Fluo, stripes and dots, oh my!

I got a little wrap crazy this year, but it was so much fun. Ostrich feathers, jingle bells, neon candy canes, sparkle fringe, branches…you name it and it snuck in. I am having an affair with printed washi tape right now. Hope your christmas was merry and bright!

Wrapping: Ideas and Inspirations

It could be that I have too many ideas…but distilling into graphic prints and fluorescents might be my favorite. And, of course, a little sparkle never hurt anybody.

See more fun with paper, packs, and wraps on my Pinterest inspiration board.

Gifts of Christmas Past

Last year’s presents were bright and fun. I’m trying to come up with a new scheme this year…but my packaging mind is all over the place! Usually the supplies have been gathered and the plan is ready by now. I’ve done purple and python print, hot pink and leopard, gold and houndstooth, kraft paper tied with buttons and pom poms…what next?

Finished Cupcake Kit.

Cupcake Kits (click for large)

I made Amanda and my mother “cupcake party kits” for Christmas, inspired by Amanda’s love of cupcakes and her pretty new kitchen. I picked out a bunch of patterned and colored paper cupcake liners on Etsy, ordered baker’s twine, and filled tiny sprinkle containers with pink sugar pearls. For the flag picks I used patterned scrap-booking papers, ribbon scraps (I have a lot), and kebab picks. Then I found clear paint tins at the Container Store, and made the labels at home. And I found a practical use for my squiggle scissors! They are so cute I didn’t even want to give them away. Which I knew would happen, so I made sure to buy lots of extra supplies for stocking my personal baking shelf.

Amanda received hers with a copy of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking (which someone beat me to, unfortunately…womp womp) and Tiffany blue mini-spatulas.

(click for large view)

Explorer of the World

One of my very best friends, Sade’, just celebrated her 24th birthday. Last night, after she blew out the candles on her cheesecake, we rode over to the drive-in theater in San Jose for a little movie magic. Sade has an adventurous heart, is easy to laugh, and is courageously original. Whenever I have a new idea or spontaneous undertaking, I call this girl. Very soon, she will be traveling to Israel on a new adventure! I wanted to give her something that she could use, but that had a sense of her contagious fun and whimsy.

I spent the day yesterday putting together this Explorer of the World Kit for her (and designing packaging because I’m a graphic design nerd). Thanks to The Container Store, a ribbon shop, and a few special trips around downtown, it includes:

• One Map of Israel and the Surrounding areas, in case of disorientation
• One Leather-bound Journal and No. 2 Pencil for making notes & observations
• One Pair of Binoculars for important discoveries and spy missions
• One Electrical Outlet Adapter to recharge cameras
• One large bottle of Anti-Homesickness Pills (Mike & Ike’s) to be taken as needed

Illustration for a wine label, Packaging 3 class. Dave McKean inspired, clearly.

This is what my Packaging class does for my portfolio. (say cheese)