I enjoy the challenge of finding something that fits the recipient’s interests, something they would not expect you to know.

I revel in the surprise of giving something so perfectly them.

With this also comes an aversion to gift cards. But two of the most creative people I know are tying the knot [today] and The Mister and I wanted to give gifts they could personalize, forcing me to compromise on my stringent gifting rule.

With a little help from my stockpile of Paper Source goods (yes, I had all of this), I infused our usual thoughtful nature into the presentation, whipping up a gift which celebrates the couple’s worldly interests. If you’re going to give a gift card, at least consider some creative packaging!

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

Materials used:
Pool Presentation Envelope
Paris Map Cavallini Wrapping Paper
Khaki A2 Note Cards
Bracket Placecard Border Rubber Stamp
Robins Egg & Frost White Color Box Inkpad
Embossing Heat Tool
Embossing Powder
Black Elegant Writer Calligraphy Pen
Memory Tape Runner
Foam Squares
And a little parchment resume paper (non-Paper Source)

I used my newfound labeling skills to spruce up the envelopes for a friend’s bridal shower invitations. The wrap-around address labels were the finishing touch that the invitations needed to make them look complete and professionally crafted. It was all courtesy of my Xyron, a little imagination, and other crafting essentials (awesome postage stamps never hurt either!).

Here’s how to create these lovely envelopes:
1. Using this editable address labels template PDF I created, fill in names and addresses. Print the labels on 8 1/2 x 11 text weight paper in superfine soft white.
2. For straight edges, cut out the individual labels with the Guillotine Trimmer.
3. Run each label through the Xyron Create A Sticker!
4. Fold each label where it will wrap around the envelope using a bone folder.
5. Separate the label from the Xyron paper and place on envelope.

Voila! Your labels are done! If you want to add a bit more pizzazz, use the handy dandy envelope liner template kit to trace and cut out liners. For my project, I used Paper Source wrapping paper, but any print wrap will do. Use double-sided tape to adhere the liner to the envelopes. You can also cut out one-inch circles with a hole punch and run them through the Xyron to create envelope seals. Put it all together and you get something simple and beautiful, just like those old sticker books.

–Mary Vasquez – PS customer
PS colors: paper bag & moss
Latest fave: 2011 Paper Source Wall Art Calendar

More importantly, I wanted to send her special notes each day to let her know how proud we are of her new independence (and how much I miss her, though this cannot be written too much!). I am so proud of the awesome camp stationery that I made using Martha Stewart camp-themed 12×12 scrapbook paper and stickers, tied to some of my favorite colors in envelopes and cardstock (peacock, persimmon, paper bag, curry, and pool). I lined envelopes using the envelope liner template kit with bandana, wood grain, ladybug and gnome-in-the-woods paper patterns. I cut the 12x12s into smaller cards or just trimmed them to fold into my A2 cards. Stickers went on scalloped cards to created 3D campfire scenes or corresponded to an icon in the liner pattern (e.g. an owl, bunny, trail sign, gnome). Most of these “ingredients” are still available in stores, but not all are online (though various interpretations are possible!).

My hope is that every note she gets makes her feel good because it is a connection from home, but also because each one is so cool that she will feel proud and show them off. When we dropped her at the bus for the ride there, I gave her a note written on a piece of 12×12 paper. I used a white uniball pen to write on the side that looked like a tree trunk (wood grain pattern), and then gate-folded it so that the opposite side pattern (woodland gnomes and creatures) came together and was sealed with a cool 3D gnome sticker. One of her friends looked over and said, “That’s cool. You’re so lucky your mom works at Paper Source”. So true!!

Cheers!

– Sally, Paper Source CEO
PS colors: papaya & pool
Latest fave: 2011 Paper Source Academic Grid Wall Calendar

When lining Paper Source envelopes, the trick is to use our Envelope Liner Template Kit, which comes with traceable plastic templates in 7 envelope sizes. Check out our How-to Video where our beloved founder Sue will show you how to make envelope liners, and keep you entertained along the way.

Enjoy, and, as Sue will remind you, Do Something Creative Every Day!

