Send Pretty Mail #41-45 - Kokeshi Mail

How is it already the end of September? Slow down 2013, you move too fast! Since this month was so sneaky, I decided to send out this month's 5 pieces of pretty mail in one go. I've had these adorable kokeshi stamps staring at me for months now, clearly needing an outing! Sorry, no source for these - but we do hope to be carrying some cute rubber stamps for the holidays.

Cute stamps are perfect for dressing up simple index cards or other blank cards. How lovely is this kokeshi family? I must admit, I have a serious soft spot for these traditional Japanese wooden dolls.

With a few folds (and some extra trust in the postal service), basic paper bags can double as envelopes. But first, a little more stamping. 

Rather than just writing the address onto your envelope, grab your favourite marker and doodle some fancy labels onto label paper. Cut out and stick. Fancy!

Inspired by the pretty mail I received from Andrea, I wanted to include a little DIY kit in this month's mail. Since my Japanese paper doll tutorial continues to be so popular, they seemed like the perfect fit! A paper DIY kit is light and flat for mailing and such a delight to receive. Sorry, we don't carry the chiyogami anymore... but may again. I'll be sure to let you know. 

A few strips of washi tape add a little golden glamour while holding the paper bag in envelope form. All finished and ready for mailing.What's the best surprise you've found in your mailbox?

DIY Confetti Bows

I promised you I'd give you the scoop on making adorable confetti bows - and so here's how to craft up these one of a kind gift toppers. Don't feel limited to sequins, you could really fill these cuties with any lightweight & colourful material you'd like. Tissue confetti or colourful sprinkles would be really sweet too!

I must admit, I'm kind of a big fan of these bows - they're fast  to make but are ever so cute! I showed them to you yesterday with some sequin gift wrap, but I think they'd be just as cute when paired with washi tape ribbon strips, don't you?

You will need:Clear flat polybags - I used 3" x 5" bags 
Sequins - or your choice of fillerWashi tape

Start by applying a strip of washi tape to the closed end of your bag. Centre the edge of the bag in the middle of the washi tape strip, then fold over.
 

Trim the edges of the washi tape so that the ends are flush with the edges of the bag. Careful - don't cut the bag! 

Place the desired amount of confetti into the bag - I used a large pinch of multicolour sequins.

Once desired amount of confetti is in the bag, seal the open end with another folded over strip of washi tape.

To turn your confetti-filled bag into a bow, first determine the centre of the bag. Holding the centre, shake the confetti towards the two ends. You want there to be approximately the same amount of confetti on each side of your bow. Pinch the centre of the bag between your fingers. With the other hand, wrap a strip of washi tape around the centre of the bow. Adjust the two sides of the bow until you are satisfied with the appearance. 

Try different combinations of washi tape for different looks. 

When you're ready to wrap, attach your bow to the top of your gift with a loop of washi tape or a glue dot.

Would you try making confetti bows like these? 

Happy crafting!

Wrap It With Sequins

The latest addition to the shop is some fantastically sparkly sequin trim. I must admit, it's pretty hard to resist sequins - so, rather than resist, I wrapped! Sequin trim makes a great addition to your wrapping supplies cupboard - paired with kraft paper, it's a fun alternative to ribbon. 

Try wrapping a few lines of trim around the box on one side. Secure on the bottom - I used a dab of hot glue, it's not the prettiest under there, but those sequins aren't going anywhere! Alternatively, if you can get your hands on slim double-sided tape, I think that would be a great sticky solution. 

For a little more fun, try more colour! Intersecting lines of sequins in bold colours elevate a simple kraft wrapped gift into a mini piece of modern art. 

Or why not glue loose sequins all over your wrapped box and top with an adorable confetti bow. Look for the secret to making your very own confetti bows in our next DIY project! I think this one is my favourite - it's just so fun!

How would you use sequin trim?