Any of my friends will tell you that I love sending care packages. I think my love affair with the art of the care package (and snail mail in general!) started with my Grandma Becky (yep, she's my namesake).
When I was a little girl, my Grandma used to send wonderful boxes of goodies for birthdays and special occasions. I loved the idea that something had flown all the way from Minnesota to California just for me. It looked so dull and ordinary on the outside- a plain brown cardboard box with an address on it. But inside- it was full of foam peanuts that went tumbling every which way with a delightful crinkling noise, hiding surprise after surprise waiting to be pulled out. She used to send candies, cookies, tiny toys, and Lip Smackers lip balm. (I remember sneaking a taste of the orange flavored one- it smelled so good, I thought it would taste that way too. Wrong.)
Anyway, lately I've been super inspired by the beautiful boxes of food and sweets over at
Olive and Cocoa. Each one is a little work of art, but the $50- 90 price tags feel pretty unaffordable. Besides, making your own feels more special and personal.
Want to make your own too? You'll need:
An assortment of old fashioned candy (I used rock candy, gumballs, gummy bears, lemon drops, lollipops and some chocolates for good measure)
I also added some fun dime store plastic favors and striped paper straws for fun
A large die cut punch, small hole punch and card stock (or ready made tags!)
Bakers Twine
Cellophane Treat Bags
A Sharpie to Label with
Scissors
A plain shirt box lid (make sure it fits in a USPS priority mail box if you plan to ship it!)
Crepe Paper Folds
Ric Rac
Stapler
The candy I ordered arrived in bulk, so I divied it up into smaller cellophane bags and labelled each one with a die cut tag (I used a large !.5" round punch) and sharpie. I filled the box with raffia and arranged all the goodies inside. The box still looked a bit plain to me though.
I grabbed my trusty crepe paper folds and scissors. Leaving it folded, I created a scalloped edge that will repeat when unfolded. You could also try zig zags or fringe!
Then I used my stapler to attach the crepe paper at the back of the box, stapeling here and there as I wound it around. I started at the top edge of the box and worked my way down to get a pretty ruffled edge and cover the other staples.
I repeated that process with a length of ric rac to make it feel even more cheerful and celebratory.
Now who wouldn't feel special getting a box like that in the mail? No time to make your own? Never fear-
I've listed one in my shop and I'd be delighted to send it to someone special for you!
What's the best care package you've ever sent or received?
This DIY Balloon Birthday invitation inspired me to make an entire balloon bouquet! I mailed the entire collection to her piece by piece leading up to the grand occasion of her 8th birthday. I loved the idea of her getting a surprise in the mail every day for a week or two beforehand.
The pièce de résistance was this box of goodies which included lots of candy, some party horns, party tooters, paper straws, surprise balls and vintage cake decor. Who wouldn't enjoy a birthday party in a box?
