Showing posts with label Stationery and Packages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stationery and Packages. Show all posts

Faraway Friends & UncommonGoods








Love, relationships, progress, joy... distance. Ah, distance my old friend. Why, is it that we find ourselves so far from some of the most important people in our lives? Separated by oceans and excessively priced air travel and often times tears too. We are spread across a globe so vast and yet our hearts can feel so close together. As a self-employed, hard working woman - very sadly I often find that my RSVP's to those dotted around the globe are of the negative type. No... sadly, regrettably, unfortunately, heart-achingly I will  not be able to attend your milestone birthday, your engagement to your true love, your beautiful wedding, the baby shower for your beloved bundle of joy. Of course these are not the words I use, but as a sentimentalist with many a faraway friend my heart feels these things when I can't jet across the ocean to celebrate with them. It is in those moments that I find it a close and comforting conciliation prize to send a special, heartfelt gift. However, I have found that sending something from South Africa often means it only gets there months later. Over time I have discovered a small batch of overseas stores and online sites from which to send that something special so it makes it in the nick of time. 

As I enter into a new chapter of my life along with many of my dear friends, there is so much to celebrate, but also not always a chance to hop or skip off to another country. Through searching and eventually finding I have become such a fan of UncommonGoods for spoiling those faraway friends who I can't see in person (must keep filling that piggy bank).  They do ship to South Africa, but you see that defeats the object (I must resist). Besides the above little shopping collection looking very suited to my tastes, I do assure you that it isn't for me (promise). A selection of perfectly found gifts and treats to spoil a few of my favourite people and there is even a chance for a touch of personalisation for a hint of extra love. Whether I am thinking of one of my best friends Tammy in London and her penchant for cats and fashion, or the most organised friend I have... Misha, in Colorado I know that each will receive something chosen with love by me, packaged up with care and posted off safely.

The bonus for my business brain is the handmade, artisanal approach of UncommonGoods. A selection of creative, carefully curated products that tell a story and in turn support makers, crafters and artists - just  a few of my favourite "job titles". 

"We're growing not only our artist family, but also a strong following of customers who celebrate artists and delight in surrounding themselves with creative design." 
~ UncommonGoods ~

Okay, but quick side note please look at the Llama purse, too good to not have and the kitty bracelet. That's all... I will stop, it's gift list after all.

2016 Voucher Package: Give the Gift of Success




















-It seems at this time of the year there are two types of personalities that arise. One is focused on making sure that they get the most out of 2016, using each day to the maximum. We still have a week or two left. Others are leaving it all for 2017. I call it the "new year myth"... for some reason we think we will magically be able to to tackle all we put off the minute the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve. I want to encourage you regardless of what your current mindset is... to start thinking ahead and to know that you need not wait until a new year to make changes, to feel inspired or to start living and working for your dream life.

I am offering the perfect gift for receiving via snail mail (well, speedy snail mail). Creative business and pretty parcels - my two passions are paired together in this year's voucher special. There are only ten available so please don't delay as they do sell out each year.

It is for a one on one consulting session for up to 90 minutes of business guidance. I run the sessions via Skype or FaceTime for those not based in Durban so everyone can make use of the service. It is one of the most popular aspects of my business where creatives get to tackle concerns or ideas directly related to their needs. The session is ideal for those just starting out or thinking of taking the creative business leap. It is however, suitable for creative businesses at any level. I cover what you would like me to. Sometimes it's a pep talk, or a strategy... it's up to you and if you don't know where to begin then don't worry, I can help with that too.There are only ten of these special packages available so don't delay. They sold out last year in record time.


This style of session is ideally suited to you if:
  • You want to make a change and shift careers into owning your own business, but you are unsure how to plot out your journey.
  • You are feeling like you need to change the way you work and achieve goals, but you're not sure where to begin.
  • You're an entrepreneur looking to grow and further build your brand.
  • You are a business owner who wants to improve your brand experience and streamline your offering.
  • Lifestyle Bloggers
  • Creative Business Owners
  • Start-Ups
How to buy your voucher / gift:
It's really easy to buy the voucher - email me with the following:
  • Your full name.
  • Name of person you are gifting it to / if not yourself.
  • Full detailed postal address for where you want it to be sent to, include the city please.
  • Name of closest post office to address (if you know).
  • Contact number of person voucher is being sent to.
  • I will then invoice you and once your payment is received - your order is confirmed.
Vouchers will be posted off on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th December and will arrive at the closest post office to the address the following day. I can either send it to you or to the person you are gifting it to (please specify). If you are based in Durban you can collect it or receive your items at your session.

