Etsy Holiday How-To #1: Packaging

EtsyStore

Story by EtsyStore

Published on Sept 23, 2008 in Seller Handbook

What? Too soon to start thinking about the holidays, you say?

 

Not at all. It takes some time to get your Etsy shop ready for the holiday shopping season, so it’s best to start now. We know this can be a daunting task.

 

So we’ll be presenting a series of video how-tos to help you get your Etsy shop ready for the holiday season. In our first segment, Mary shows you how to recycle items from around your home to make original, appealing, and eco-friendly packaging. Tune in to the rest of the series for more how-tos on sprucing up your shop, shipping, photography and more!

Click herefor a How-To on making your own boxes out of recycled paper.See the The Etsy Seller Handbook: All Our How-Tos about Selling.

 

[This video was originally published October 9, 2007. We're bringing it back for the '08 season!]

Discuss: 60 comments

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  • EtsyStoreAdmin

    EtsyStore says:

    This was a lot of fun...now go make your packages look awesome you guys!!! Mary

    4 years ago

  • MayaBella

    MayaBella says:

    Super cool! But what about bigger stuff Like plushies? Any tips? :)

    4 years ago

  • alternatebliss

    alternatebliss says:

    Amazing suggestions! Earth friendly too!

    4 years ago

  • kirstenlovesdinner

    kirstenlovesdinner says:

    Mary is awesome!

    4 years ago

  • fernfiddlehead

    fernfiddlehead says:

    That was a lot of fun!! Thanks.

    4 years ago

  • FrenchTouch

    FrenchTouch says:

    This how-to is fantastic! I have a long way to go. OK, making better (and recycled) packaging will be my 2008 resolution for my shop! :)

    4 years ago

  • julietaromano

    julietaromano says:

    thank you mary! very useful!

    3 years ago

  • craftychris

    craftychris says:

    I already recycle cardboard and paper of all kind for my boxes, but I'm always impressed with the ideas others have. It's so inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • jkjewelry

    jkjewelry says:

    I just bought ribbon from carmelos, can't wait to use it!!

    3 years ago

  • Studio618

    Studio618 says:

    Great ideas! So easy too. Thanks.

    3 years ago

  • wearmycolors

    wearmycolors says:

    Lovely ^^ We are used to do that all the time and not just for the holidays ^^ It's always nice to receive original and cute stuff ^^ Congrats on the video <3

    3 years ago

  • bubblegirlknits

    bubblegirlknits says:

    Great ideas Mary! That was some nice acting by Michelle too!!

    3 years ago

  • annabelleabbyjackie

    annabelleabbyjackie says:

    It's bad when you have a supply store and you see other supplies out there that you want to buy for yourself. Awesome article! I think I'll start recycling more now. Thanks

    3 years ago

  • Slowshirts

    Slowshirts says:

    I want a link to the box making video!

    3 years ago

  • PickalaPoopa

    PickalaPoopa says:

    great ideas! thank you for including my envelopes. since being a seller on etsy i've been inspired to recycle materials which is definitely the way to go! the padding and kraft paper i use were discarded by my employer.

    3 years ago

  • Majestyinc

    Majestyinc says:

    I watched it... loved it!

    3 years ago

  • PaperLadyInvites

    PaperLadyInvites says:

    Wonderful! I already do a lot of that already. I'm glad to see reusing items around the house is being encouraged! I love to save wrapping paper from gifts I receive to reuse in my products and packaging! -Chelsey

    3 years ago

  • marymaryAdmin

    marymary says:

    Aw shux...thanks for all the kudos guys...here is the link to the box making tutorial for those interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBf957XC-4k xoxo

    3 years ago

  • CakesbySugarPlums

    CakesbySugarPlums says:

    Glad to have it up again!!! The ideas are great....good tips for any of us Etsy members! Thanks Etsy!!

    3 years ago

  • dorkdesigns

    dorkdesigns says:

    thank for all the great tips

    3 years ago

  • signsofmylife

    signsofmylife says:

    Hey Mary, Thank you for the tips and look forward to more! <3<3<3

    3 years ago

  • PaperLadyInvites

    PaperLadyInvites says:

    I have also just watched the how to make a box tutorial. I never knew all those years making cootie catchers, that I was so close to making paper boxes! Thank you again. And Mary, we share the same last name. I'd like to think that we are distantly related because you are so creative and talented! Love your stuff! -Chelsey

    3 years ago

  • dogties

    dogties says:

    Great, Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • MetalheartDesign

    MetalheartDesign says:

    this looks great, can't wait to check it out!

    3 years ago

  • nanouke

    nanouke says:

    This is so cool, I use old magazines and catalogs to make bags where I put stuff people buy from me in craft fairs. They make such success (and I tell you, even a 5 year old could make them), more than once people asked me if they could buy them!

    3 years ago

  • mpaperarts

    mpaperarts says:

    LOVE the handmade padded envelopes - giddyup!

    3 years ago

  • LeelaBijou

    LeelaBijou says:

    Wow, great tips, thanks!

    3 years ago

  • MeadowbelleVintage

    MeadowbelleVintage says:

    Thank you so much! I have recently been contemplating ways to make my own packaging while being eco-wise. You hit the nail on the head, and helped make my research simple!

