design shop is in full swing today!