Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Holiday How-To #1: Packaging
Story by EtsyStore, marymary, saguirl
Published on September 23, 2008 in How-To

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 here for 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!]

Tags Etsy Holiday How-tos, Holiday, HOW-TO, Mary, packaging, recycling, Seller Handbook, selling, upcycling, video, videos, Your Shop 101
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49 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 10, 2007 at 4:48 p.m. EtsyStore

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

Mary

Oct. 11, 2007 at 3:57 a.m. MayaBella

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

Oct. 12, 2007 at 5:59 p.m. alternatebliss

Amazing suggestions! Earth friendly too!

Oct. 16, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. kirstenlovesdinner

Mary is awesome!

Oct. 18, 2007 at 2:19 p.m. fernfiddlehead

That was a lot of fun!! Thanks.

Dec. 12, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. FrenchTouch

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! :)

Sept. 23, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. julietaromano

thank you mary!
very useful!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. craftychris

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!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. jkjewelry

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. Studio618

Great ideas! So easy too. Thanks.

Sept. 23, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. wearmycolors

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. bubblegirlknits

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. annabelleabbyjackie

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. Slowshirts

I want a link to the box making video!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. PickalaPoopa

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.

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. Majestyinc

I watched it... loved it!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. PaperLadyInvites

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. marymary

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=bBf957...

xoxo

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. CakesbySugarPlums

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. dorkdesigns

thank for all the great tips

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. signsofmylife

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. PaperLadyInvites

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. dogties

Great, Thanks!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. MetalheartDesign

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

Sept. 23, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. nanouke

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!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. mpaperarts

LOVE the handmade padded envelopes - giddyup!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. LeelaBijou

Wow, great tips, thanks!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. MeadowbelleVintage

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!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. KisforCalligraphy

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

Sept. 24, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. DeborahVoizin

Thanks for sharing such wonderful information!

Sept. 25, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. BlackStar

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

Sept. 25, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. iwearitnatural

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

Sept. 30, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. marymary

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

Oct. 1, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. ohhellofriend

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

Oct. 5, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. WiseEarthHerbs

Thanks for sharing.. great ideas!

Oct. 14, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. arnym

Great ideas, thank you!

Oct. 17, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. ArtByShameka

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. :>

Nov. 5, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. kellyssima

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

Nov. 11, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. nichan

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...

Dec. 13, 2008 at 3:11 a.m. ruthtarragano

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

July 23, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. memorybearsforever

Thanks for the great ideas! :)

Aug. 2, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. mulondon

Great video - thank you!

Oct. 1, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. SaintBead

How wonderful!

Oct. 1, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. alankarshilpa

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.

Oct. 1, 2009 at 9:40 p.m. alankarshilpa

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

Oct. 5, 2009 at 5:26 a.m. HillandValeDesigns

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

Oct. 27, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. BethR99

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

Oct. 28, 2009 at 3:15 a.m. CuttingArt

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

Oct. 28, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. strawberryona

Thanks for the great ideas, Mary!

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