Quick Gift Bags

Recently my friend, Crystal, came over and we enjoyed visiting over tea and cookies.  Later when I saw her at church, she asked me what kind of tea I had served her.  It was the tea pictured above, Newman's Own Organic Black Tea.  It's not sold in any of our local grocery stores so I decided to fix her up with a little bag from my stash.  (I buy it from Amazon.)  

It was the perfect excuse for me to get out my Gift Bag Punch board and some patterned paper.  

Petal Passion Designer Series Paper

If you regularly read this blog, you've seen this paper several times!  I've used it on cards, scrapbook pages, and other projects.  I think that the black and white color scheme has a "dressed up" look to it and it seemed like a good choice for the tea bags that I wanted to give Crystal.  This paper is in Stampin' Up's Occasions catalog and is only available until May 31.

There are several gift-giving occasions in the month of May (including Mother's Day, graduations, end-of-school-year).  And sometimes it's fun to just surprise someone with a little gift out of the blue!  Having the gift bag punch board makes it really convenient to put together spontaneous gifts.  Here are photos of previous bags that I've shown here on my blog . . . 

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #6 - Use patterned paper to make gift bags.

If you would like to order a gift bag punch board, you can order one by following the easy steps in the right sidebar, under "shop now".  Or let me know and I will have it sent directly to you.  You can email me at godismydelight@yahoo.com.

Thank you for stopping here today!  

Small & Simple Gift Bags

It's nearly that time of year when most of us are thinking  about gifts.  During the holidays it's nice to have small & simple gifts on hand to give away to people such as:

• someone who has invited you into their home
• someone who recently did something kind for you
• someone with a birthday, who is not expecting a gift from you
• an elderly person who you are visiting
• neighbors
• your child's teachers or other "helpers"
• your hairstylist
• delivery people

For these "small & simple" gifts, I like to give chocolate candies, tea bags, packets of apple cider or hot chocolate.  Of course, there are all kinds of other gifts that would be enjoyed as well.

Today's "simple stamping tip" is one that I shared a few months ago:  

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #6 - - - Make your own gift bags using patterned paper.

These bags were quick and easy to make, with the Gift Bag Punchboard.   It punches out bags in a variety of sizes, from up to 3 5/8" wide and from 4" to 10" tall.   

Another reason I enjoy making these bags is because it is another way to use patterned paper.  The bags at the top were made from the Painted Autumn collection.  I am always surprised at how much "milage" I can get from one pack (12 sheets) of paper!  I bought a pack of this paper a couple of months ago and have made countless cards (many of which you've seen here on my blog) and scrapbook pages.  I am down to just a few scraps, but luckily I had enough to make a couple of bags.

Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper

The second set of bags were made from the Merry Little Christmas paper collection.  I have to admit that this is not an item that I would have bought!  But I won it in a contest for Stampin' Up demonstrators.  Black just doesn't seem like a traditional Christmas color to me!  However, I think that the black & white buffalo plaid has a nice winter look to it and I also like the floral prints that are included.

Merry Little Christmas Designer Series Paper

If you would like to get started on some hand-crafted packaging or cards this holiday season, let me know if I can help!   

Gift Bags

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #6:  Make your own gift bags using patterned paper.

Today I'm sharing with you another use for patterned paper (my favorite craft item).  Each of the gift bags above was created with paper from the Delightful Daisy paper from Stampin' Up.  I wish I had been keeping track of everything I've made from this ONE pack of paper!  If you are on a budget but still want to make pretty things, paper is the most economical thing you can buy.  I've made countless cards, several scrapbook pages, & these 3 gift bags, and I still have paper left over!  Our paper comes in packs of 12 12" x 12" sheets, with 2 sheets of 6 double-sided designs, and most of it is priced at 11.00. 

These bags were quick and easy to make, using the Gift Bag Punch Board.  

This tool is easy to use, with directions printed right on top of it.  You can make a variety of sizes, from 4" to 10" tall.  

These gift bags are perfect to fill with chocolates and give to someone as a birthday surprise or as a little hostess gift. 

If you have any questions about these products, or anything stamping-related, let me know!  You can order online by following the easy steps on the right side of this blog.  Also remember that there is a special going on until the end of July (just a few more days) . . . for every $50 you spend, you get a $5 coupon code that can be used during August.