For R500 you will receive:
  • A 90 minute session voucher (valid for six months).
  • A notebook to capture your ideas and to start planning for success.
  • Free overnight postage via Speed Services to your closest post office. 
  • Each package is wrapped in my signature style and includes a free postcard and extra creative surprise to add some extra joy to unwrapping the parcel.
The total value is R650 including all the little added extras and the overnight postage, but I'm offering it for R500. The voucher is valid for up to six months so the recipient can book a session to suit their schedule.

3 "No Sew" Craft Projects with Skinny laMinx

Somewhere along my creative journey I haven't managed to learn how to sew. I can do the odd thing here and there, or add a button when needed. I have a fabric collection and a rather lovely sewing box, but to date no major project has been made. Never mind powering up a sewing machine (I tried once - ended with a bobbin hitting my head). With that thought in mind I have created three super easy and fun "no sew" craft projects with Skinny laMinx's DIY Squares / Fat Quarters (best word combo ever). 

It's Making Friday and the ideal day to push aside the norm of desk work, shake off the bore of digital and get your mind engaged in a colourful and creative way! Let's make...

Three Super Easy "NO SEW" Craft Projects:
Square Gift Wrap:
No cutting required - add your gift and fold it, lastly secure with a pretty pin or brooch.
Wrapping on the run!
Gift or Decor Bow:
This is my personal favourite (totally bias). It is so easy - I cut the size with pinking shears (so fancy) and cut a thin piece of fabric and tied it around the centre. You can add a dot of Sew Simple glue from Bostik if you want to secure the pieces in place or add a stitch or two to secure it.

Brooch Hoop:
Embroidery hoops are available from most haberdasheries or hobby shops. This is beyond easy - you just secure the square within the hoop, tighten it and cut off any excess fabric. You can add ribbon through the top to hang it up. Ideal for showcasing your favourite pins or brooches.
With your little scraps from the above - thread them through large coloured paperclips which are lovely as bookmarks or keeping your place in your diary. Works very well in my Filofax. Or perhaps even cut a tag to add to a gift. Once you start cutting, sticking and having fun - you really can come up with so many ideas. Now, just imagine if you can actually sew!

Skinny laMinx is one of my favourite local creative businesses and I admire Heather and her team's work so very much. In fact... I use the business as one of the branding examples at my creative business workshops - the team kindly sent over a range of elements to showcase their inspired look and feel. Additionally, Making Friday (or any creative time) is key to innovation and development within business. It enhances your thought process and allows your mind to break free from the parameters we face daily. I truly suggest freeing up time to MAKE... you might just discover your next best seller or if all else fails you will get to enjoy some time out and who can argue with that!

Making Friday has taken on a range of shapes within the Skinny laMinx brand - from inspiration through to products... just take a look here or here.

Presents in the Post

Snail mail, surprises, pretty parcels - that sums up a few of my favourite things. I met Pammi-Joy the lovely owner of Presents in the Post when I hosted my creative business workshop in Cape Town. She is just as lovely as her beautiful name suggests.

"Presents in the Post is a subscription service and online store that introduces you to upcoming South African designers. We surprise you or a person of your choice with a custom present in the post."

I was delighted to be on the receiving end of one of the beautiful gifts on offer. I particularly like the process and questions in order to match you with your secret surprise which offers a girl and boy option... or shall I say masculine and feminine. The site prompts you with clues and you can select whether it's a personal pressie or one for a friend. I think it's the ideal gift option too, making things easy and convenient with the quirky wrapping and option of a handwritten note! Fun, local and ever so clever!

Inside my cute parcel was a limited edition print by Kirsten Sims which offers a whimsical scene with the deepest shade of navy and twinkly stars. Even Daniel likes it and he is a tough one to convince. I found a plain, white frame at MRP Home for around R59.99 (I think) and it fits nicely. I wanted to frame it asap so that I could really enjoy the print. I am ever so tempted to get in touch with Kirsten to understand the inspiration behind it, I have made up my version already. 

Whether you are in need of a personal spoil or an inspired gift for a loved one - head over to Presents in the Post and be charmed by a sweet concept that offers kindness, care and something special. 

