Last week I was feeling a bit blah, negative, icky, not nice. (I should have worn a sign that read “For your own good, run away. FAST. Before I open my mouth.”) You get the idea. Over the years, I’ve learned what helps me snap out of That Mood; do something nice for somebody else and stop thinking about me. Inspired by Jordan’s post I thought I would send some summer cheer to friends (both web and local).
I started with some store-bought library card pockets and downloaded the free library cards from Creature Comforts. I took the template into Illustrator and typed in the Title/Author/Date/Issued info before printing them out so each recipient would have their name on their card.
I bought some itty-bitty composition books and added a themed label.
Magnetic backed clothespins with Japanese masking tape.
There ended up being 3 versions. They all included:
- Single serving packet of Pink Lemonade
- Bubbles (labeled “For when you have some time to blow”)
- Mini Notebook
- Pack of Chiclets Gum
- 2 Magnetic Clothespin Note Holders
- Mice & Bird Stickers
- Personalized Library Card in Pocket
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
All the goodies wrapped up in a white bag and sealed with a label and MORE Japanese Masking Tape.
I made a shipping label for the envelopes.
I hope everyone enjoys their surprises. I had a blast making them and sure enough, my bad mood evaporated during the process. Yea!
That’s so kind of you! Reminds me that I need to get some of the Japanese masking tape. I’ve been a little bit of a cranky pants lately, maybe I should try this out!
What a fun idea, and great for the kids to participate in doing something for someone else too… (thinking aloud there) The bubbles are the cutest!
I received this yesterday – it MADE MY DAY. Thanks a bunch Whitney! Loved it – and loved seeing the Japanese masking tape in use! I took pics and will post.
Thanks again! xoxo.
Those are great! Also, I know how much you love your new masking tape so I thought I would pass on a site I found that has decorative packing tape.
It is so fun and pretty……
http://www.tapeswell.com/decorative_tape/decorative-packing-tape-c-1.html
Thanks Kayla! I’ve been to the site before and drool! I would love to design some of that tape. Such fun!
What a fun idea! I’m sure your friends were overjoyed!
Melissa,
Thanks for tweeting about the gift tags!
xo
Whitney
[...] I was busy making and packing and mailing Summer Surprise goodies for others, someone was doing the same thing for me! Look what lovely treat arrived in my mailbox [...]
I like your idea for lifting your own mood by doing for others. What a GREAT way to kill two birds with one stone!
This is so sweet. I love how you put special handmade care and personalization into your gifts. You gave me a great idea.
These are so stinkin’ cute + clever!