Packaging Supplies & Sources
One thing I’ve been trying diligently to do, is simplify. I’ve slowly been going through cupboards, closets and drawers to sort through all my stuff. One of my recent projects was tackling all my packaging supplies. I’ve decided less is more, and have curated my collection down to the few items I use most frequently. The rest will be sold, donated or recycled. It feels like freedom.
I thought I’d share with you what I decided to keep and their sources. Nearly everything, I am able to store inside an antique tool box. I find it very convenient with the cubbies and handle. Plus, it limits the amount of things I can add to it.
The following items can be purchased at just about any grocery or discount store. These are supplies I like to keep on hand for homemade goods or other food related gifts:
Brown paper lunch sacks, waxed paper, parchment paper, paper sandwich bags, waxed paper bags, muslin bags, butchers twine and this natural hemp twine.
My favorite shipping tags can be bought at any office supply store. I leave some plain, and others I dye various shades. This gives me options without having to buy more.
And Martha makes my favorite labels. Their simple, classic, and gender neutral. They also provide convenient online templates for them. Sometimes I use them in lieu of a card.
Tape, a hole punch, pencils, and a felt tip pen are great basics. I find I usually don’t use much more than this. I do like to keep an eye out for vintage scissors, and I also really love these.
And having a roll of clear cellophane comes in handy, as well as, flat and square glassine bags in assorted sizes, and clear cellophane bags. Some of these are from bulk suppliers…you could split an order with friends, or there are lots of Etsy sellers offering similar, if not the same items, in smaller quantities. Not pictured are kraft boxes, a couple rolls of ribbon, and a few rolls of wrapping paper, that’s about it!
What about you? Are you a pared down kind of gal or more is better?
16 Responses to “Packaging Supplies & Sources”
I can’t get rid of stuff fast enough 🙂 Makes me wonder why I saved so much in the first place. Feels good to edit and only keep the items that truly work for me and fit my personal style. Less brings more of the good things in life. More just weighs you down.
My best – Diane
Couldn’t agree more Diane. Although, it’s taken me years to realize! It’s a tricky balance in my profession, as props seem to pile up overnight. Edit, edit, edit is my new mantra.
Have a great week!
It’s all so pretty in the antique box Heather! I have a ‘drawer’ with many of the same things. I also love the white paper bags (along with the brown). Now I need to find a pair of vintage scissors I saw in the basement a while ago.
happy week,
joan
Thanks, Joan. I forgot I had white paper bags…probably in the kitchen cupboards, which have yet to be tackled. Next on the list, I suppose.
Would love to see your supplies too. I’ve always adored your style!
I just keep what I use, and it looks remarkably similar to yours. I can no longer find the natural waxed paper bags locally, so thanks for the source! I use brown paper lunch bags often. They are so very useful. I absolutely love my assortment of stamps from Besotted Brand. They are wonderful to use with the shipping tags. Once I found those, I felt like I had just what I wanted and needed. But, maybe I need some muslin bags?! Your caddy is wonderful.
You’re welcome! If you have a Sprouts in your area, they carry them as well. And possibly Whole Foods. The muslin bags come in hand for gift cards and small candies or chocolates. 😉
Heather,
This is great information and timely, I’m trying to organize and pare down some of my supplies. Thanks for the information on where to find the items.
Karen
You bet! Thanks for stopping by the blog…have a great day!
Thank you for your sweet packaging tips! I’m in the middle of organizing everything. Custom gift wrapping is one of my specialties in my shop, so I have a crazy amount of goodies, though I am trying to reasonably downsize things. : )
: )
Julie M.
It’s so hard to pare down…especially when we “love” so many things! At least we’re off to a good start. 🙂
Paring down is my new mantra and I’ve started in my closet. What a mess of stuff – things I’ve been holding on to for some reason known only to the universe but now, it’s getting dealt with. Time to move on with less…it truly is more.
Also…I tried your recipe for the ultimate nut lovers granola and is now forever my favorite! Thanks so much for sharing this timeless recipe.
Beth
Hi Beth,
So glad you tried the granola! Isn’t it yummy? No more store bought at our house anymore!
Have a great week!
Oh my yes! Everyone loves it and is going in a couple of May Day baskets for friends (with the recipe, of course!). Now…to start a blog and share!
Sounds like a great list. I have a drawer of gift bags that I could never part with, but also never use. I should send them to the thrift store. I recently had a very hard time finding normal manilla tags recently, I think Office Depot has stopped carrying them. I found them in the close out section and bought all that they had. CRAZY!
Not crazy if we actually use all the stuff we buy. I’m just now learning to grasp the concept myself. Definitely feels better to have less clutter. Good luck with your sorting and parting. 😉
wow! this is such a good idea! informative! thanks for sharing! KIM
Comments are closed.