Craft Haul

Hello there and hello to 2016 too! Somehow my holiday is over and I am expected to return to normal life and work. Yikes! I am confused as to how we have to recover from over three hundred days of madness in a mere two weeks. It makes no sense to me - aren't we suppose to have a longer break? Much the same can be said for weekends too.

We were really fortunate to have time away with family and friends in Cape Town. To ease the stress of a long year I decided to invest in some new crafty goodies. You know... I had to and they are total necessities that are required to sustain life (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). I spent a rather long time in Cape Arts and Crafts and In Good Company much to the sighs and side glances from my family. I dream of visiting these places in anticipation of my trips to CT. As fellow stationery enthusiasts you can understand how absolutely fun it is to know you have permission to shop. In addition, I can justify it because I actually ensure I use the items partly for personal use and for gifting and snail mail. No stationery hoarding here!

Now that I have explained why I went crazy in craft shops, I will actually show you what I bought. I could have added heaps more to my baskets, but had to reign it in or else I would be eating beans on toast for the rest of 2016.





Shopping List:
Simple Stories - SN@P Magnetic Page Markers, Insta Quote Stickers and Insta Squares
Simple Stories - So Fancy Bits and Pieces
My Mind's Eye - Market Street by Jen Allyson Flair Pins
KaiserCraft Hello Today Clear Stamps

Doughnut Lipbalm / dotcomgiftshop
Washi Tapes
Floral Table Confetti / Ginger Ray

The biggest question I get is... "But what will you do with it?" and I am happy to show you what I have already gotten started on in my Filofax.


Have you bought any lovely new stationery lately and from where - I would love to know?
P.S. In addition to my business related Instagram account (click here) I also have an account dedicated to planning and how I use my Filofax - @nvdmplans (click here). Pop by to share in my crafty journey.

Voucher Special: The Gift of Creative Business Success


January is just around the corner and it always fills me with joy when I can open my new diary, begin goal setting and preparing for a happy and successful year ahead. To celebrate an awesome year and to spoil you - I am offering the perfect gift for receiving via snail mail (well, speedy snail mail). Creative business and pretty parcels - my two passions are paired together in this year's voucher special. Details below - there are only ten available so get in touch asap.

What is the voucher for?
It is for a one on one consulting session for up to two hours of business guidance. I run the sessions via Skype or FaceTime for those not based in Durban so everyone can make use of the service. It is one of the most popular aspects of my business where creatives get to tackle concerns or ideas directly related to their needs. The session is ideal for those just starting out or thinking of taking the creative business leap. It is however, suitable for creative businesses at any level. I cover what you would like me to. Sometimes it's a pep talk, or a strategy... it's up to you and if you don't know where to begin then don't worry, I can help with that too.

There are only ten of these special packages available so don't delay. They sold out last year in record time.

How to buy your voucher / gift:
It's really easy to buy the voucher - just email me so I can get the correct details - please include:
  • Your full name.
  • Name of person you are gifting it to.
  • Postal address for where you want it to be sent to.
  • Name of closest post office to address (if you know).
  • Contact number of person voucher is being sent to. 
I will then invoice you and once your payment is received - your order is confirmed.

Vouchers will be posted off at the end of this week and will arrive at the closest post office to the address by Tuesday 22nd December. I can either send it to you or to your friend - please specify. If you are based in Durban you can collect it or receive your items at your session.

For R400 you will receive:
A two hour session voucher (valid for six months).
A notebook to capture your ideas and to start planning for success.
Free overnight postage via Speed Services to your closest post office. Will arrive by Tuesday 22nd December.
Each package is wrapped in my signature style and includes a free 'Season's Greetings' postcard.

The total value is R550 including all the little added extras and the overnight postage, but I'm offering it for R400 up until Thursday 17th December. The voucher is valid for up to six months so the recipient can book a session to suit their schedule.

To buy your voucher - just email me (click here).

Here are a few kind words from Colleen van Heese - Lieflingkind Stationery & Design. Colleen received a voucher last year as a Christmas gift from her kind and sweet husband.



A Package to Post

*When I'm not working with creative business owners and brands - I like to take a little break and send snail mail. This global revolution has sparked off an industry that has built new businesses, websites and inspired several books (like this one). Earlier this year I wrote an article for Ideas Magazine to share and educate fellow creatives on the art of correspondence.