– Cindy
PS colors: pool & red
Latest fave: Dutch Woodcut Floral Wrapping Paper

What could be more personal than creating custom stationery for a special friend? By choosing specific paper colors, embellishments, and adding their name you are honoring their personality and creating a one-of-a-kind gift. A stationery set can be as simple as a collection of note cards and envelopes, but by adding other letter writing components like labels and pens, or personalizing the stationery with rubber stamps, you create something truly unique.

To take it over the top include a custom return address embosser plate – an easy and elegant way to add a return address to envelopes. Finally, be creative in your presentation – put all of your stationery items into an adorable suitcase, or organize them inside a linen folio.

Here are some things you might need:
• Flat cards & folded cards
• Envelopes
• 8.5″ x 11″ text paper
• Labels
• Stickers
• Pens
• Return address embosser plate
• Rubber stamps – try alphabet rubber stamps to add a name or monogram

As the holidays approach, consider making a set of personalized stationery for family members, or as a thank you gift for a teacher who has made a difference in your child’s life.

p.s. If you’re looking for inspiration on making your own stationery, sign up for our Personal Stationery – Handmade Gifts Workshop taking place at all stores tomorrow – Thursday, November 12.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

I rubber stamped and embossed the front of a postcard, and addressed each one.

To the back of the postcard I attached a 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ glassine envelope and added the message, “I’ve moved! Write me at my new address…”. I inserted a business card with my new address and sealed with a circle label. Such a fun and unexpected presentation!

Sending postcards lets you save some money on postage as they only require postcard postage stamps, and your friends will be more than thrilled to receive something fun in the mail! If you’re worried about the glassine envelope staying attached in the mail, you can always slip your finished piece into an envelope for protection (though all of my postcards made it safely to their destinations!).

–Catherine, Paper Source Alexandria Store
PS colors: gravel & curry
Latest fave: 2010 Cavallini Easel Calendar – Italia

Materials Needed:
Postcards
Colonial Rubber Stamp
Stamp Pad
Embossing Powder
Embossing Heat Tool
Glassine Envelopes
Business Cards
1 1/4″ Circle Labels
Double-Sided Tape

Instructions:
1. On the front of the postcard rubber stamp your image, sprinkle with embossing powder, and use the Embossing Heat Tool to emboss the stamped image.
2. On the back of the postcard attach a glassine envelope with double-sided tape (be mindful which side you tape – you need the envelope flap to open once attached to the postcard).
3. Write your new address onto a business card and slide into the glassine envelope.
4. Seal with a 1 1/4″ circle label. You can embellish the label with rubber stamps as well.
5. Write the recipient’s mailing address on the front of the postcard, add a postcard postage stamp, and send off to anyone you hope to keep in touch with!

We love this greeting card made by our associate Kate, which uses the woodgrain decorative tape along with chocolate 2.5” circle labels and the heat embossing technique. Kate applied the tape across the front of a folded card as well as to the outside flap of a chocolate envelope. Making greeting cards is a great way to use up odds and end scraps leftover from other projects, and these decorative tapes are great for no-mess crafting – this greeting card did not require any glue!

Our four decorative tape styles (also available in black damask, purple lace and chartreuse scrolls) feature various patterns and colors allowing you to create a completely different card with each. Decorative tape is also great (and easy) to use for gift wrapping…really the uses are endless!

–Paper Source Evanston Store Team
PS colors: curry & gravel
Latest fave: Eco Cups

Gus

Embossed paw prints

I emboss my paw prints on every card I send– because Gus loves my mom too, right? And how nice it will be to just emboss all my envelopes with my address clip ahead of time before I sign and stuff them with all of my holiday cards. Easy, easy, easy…even my husband can help! Haha! Gus would too if he had opposable thumbs (I know he thinks his tongue works, but it’s not the same effect).

Here’s a tip: emboss paper napkins on the edges–stars, holiday trees, anything. Just did it for a friend’s baby shower with the playful stars motif and everyone thought I bought them like that!

Return address embosser

Embossers also make great gifts– for mom, auntie, brother, sister-in-law. Buy one machine and just keep giving them a new plate every year! Truly the gift that keeps on giving. LOVE IT!

– Betsy
PS colors: gravel & red (and curry)
Latest fave: Besides desk embossers, Yuzen Red Pool Plum Blossoms Japanese paper and Yuzen Seagreen Orange Fish Japanese paper. Love them!