Take treats for school in paper bags with adorable personalized labels. Run our large circle labels through the printer with our print template or write each name by hand. An adorable back-to-school design that is great for single lunches or an entire classroom!

Materials Needed:

• Back-To-School Lunch Labels How-To PDF
• Red 4″ Round Labels
• 8 1/2″ x 11″ Text Paper in Clover, Chocolate, Chartreuse and Eco-White
• 3/4″ Hole Punch
• 1/4″ Hole Punch
• Tiny Zots
• Scissors
• Black Marker

Instructions:

1. Begin by printing names onto labels. Use the apple template as a guide to cut your red stickers into apple shapes and set aside.
2. Cut leaf from Clover paper and stem from Chocolate paper using templates. Fold leaf in half (lengthwise) and stick both leaf and stem behind apple sticker.
3. Punch 3/4″ circles from Clover and Chartreuse paper. (You will need at least two of each color to make one worm.) Adhere together using tiny Zots and stick to apple.
4. Punch two 1/4″ circles from Eco-White for eyes. Adhere to worm’s face with tiny Zots.
5. Draw in eyes and mouth. Stick finished apple onto fold of lunch bag!
]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-back-to-school-lunch-labels/feed/ 3 http://blog.paper-source.com/decorating/get-wise-with-stylish-new-supplies/ http://blog.paper-source.com/decorating/get-wise-with-stylish-new-supplies/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:52:50 +0000 Paper Source http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=14582

If you’ve had time to flip through our latest catalog you probably found yourself having a hoot with our new line of office organization products.

We always have a hard time picking a favorite calendar, but now the new office storage is causing greater debate. Some prefer the traditional style (and humor) of our new file folders while the DIYers love the creative possibilities of the kraft storage line. Then again, there is something special about bringing the outdoors in with our latest Paper Source designs – Adorable owls and birch tree branches!

Karen, one of the Paper Source designers, pulled owl inspiration that dated back to her youth to bring PS style to this symbolic icon, “When I was young, my mom and her dear friend Joan had a running joke where they would find odd owl jewelry and decorations at garage sales and send them to one another in the mail.”



With fond memories of sterling owls with turquoise eyes, quirky owl paper weights and vintage owl needlepoint designs, the team set out to create friendly owls that would represent wisdom, intelligence and protection and infuse a little good humor into any space. A few sketches, renderings and color variations later and they unveiled a wonderfully detailed scene, which features fun hits of Peacock, Chartreuse, Pool, Curry and Papaya that bring a playful touch to the owl’s owl natural habitat.

Take a peek at our new office and organization and tell us your must-have accessory for home, office or heading back to school.

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/decorating/get-wise-with-stylish-new-supplies/feed/ 1 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-simple-page-markers/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-simple-page-markers/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:07:42 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=14479

If you’re like me and haven’t gone completely digital… or you hate dog earring pages in your favorite books…then you’ll appreciate this simple how-to! These page savers are so FUNctional! Kids will enjoy making them and adding them to notebooks or text books.

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials Needed:

• Page Marker How-To PDF
• 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ Square Envelopes
• Guillotine Paper Cutter
• Bone Folder

Instructions:

1. Begin by sealing envelope. Fold and unfold sealed envelope into quarters.
2. Use these fold crease as your cut marks. Using paper cutter, cut envelope into four quarter sections.
3. Fold and tuck in one open point.

Use as is to save all those important places in your books, notebooks and journals. Or, embellish with rubber stamping or stickers! You can even color code planners – A great back to school project for kids!

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-simple-page-markers/feed/ 2 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-customized-cubbie/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-customized-cubbie/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:14:47 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8880 We love how our wall bulletin organizer dressed up our work space so much that we created a coordinating cubbie to hold pens, notes and of course, our PS Swatchbook. Follow our steps to create a desk organizer of any size, and cover it in your favorite wrapping paper.



A great back to school craft to get your tweens and teens organized or spruce up your own desk (adults can celebrate back to school, too!).

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials needed:
How to PDF
8 1/2″ x 11″ Chipboard
Decorative Paper
Xacto & Cutting Mat or Guillotine Trimmer
Ruler
Double Stick Tape & Regular Tape
Scissors

Instructions:
Use the instructions below as a guide to customize cubbies to whatever height & width you prefer to suit your own organizational needs!

Diagram A
This cubby measures 11” wide x 3” deep x 3” tall.
Cut chipboard for 1 cubby base.
Cut chipboard for 4 cubby walls.
Tape pieces, as shown, with space in between. (Tip: use the edge of a piece of chipboard as a spacer)

Diagram B
Cover cubby with decorative paper (decorative side down) by placing connected pieces on top of decorative paper (tape side down). Decorative paper should measure approximately 1” – 2” beyond chipboard pieces. Cut along diagonal lines.