I'm just about ready to post off this snail mail to a friend. I haven't taken part in much swapping or mailing this year, so it was really nice to take some time out and get creative. I've seen a few ideas on Pinterest using a folder to package up pretty things for your penpal. I had a ready-made folder which I decorated and added the envelopes to. The Pukka tea is for the receiver (I don't want to mention her name so that it will be a surprise) to enjoy while opening / reading the letter I sent. I filled each envelope with an assortment of papery things like stickers, Project Life Cards and a few other flat stationery items. I used mostly MT washi tape bought from Washi Bug. It works so well, sticks consistently and the colours are beautiful. 

I added the gold Chinese style knot button which allows the folder to close. The details are a mix of washi tape and I used lots of Amy Tangerine stickers.



I've been loving the tassel trend and they are so easy to make. I found some really cheap wool in a local haberdashery and made a few to add to gifts. The Typo paper bags / envelopes are perfect for wrapping too.

I found this vintage floral print style hanky at Pep (love a random bargain), it was only R4 and I used it to wrap up a bunch of smaller stationery items. The pattern is bright and happy - a lot like Cath Kidston (on a budget). The plain kraft circle tags are from m.studio.

The lovely heart tag is from Millamae - it's the perfect base for decorating.

I hope you enjoyed seeing inside my snail mail envelope before it sails the seas and heads faraway.

Staying Creative Makes Business Sense

In between my 'real work' - I still love to get creative when I can. It's been a productive and busy couple of months on the consulting and business workshop side. It's still very important to make time for making as I believe it keeps the creative mind inspired. 

 If you find that your hobby has changed into your business then I want to urge you to make time to do something small for your own creativity. We start out on the journey of creative business to shake off the shackles of corporate life or to create a world in which we can be the BOSS LADY. Along the line our passion, sideline or hobby turns into our full-time job. Essentially it's perfect... what could be better than doing what you love each day? The only thing is... it becomes WORK, no matter what. We lose a sense of direction or even innovative thinking when we don't create just for the fun of it. 

 You will see there are some wonderful business women out there who understand this concept. Two awesome local examples:

Fathima of Happiness Is and her 'doodle a day' series on Instagram. Fathima is one busy boss lady, but she is also a wonderful illustrator. This project allows her to dedicate time to creativity that isn't related to her work, yet encourages innovative thinking.

Heather Moore's 'Making Friday' is no secret and it's explored in one of her latest blog posts. It's a great way to free up time to focus on just doing something for the sake of enjoyment.

I recently also read this great article which shares why routine and creativity need to work in unison. Fantastic inspiration and insight which explores the routines of several very famous creative minds.
In my world I fall into the same trap... work takes centre stage and the idea of creating just for fun can seem foreign. I have, however realised that by not re-fueling creatively I can't actually stay inspired. This goes beyond looking at Pinterest or pretty pictures - it gets back to basics and the enjoyment of using your hands to make. So off you go... get making! You need not spend hours a day away from you desk or to do list, but just do a little something that reminds you why you do what you love... there could be a brilliant idea just waiting to be uncovered.

My own example...
This little gift was truly a labour of love and it took ages to finish. It was one of those things that I would work on when I got a gap. It offered an escape slotted in between deadlines and emails, just a happy ten minutes now and again.

I used an old watch that I found at a second-hand shop and removed the strap. Gold ribbon from Ebony & Ivory formed the base of the watch fob concept. The buttons are vintage paired with bird washi tape, which I varnished onto the button so it would stay put. Lastly I sewed on a brooch back and then I finished it off with a strip of gold leather which folds over the back. The envelope is decorated to compliment the gift. Plenty of love and care went into this and I do hope that it's enjoyed and worn with pride. I hope to make more time for creating gifts and making, it gives my business orientated mind a little holiday leaving me refreshed and focused once more.

Tried & Tested: MFM Series #5 / Giveaway



It's the first Meet Free Monday of 2015! Things have been so busy as the year has kicked off and I have been trying to find a way to still do MFM posts, but make them work with my schedule. Last year I explored a range of lovely products via my review series. There were a few beautiful products that I wanted to share to round it all off. These are products that don't necessarily fit into only one category and they aren't only for getting organised, but work wonderfully for gifting too! They all have my seal of approval!

Featured are the following delightful local brands:
> Sequined Hanger from Lovilee / R155 and available in three colour options.

> Birthday Calendar from La Cartoleria / R122 and you can email Vicki for orders or visit her stand at I heart Market.

