Make DIY Gift-Giving Envelopes From Fashion Catalogs

Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel

Creating your own gift packaging is a great way to make your gifts look especially unique and personalized.

I’m always amazed by the clever ideas people come up with using materials found around the house. Remember this wrapping paper made from recycled security envelopes?

One of my most favorite repurposed materials has got to be magazines. The colors, graphics, and photography on those glossy pages are unlike anything you’ll find on a roll of wrap. (Or for that matter, bows. Remember these? How are your origami skills?)

Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel

When I saw that the oh-so creative Katrina Tan of Pugly Pixel had made these little envelopes from the pages of her JCrew catalog, well I just loved them. They’re petite, and stylish, and awesome. Just right for gifting something small like jewelry, cufflinks, or sweet treats. They’re quite perfect for party favors too.

Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel

Katrina used this nifty template from Jet Pens to whip out the envelopes in no time. Visit her tutorial for all the details to make your own.

Now tell me you don’t have stacks of magazines and catalogs hanging around? Give this a try!

Comments Off

Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel

Wrap it

Wrap Magazine: Issue 4!

Remember that awesome illustrated wrapping paper magazine we told you about a couple weeks ago? Wrap, Issue 4 is out!

The theme for the issue is, “the great continent of North America” with prints by illustrators from Toronto to Texas and NYC to LA. It includes great interviews and more articles than ever, plus they just announced a new subscription service to receive all three issues for this year (with June and October yet to come!).

Catch a glimpse of the latest issue in the video below, and see how to wrap with pages from Wrap!

4 Comments

Wrap it

Wrap: An Illustrated Magazine for Reading & Wrapping

Good morning from sunny San Francisco! We’ve been here just over a week, soaking it all in and meeting so many wonderful people. (Are you here? Let’s do coffee!)

A couple days ago I had the pleasure of meeting an awesome group of creative, artistic gals. Katy was one of them. She’s an illustrator and co-founder of Daughter Earth, with her sister Laura. Visit their blog, shop their store, send virtual hugs.

Katy introduced me to something jaw-droppingly wonderful, gift-givers. I’ve been so excited to share.

Wrap is a design magazine with a double purpose. It features the work of talented illustrators from around the world and once you’ve read the interviews with each artist, the large format pages can be put to use as wrapping paper. Wrapping paper!

Run by Chris and Polly in London, Wrap can be found in select news stands and museum gift shops worldwide. Issue Four will be available in their online shop next Tuesday. Catch a sneak peek of the next issue on the presses!

Once I get my hands on a copy one question remains: Wrap with them? Or frame them? Oh man!

Comments Off

Wrapped Magazine - Leslie Barnes and Ruth Munro

Gift it

Bold with a Sense of Adventure: 10 Statement-Making Gifts for Scorpios

ScorpioZociacPrint

Scorpio Zociac Print from Paule Trudel Bellemare

Scorpios, born October 24 – November 22, are symbolized by courage and power. They’re adventurous and confident, fiercely independent and intense, determined and ambitious. These qualities all add up to someone who makes a statement. Wish them the happiest of birthdays with these gifts that do the same.

Comments Off

Inspiration

Cozy Up to Autumn with Sweet Paul

Sweet Paul Magazine Fall 2011

Well he’s done it. Sweet Paul has officially transitioned me into the autumn spirit. It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, looks beautiful and smells divine.

If you’ve yet to explore an issue of Sweet Paul Magazine, you’re in for a real treat. You’ll find everything from warm apple cider and (even more) avocados, to tips on throwing a camping party, minus the camping. There’s recipes to inspire a harvest bake sale and even a spooky black Halloween.

Enjoy this quick peek, and then I recommend that you get comfortable, light a spicy candle and flip through for a while. You’ll be falling for autumn in no time.

Comments Off