Diagram C
Fold & double stick tape short straight sides (1).
Cut off the small exposed triangles from these folds (2).
Fold & double stick tape corners (3).
Fold & double stick tape long straight sides (4).
Cut off the small exposed triangles from these folds (5).
Fold corners to get crease & unfold (6).

Diagram D
Form cubby shape by lifting walls in place.
Fold & double stick corners (6) from long side on to OUTSIDE of cubby to hold shape together.

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-customized-cubbie/feed/ 3 http://blog.paper-source.com/gifts/buyer%e2%80%99s-faves-for-back-to-school-%e2%80%94-lindsay/ http://blog.paper-source.com/gifts/buyer%e2%80%99s-faves-for-back-to-school-%e2%80%94-lindsay/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:18:41 +0000 Paper Source http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8820 I haven’t been “back to school” in over 10 years, but when the time comes around it is always nice to freshen up my lunch accessories (celebrating “still at work”!). It brightens up the fact that summer is almost over. This year I brought in a bunch of adorable back to school items like backpacks, lunch bags, pencil cases, journals and other fun school supplies.

Some of my favorites are reusable lunch items that I can bring to work everyday. I love to bring leftovers for lunch and the Amy Ruppel Travel Bowl is great for pastas, rice dishes, and even soups! I am also a tea junky, so the matching Amy Ruppel Thermos is perfect – it’s insulated, BPA free and so cute!



I’m also a fan of our Resnackit Reusable Bags – they’re awesome for any kind of snack! I love that they’re machine washable and made in the USA (plus pvc, phalate and BPA free). Such a good alternative to plastic zipper bags.



My favorite lunch bag right now is from Rebel Green. It’s made from 100% organic cotton (which means it’s washable), and has a little pocket on the side for the included matching napkin.



Last but not least, I can’t neglect to mention my very favorite new fall item – our Solar Owl. I have nicknamed this adorable desk accessory Tootsie, in honor of the Tootsie Roll Pop licking owl from the old commercials. He nods his head back and forth by solar power all day long. Pretty sure he could cheer you up on even the most stressful of days!

–Lindsay, PS Buying Team
PS colors: beet & curry
Latest fave: Lotus Flower Gift Wrap

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/gifts/buyer%e2%80%99s-faves-for-back-to-school-%e2%80%94-lindsay/feed/ 2 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-wall-bulletin-organizer/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-wall-bulletin-organizer/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:06:33 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8688 I may not be heading back to school with a fresh supply of notebooks or have a locker in dire need of personalization, but that doesn’t stop my urge this time of year, to get organized. And of course, in the prettiest way possible! This cheery bulletin board made with our brand new Marigolds Wrapping Paper, envelopes and fun accessories will make putting things in their right place an absolute joy!



P.S. If there are kids in your family who would love a project like this, check out our Tween Message Board Workshop in stores August 21 (for ages 9-12).

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials needed:
How to PDF
2 pieces of 9 1/2″ x 13″ Bookboard
Marigolds Wrapping Paper
A9 Envelopes (Poppy & Persimmon)
A2 Note Cards (Curry)
1/4″ Satin Ribbon (Curry)
1 Large Binder Clip
Stapler
Scissors
1/4″ Super Tacky Tape
Ruler
Bone folder
EXTRAS: crystal push pins • clipiolas • slicci red metallic pen

Instructions:
1. Adhere two bookboards together with super tacky tape and cover with wrapping paper.
2. Make a hanger by cutting approximately 2 feet of ribbon and knotting each end. Staple ends to back of bulletin 3 or more times (diagram A).
3. Gusset fold two envelopes to form pockets, creasing with a bone folder, and stick in place with tape (diagram B).
4. Pushpin a length of ribbon across bulletin to hang photos and mementos. Binder clip note cards to one side for jotting reminders. Use more pushpins along bottom edge to hang keys, IDs or jewelry.

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-wall-bulletin-organizer/feed/ 4 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-e-z-notepad/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-e-z-notepad/#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:59:43 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8629 Jot lists, to-do’s and ideas on this E-Z to make and stylish notepad. Make it tall, make it small! Customize your notepad colors to suit any mood or room in your home. Handmade notepads make fun gifts for friends – don’t forget to pair them with paper covered pencils!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors

Materials needed:
How to PDF
3-4 packs of A2 Note Cards (use two different colors for a jazzy pad!)
PVA
Glue Brush
2 Rulers
1-2 Jumbo Binder Clips

Instructions:
1. Stack A2 Note Cards (alternating colors optional). Jog sides back and forth on a flat level surface until desired edge is completely flush.
2. Cover one edge with PVA to bind cards.
3. Carefully sandwich the glued edge between two rulers, then clamp with jumbo binder clips. The rulers will protect the paper from the clips. Set aside to dry.
4. If necessary, apply another layer of PVA and set aside to dry. Once completely dry, unclamp and use!