    3 years ago

  • KisforCalligraphy

    KisforCalligraphy says:

    I heart packaging! The best packaging comes from the heart! Recycling what you have is ideal but eventually you may run out of "second hand" packaging. I always look to purchase packaging made from post-consumer waste and then I hope that eventually my "new" packaging will get recycled by another! So excited about this series! Thanks for featuring my envelope seals! Best to "saddle up" for the holiday season!!LOL

    3 years ago

  • DeborahVoizin

    DeborahVoizin says:

    Thanks for sharing such wonderful information!

    3 years ago

  • BlackStar

    BlackStar says:

    I bought handmade paper on Etsy and am using your box making tut to make gift boxes this year. Thanks Mary~

    3 years ago

  • iwearitnatural

    iwearitnatural says:

    You can also find printable templates for your boxes on the web. My daughters once made a gift box for me for mothers day out of a cereal box using a template I downloaded from the web. Here are just a few sites: www.thetoymaker.com and www.packagetech.com

    3 years ago

  • marymaryAdmin

    marymary says:

    Thanks for sharing all your great tips here guys, keep em coming!

    3 years ago

  • ohhellofriend

    ohhellofriend says:

    great article! thanks.. mary you're too cute! :)

    3 years ago

  • WiseEarthHerbs

    WiseEarthHerbs says:

    Thanks for sharing.. great ideas!

    3 years ago

  • arnym

    arnym says:

    Great ideas, thank you!

    3 years ago

  • ArtByShameka

    ArtByShameka says:

    Heeyy!!?? I don't recall giving y'all permission to photograph my tower of catalogues! I'd better go put them to use. Thanks for the tips. :>

    3 years ago

  • kellyssima

    kellyssima says:

    Great tips! I love the idea of recycling everything you can! Thanks so much!

    3 years ago

  • nichan

    nichan says:

    I've been looking for packaging for bags & wallets...whether it will be put in a rather flat box or in a bigger box...I'm still wondering about this...

    3 years ago

  • ruthtarragano

    ruthtarragano says:

    Great tutorial! Loved the idea of recicling! Thanks! (:

    3 years ago

  • memorybearsforever

    memorybearsforever says:

    Thanks for the great ideas! :)

    2 years ago

  • mulondon

    mulondon says:

    Great video - thank you!

    2 years ago

  • SaintBead

    SaintBead says:

    How wonderful!

    2 years ago

  • alankarshilpa

    alankarshilpa says:

    Mary, This is just awesome. I am going to use this in my packaging this year. It will be so unique. Thank you so much. Dita.

    2 years ago

  • alankarshilpa

    alankarshilpa says:

    Mary, This is just awesome. I am going to use this in my packaging this year. It will be so unique. Thank you so much. Dita. http://www.bead-z-mommys-business.com http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com

    2 years ago

  • HillandValeDesigns

    HillandValeDesigns says:

    I those boxes, can't wait to get started. Love the recycling of old catologues. Thanks Ali

    2 years ago

  • BethR99

    BethR99 says:

    I cant see the video :( there isnt a link to see anything, and Im dying to see it!

    2 years ago

  • CuttingArt

    CuttingArt says:

    thanks but what ideas do you have for flat art packages thanks pye

    2 years ago

  • strawberryona

    strawberryona says:

    Thanks for the great ideas, Mary!

    2 years ago

  • HeleneEriksen

    HeleneEriksen says:

    Thanks for encouraging people to recycle. That is how my whole hat business started...by thinking about what I could do with all those tiny left over pieces of wool!!!

    2 years ago

  • sofisticata

    sofisticata says:

    This was great! Thank you very much!

    2 years ago

  • lynnjulian

    lynnjulian says:

    LOVE your adorable "Paper Boxes!"

    2 years ago

  • MarysRosaryGarden

    MarysRosaryGarden says:

    Love it. Always looking for fresh ideas! People usually give my things away for gifts so its nice to include packaging for them. Thanks

    2 years ago

  • PetiteAnglaise

    PetiteAnglaise says:

    Love the recycling idea instead of buying boxes from the post office to put things into when unnecessary. Going to definitely use these ideas :) Thanks very much when love to see more on packaging:D

    2 years ago

  • RelicaSupplies

    RelicaSupplies says:

    Thank you for some great ideas! I love that you're thinking about reusing and recycling but still making the packaging hip and fun. Thank you!!!

    1 year ago

  • Novena1

    Novena1 says:

    Great!!!!!

    290 days ago

  • sunshinefromaz

    sunshinefromaz says:

    How ironic.I have been saving pages from catalogs and magazines to use as wrapping paper for a while now.I use the same ads over again by taping them and making larger paper.I also tape pages with like colors .I use pictures that are similar (ie.pages with different kinds of candies or flowers or children) to make unique wrappings.

    215 days ago

  • etchythings

    etchythings says:

    This is good if you don't have Canada Post like I do where they charge a ridiculous amount for something that weighed a bit more or was a bit more embellished for my customers. I have to keep it plain Jane so my customers don't get the high shipping charges. Sad. Thanks for the tips though!

    204 days ago

  • cullmanlaurasart

    cullmanlaurasart says:

    Great ideas! I have used the Sunday comics for years to wrap my gifts, along with scraps of material. It is nice to see others thinking this way and taking it even further.

    199 days ago

  • iepje

    torres from MBenBDesign says:

    So Sweety, Good Ideas ! Thank you so much......

    16 days ago