> Notebooks, pegs & magnets from Miss Milly  / email Theresa for prices and orders.

I wanted to share how I use these products in my office and home. The hanger proudly holds my calender from Bright Bazaar / Mollie Makes, paired with the birthday calendar on my home office wall. Both hang right next to my desk so I can glance over at any time. I just love the look of this and they both make me smile.

The Miss Milly stationery items have come in so handy with my snail mailing as they are easy and lightweight to post. Plus the colours are cheerful and ever so happy!

To to see more on these beauties - just visit the links above. Happy MFM!

Lovilee has offered a beautiful giveaway of one of the sequin hangers with clips. To enter is easy and you can select which colour you would like, gold, silver or black. I love my sequin hanger and have found it so useful for hanging pretty things in my office.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 The Serious Stuff:
This is a local, South African only giveaway.
Sometimes Rafflecopter experiences technical difficulties like all modern technology. If you can’t enter for some reason, try again later and it should work.

Durban Craft Workshop: SOLD OUT


Details:
Date: Saturday 31st January 2015  SOLD OUT
Venue: The Benjamin (141 Florida Road, Durban)
Time: 11h00 - 14h00
Cost: R300 includes craft supplies, coffee / tea and cake (and a giveaway).

What will we be creating? We will be working on beautiful packaging and wrapping with some really awesome supplies including heaps of tape from Washi Bug. I will be teaching the workshop and sharing my tips for beautiful gift wrapping and crafty ideas for packaging.

There are only ten places available and to book you can just email me to reserve your spot or let me know if you have any questions. I will invoice you and payment is due to confirm your place.
Hooray - I'm so excited to get creative and have some fun!

*Click here to see photos from last year's craft workshop here.

My 2014 Planning Companion

In 2014 I became the overly excited and proud owner of a Planner - much like a Filofax. The reason I call it a 'Planner' is because Filofax is an acutual brand of planners (make sense?). 
I blogged about the trend in 2013 and had my eye on several beautiful versions online. However, in South Africa these stationery beauties are few and far between. I discovered mine at Typo (on sale) and have had countless emails since, asking me where I got it or if I could offer insight into where to find one. To add to the interest the most viewed posts on my blog are the Filofax / Planner related ones - each post brings in daily traffic via Pinterest. I don't mind... blog traffic is awesome, especially this kind as it means lovely creative people are reading my posts and that makes me damn happy.

This year I have not bought a new diary, but rather refilled my beloved Typo Planner. As you can see by all the photos above it was truly my 2014 companion. While I was working on the 2014 Favourite Posts recap I went through my photos and thought... yikes - I took so many photos of my humble little Planner. I love it and it really helped me through what I would consider my most organised year to date (see what I did there).

The second element to last year's journey was 'My 2014 Personal Life Changes'. On reflection I felt that they guided me and kept me anchored. They helped me to focus on what was important and when in doubt I was able to reread the post. Of course some were far more difficult than others to maintain. This year my life changes / goals continue on a very similar level or note. With a search for positivity and removing myself from unnecessarily negative situations. This includes elements of social media that I don't enjoy or no longer need. 

Goals are a huge part of what I teach my clients so I feel that they are absolutely essential to making things happen in your life and business. That paired with accountability are two of the fundamental elements for a productive and ultimately happy life. Thrown in with the life changes are of course my own business goals and personal growth that I want to attain. Currently one such goal is finishing my decor project for my new office - which is work in progress.

I'm looking forward to sharing even more of my planning, life, happy moments, goals and business knowledge with you in 2015! If you're reading this or you enjoyed this post then please leave a comment. I really love hearing from readers.

What is on your mind as the new year starts? Have you made any resolutions or goals?

 These are a few other creative people's goals I have read / watched so far:
Fathima from Happiness Is / Also check out her printables on Lanalou Style for your own goal setting.

Packaging Inspiration


Whether you package up products for your business or love sending snail mail - I thought I would share this parcel with you. It's for Danni from ohhellofriend who also happens to be one of my favourite creative people in all the world! As usual I used heaps of washi tape to create the base for my decorating. To inspire me while I wrapped I looked through Danni's Instagram and site to get a sense of what is catching her eye at the moment. It helped me to ensure that unwrapping this brings her true happiness. It also guided me to steer away from some of the usual colours that I like and to rather opt for options that suit her taste.
Do you have any creative projects on the go?