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-e-z-notepad/feed/ 10 http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-covered-pencils/ http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-covered-pencils/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:20:24 +0000 PS Design http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=8456 Make the mundane magnificent by covering mechanical pencils with beautiful papers! Improving on an already classic idea and using refillable – not disposable – pencils makes complete sense in this time of reusing and recycling. Enjoy the fruits of your labor over and over (and over again)!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors

Materials needed:
Mechanical Pencils
Decorative Paper (Indian & Japanese papers work best!)
PVA Glue
Glue Brush
Scissors
Guillotine Paper Trimmer (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cut strips of decorative paper to fit lengths of mechanical pencils, with a 1/4” overlap.
2. Coat backs of decorative strips with PVA. Wrap around barrels of mechanical pencils just below erasers.
3. Reuse over and over and over again!

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/how-to/how-to-paper-covered-pencils/feed/ 14 http://blog.paper-source.com/kids/kindergarten-craft-day/ http://blog.paper-source.com/kids/kindergarten-craft-day/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 16:02:13 +0000 Paper Source http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=7255

Once each year, I take a day of vacation and visit a grade school in my small hometown in Central Illinois. My husband and I are both from this small community of farmers and commuters, and have deep roots and relationships. My mother-in-law is a kindergarten teacher at one of the local grade schools and they love a good paper project.

Our new Royal Crowns Kit is perfect for this age group. All I provided were the die-cut crowns and some basic instruction. Be assured, no five year old needs help with creativity or inspiration. Every year I am amazed at how happy a collection of children become when you get out a basket of markers and a few sheets of inexpensive stickers. At the end of the day, each kid gets to wear their crown home proudly (myself included).

For the classroom, we created two flag banners from our Paper Flag Kits. Each student received one of the solid colored flags to decorate. Many students created a signature look, coordinating their flag with their crown. Once we assembled all of the pieces with some double-sided tape, the banners were hung criss-crossed over the kids’ desks.

By the end of the day, the joy always wears off onto me and I leave feeling like a little paper really can bring joy to your life! A huge “thanks” to Mrs. Kidd and her wonderful kindergarten class!

–Ann
PS colors: moss & papaya
Latest fave: Cupcake Kit

]]> http://blog.paper-source.com/kids/kindergarten-craft-day/feed/ 6 http://blog.paper-source.com/gifts/buyers-faves-for-back-to-school-gretchen/ http://blog.paper-source.com/gifts/buyers-faves-for-back-to-school-gretchen/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:32:20 +0000 Paper Source http://blog.paper-source.com/?p=2015 This past Sunday I turned 37. How can I be 37? My birthday always makes me think of back to school time. I still remember being 7 or 8 and getting my new school shoes in early August and letting them sit in their box in my closet until I got to wear them on the first day of school. I would open the box every day to smell the new leather and would plan what to wear for the first day of school for about a month. Too bad I don’t get a new outfit and shoes bought for me every August anymore….boo hoo….being an adult is so hard! I am however excited to buy myself a new date book. This fall I’m going to buy the L’apres Midi Date Book. It’s so cute with little watercolor illustrations and French sayings painted throughout. It’s also really cool because it is an any-day diary, meaning it comes without specific dates. You just plug in your own schedule. It seems so happy to me and I like that quality in something I have to look at every day!

There are a couple of other new things we’re carrying at Paper Source stores that I like.

We just got in a new Karim Rashid designed cutting knife with a ceramic blade that will last longer than steel. I’m kind of a novice crafter so I really like it because it doesn’t have a razor blade-type edge. It actually feels more like a pen to me than a knife, which makes it easy to cut cool free-form shapes.

**SPOILER ALERT TO MY FRIEND TRICIA! Do not read below!**

My friend Tricia is a librarian so I can’t wait to give her one of these greeting cards we’re carrying in stores from a new line called OVERDUE. The cards feature authentic book titles from old card catalogs found in the Minneapolis Public Library. There are happy birthday, new baby, wedding and just plain old funny titles. Some of them you can’t believe– one card features a book titled Games and exercises for mental defectives. I swear it’s true….it was published in 1916. I’m sure I’ll get this card in the mail now from one of my brothers. Ha ha…very funny Bruce & Joe.



–Gretchen, PS Buying Team
PS colors: fuchsia & moss
Latest fave: PS Wall Art Calendar

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