I pride myself on sending the perfect card for every occasion. I’ve collected cards over the years so I have plenty at hand. But sometimes I just can’t find the right one, so I make my own. What I thought would be perfect for this little package is a coordinating birthday card using the same wrapping paper and satin ribbon.

Simple, simple – I just covered the front of a folded card with a piece of gift wrap cut to size, added a strip of satin ribbon across the front, and used a letterpress tag as my sentiment. All with my favorite adhesive – double stick tape.

It’s an easy way to let the gift recipient know you went above and beyond to make a one of a kind package. And a great way to use those leftover wrapping paper scraps!

–Kristen
PS colors: peacock & chocolate
Latest fave: Satin Ribbon

Looking for an easy way to display cards or place cards at your holiday table? In just a few short steps you can create pocketed tabs that hold the corners of the items you want to display.

1. Start with paper cut into rectangular shapes where the width is twice the height

2. Follow the simple folding steps shown here

3. Slip the finished tabs over each card corner to create this accordion display

The sample shown uses 5″W x 2 1/2″H pieces to create tabs that hold A2 holiday cards. You can even use wrapping paper scraps since lighter weight paper is easier to fold.

–Fabra
PS colors: gravel & cement
Latest fave: Xyron 510 Machine

Hi, my name is Ann and I’m a wrapaholic.

Each holiday season, I prepare two lists – one filled with gifts for my family and friends and one outlining my wrapping plans. I am a planner and perfectionist at heart, and I anxiously await the thrill I get from filling the tree skirt with perfectly-wrapped packages. Don’t think of the following list as a list of unrealistic expectations, but rather a look into the crazy confessions of this wrapper.

1. Start with a color story. Each year, I pick a theme. I carry it through from my holiday cards, to my tree (yes, I redo my tree annually) to my wrapping. I always incorporate at least one or two solid wraps and one or two prints. I love the look of banding a printed wrap or fine paper around solids. This year – my color story is pool, peacock, chocolate and touches of silver. Read the rest of this entry »

We all know duct tape to be a universal fix it tool, but have you ever caught yourself grabbing something random to get you through a household task? Then thought to yourself, “Not too shabby.”

No? Well, you’re free to laugh when I tell you PVA is my duct tape.

Flip flops with a loose sole? Slap a little PVA on there.

A loose arm on your wooden chair? Polyvinyl acetate to the rescue.

Detached roller on the office furniture? Grab that handy tub of goo.

Hey, it works! And, those of us who have limited crafting activity, have plenty to spare.

Given the creative spirit that fuels this blog, I suspect many of you have quirky alternatives for your crafting supplies. From spot drying a shirt with your heat tool (careful with this one!) to tacks or starch for apartment wall coverings (courtesy of Apartment Therapy readers), share your unexpected moments of brilliance.

– Liz
PS colors: night & curry
Latest fave: Cavallini Wrapping Paper

This year Paper Source received great response to our products and thought we’d share with you what our friends in the media think is hot (a little hint, it’s the same things you all love too!).

Better Homes and Gardens loves Paper Source and we certainly appreciate their support! In the December issue Read the rest of this entry »

As a Paper Source employee, my friends and family expect the gifts I give to be wrapped in a creative, interesting way. Here, I did just that, taking some great new holiday 12×12 to make this whimsical bow.

The nice thing about 12×12 is that most of the sheets are double-sided (they are also very inexpensive), and this bow takes advantage of both sides. Read the rest of this entry »

At my house the stockings have always been my very favorite thing at Christmastime, both opening mine and shopping for them. And, here at Paper Source, we have tons of great items for stockings, from candy to toys to little coin purses. Even glitter or stamps make great stocking stuffers!

The newest and coolest items for women and teens are the colorful flip flop bracelets. Intended to be purchased in multiples (each one is unique), these are made from recycled flip flop parts and remind me of the jelly bracelets I loved as a kid. Another great stocking stuffer for ladies is the mushroom knit bag. It was hand knit in Nepal and is so cute! Read the rest of this entry »

In flipping through a back issue of Budget Travel, I read the article “50 Top Tips From the World’s Smartest Cruisers.” The tips were pretty good, running the gamut of planning scenarios, but one, in particular, stood out to me:

#37- “Reward Good Service”

Since I am all about building relationships with service professionals who impact my daily life, I committed this to memory for future “cruising” opportunities. It’s so easy and requires little space in my travel bag–- not to mention being an excellent way to make use of those left over Grateful and Thankful cards! For you talented designers out there, I can only imagine the incredible illustrations and tiny sentiments that can be created from colorful business cards and envelopes. Regardless of whether you’re setting sail on the high seas or just cruising around your stumping grounds, what little tips do you provide for rewarding small favors and loyal service?

Help us generate “50 Expressions of Gratitude From the World’s Most Thoughtful Givers.”

– Liz
PS colors: night & curry
Latest fave: Cavallini Wrapping Paper

This Saturday Minhee and Truman Cho of Paper + Cup will be visiting our new Brooklyn store for a special Paper + Craft book signing event. Learn how to make tissue stars and moon and visit with the authors — You can even buy a book at the store and have them sign it too!

The event starts at 11 a.m. with authors joining from 12 – 3 p.m. For those who cannot attend: Get your hands on these 25 unique crafts for less than $20 — Paper + Craft is available online!

The event is in partnership with Chronicle Books.