Favourite, Useful & Creative Posts: 2014

Each year goes by faster and faster. 2014 was no different. I think it was a very good year - there were ups and downs, happiness, tears, joy, success, failures and triumphs. I can hardly believe that I wrote more than a hundred posts on this little blog! Wowee! Let's take a look back at some of my favourites.

Here goes...

Photo round-up from the Joburg workshops - I loved having Mariaan of m.studio at my Joburg workshops to capture the creative details.


My 2014 Personal Life Changes - this post is a favourite as it helped me to stay on track. By writing the changes down and sharing them with you I made myself more accountable.

A Check List for Creatives: Is 2014 your Year - A few things to work on before you quit your full-time job. This post is as relevant now as a year ago.

DIY with Skinny laMinx: Getting Crafty with Up in the Air - It was an honour to prepare and write this as a special project for the Skinny laMinx team.

I featured my best friend Sam's wedding - a personal post sharing a few of the details from the day.

Design Indaba Conference 2014: A few simple lessons which are great to reflect back on.

Creative Business Tips: Dealing with Competition. Useful at any stage of your creative business journey.

Lessons via Cath Kidston: Three easy and fun business lessons via Cath Kidston. I love this beautiful and inspirational brand.

Use your Public Holiday Wisely: Three simple things you'll be thankful for later. Free time... be sure to use it.

A busy time... a glimpse at a few of my business and creative adventures.

Cookie Recipe & Label Printable Freebie - my lovely creative assistant Claire, designed this  just for you! It's an easy recipe and the gift element makes it even more fun.

The Etsy Party 2014 was a huge creative success - giveaways, freebies and of course lots of crafting.

Craft Workshop - the first of many! I hosted a small workshop where we wrapped and had fun with loads of washi tape.

I turned thirty and loved every moment of it! I was spoilt and felt very loved.

Brand Spotlight - featuring Zana, a really great and successful local brand.

Tried & Tested: Current Favourites - several goodies that are great to add to your shopping list.

A Few Thoughts via GFWS - business lessons and tips from some of the world's greatest chefs.

Snail Mail Ideas: Wrapping Inspiration - this is a new post featured just last week, but I really like the way it turned out.

Farewell 2014! Here's to an even more creative 2015! Wishing you all the best!

Snail Mail Ideas: Wrapping Inspiration

In between my real work I always try and fit in some snail mail wrapping and crafting. It makes me so happy and I love seeing a package come together. There is a sense of achievement in finishing it, coupled with the joy of giving. What could be better... than a bit of DIY fun! With all the Christmas inspiration flying around the internet - I thought I would rather share some snail mail inspiration which is relevant all year round.

I like to layer lots of random goodies like stickers, tags, fabric and buttons when I wrap small gifts. It creates a colourful combo of textures which is sure to make my pen pal smile.
I love using buttons to finish off a parcel. This minty polka-dot one and bird button are unique finds, but also really cheap. Paired with some washi tape and twine they add a unique touch.
Plain paper bags are useful as you can decorate them as you see fit. Sometimes I leave them plain and add a small detail or I add lots of strips of washi tape to brighten things up.
Like most crafty people I have a huge stash of supplies so I don't actually have to head out and buy more items to get creative with (often I can't resist though). I like to keep my items neat and tidy so I can really have a good look and use the things I have. It also encourages me to make hand crafted gifts rather than buy snail mail pressies. I had these stickers made to match my branding, but there are loads of stamps out there or ready to buy stickers which you can add to your handmade creations.
I like to decorate the padded envelopes which I send snail mail in, but I find if I do it too intricately it gets damaged. Small additions like washi tape on the outside makes it pretty and also tells your pen pal that there is something exciting inside (rather than the boring old mail most people receive).
I like to wrap individual items so that my pen pal has several small packages to unwrap. I use wrapping paper, paper bags and also pretty pages from magazines. I often buy packs of items like pens or notebooks and then split them up so that I can give them to different people.

It's also fun to just send papery items now and again - which is a great deal cheaper to post. I like to fill a bag or envelope with a nice note, some stickers, cards and other flat crafty items.

Making gifts can be super simple. I made this small brooch using a mix of buttons, thread, a piece of felt and a brooch back. It didn't take long at all, but it's a piece of hand made love for a special faraway friend. I found a simple black box and packaged it up. 

 Snail mail is such fun and I hope this inspires you to get creative.
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