For stiffened bows users!!!
 

I am starting to make a line of stiffened bows, but I have no clue how to mail them without being messed up... That's the reason I have been postergating to offer that line...:rolleyes:
Suggestions??? I will really appreciate it!!!!!!;)

I think bubble wrap would be ok and ask the PO to hand stamp them. I know Connie mails hers in alittle box.

I've been looking for boxes, but no luck... any suggestions?? And also would not like to increase the shipping cost...:confused:

I've ordered stiffened bows before and they just came wrapped in bubble wrap in a small padded envelope. I have also ordered some that came in a small "jewelry" type light weight box and that was placed inside a padded envelope.

I wouldn't use the boxes myself. I think bubble wrap and had stamping would be ok. Send me one and I will review it,Do you have any made? I will purchase one.QUOTE=Isabel;1669945]I've been looking for boxes, but no luck... any suggestions?? And also would not like to increase the shipping cost...:confused:[/QUOTE]

I wish we lived closer - I have a carton of little boxes you could have.

Those jewelryn boxes you can usually get at supply houses. You should also be able to get them at any of the stores that has left over sales from Christmas boxes. They are pretty lightweight.

Thats how the ones I always order for Slade come too. The boxes are really light, so it shouldn't increase much, if at all.

Does anybody have a pic of the boxes?? Could you post it for me??? PWEATTY PWEASE?????:D

A long time ago someone suggested using those tiny ziplock containers. I bet you could get them at the dollar store. Someone also said that baby food comes in those now? So maybe if you know someone uses that kind of baby food? Try www.papermart.com or www.nashvillewraps.com for box options.

Also if you are just shipping a FEW right now, they do have the boxes at Michaels/JoAnns but they are pricey for the 6 or 8 that you get. But, maybe it's worth trying esp. with a 40% off.

Also what about those "pillow" boxes they sell for wedding favors.

Sorry for all the replies.

Found this:
http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/A...ox+Favors/275/

Also, most elementary schools have something called an Ellison die-cut machine. They typically have these punches. My mom's school has 4 or 5 - she made all my favors for my wedding. Scrapbooking stores do too. You might check with any teacher friends or local stamp/scrapbook stores.

I would not use an envelope even if you use bubble wrap...
 

While thinking of how many items have gotten smashed during shipping of Ebay items, I would NOT recommend just using an envelope, even if it is the padded envelope. You need some type of cardboard or plastic that will form around the bow....the whole point is for the "poof" not to be smashed....

I guess you could stuff the poof with something like a lipstick top, or maybe a
small , roller, curlers, or sponge curlers......just trying think of the right diameter....

I woulld almost go to the dollar store and look for something you could cut into pieces......

Maybe go on Ebay and buy one.....I saw some today as a matter of fact....see how the others are shipping theirs.....

Good luck! :)

Please!!! Keep them coming!!!! I really really appreciate all the ideas!!! I am taking notes!!!:D

Yes... that's why I keep looking for little boxes or something... I will probably go tomorrow to the dollar store to see what can i find... ;)

What about these 100 for 20.00

http://www.papermart.com/templates/45-0-10.htm

those are great!!! I guess I will order tomorrow if I don't find anything else...
Thanks!;)
And I am still working in more options for the stiffened bows... you don't have to buy if you don't need them, but if you insist, just let me know what color/s would you like, and I can work something out!

What about some type of blow up bag,you know like the ones that are used for cushioning when mailing, only smaller.

scratch that ...too pricey:eek:

Another thing that you can do that is really cheap. Go to your nearest JoAnn's or Michaels. Any craft store. Ask them if they have any boxes that they are getting rid of. Some of the boxes are trashy looking, but some are worth keeping. They are free and they love having someone take them instead of them having to trash them. Good luck and I can't wait to see the bows that you come up with. I love making the stiff ones too.

Hi Isabel! I hope I can be of some help to finding a solution. I have purchased Wilton favor boxes that work well for mailing bows. The ones I like the best are little see thru acrylic boxes with a little ribbon bow on them. I got them on ebay a year or more ago. I also bought some wilton favor boxes that you fold together. One of the bunches I bought say baby shower on them, but I'll cover that up somehow.
Now, if you can't find boxes anywhere, I also make boxes to mail bows in and they are so easy to make. All you need is regular weight paper...either pretty paper, or even your plain white printing paper. I've taken pics...they didn't turn out great, but it can give you an idea. The last one is the one that I make out of paper...you don't even need glue to make them. I could send you directions on how to make them!

One more idea...I have used cardstock and rolled into a roll, and then put the bow inside and tape at each end.

Connie can you send me the way that you make those boxes? They look really cute and I have a few ideas of what I would do with those around the house. Thanks

I would be happy to share instructions with you! Maybe I will do one and take pics and show step by step along with the instructions. It won't be tonight...gotta get some sleep...maybe tomorrow if I get time!

I ship using boxes only when I send bows, I'm always too concerned that they'll be damaged somehow in shipment!

Here are directions and pictures to show how to make the boxes. I tried to make them clear, but if anyone has any questions, just ask. Some of the pics aren't too great. I was taking them without a flash so it wouldn't reflect on the box, but I think I should have used the flash!

Take two pieces of paper, any size, but the main thing is, they need to be square. 6” paper makes a good size box for 1-2 bows. Make one piece of paper about ¼” larger than the other. The larger will be for the cover and allow it to fit over the bottom. Begin by laying the smaller paper with right side down.

1. Place a ruler diagonally from one corner to the other. Make a line in the middle (doesn’t have to be long). Next place the ruler diagonally on the other corders and make a small line in the middle. This will form an “X.” in the center of your paper.

2. Fold each corner into the center using the X as a guideline. The picture of the four corners folded in is blurry, but will give you the idea.

3. With your four corners folded in, fold each side in half so they meet up in the middle. Once that is done, unfold that part and then fold the opposite sides into the center.

4. Open paper up and you will see folds. In the picture, I have blackened the folds just so you can see. I have put red in the four places where you make a cut, which is cutting up from the half square and to the top of the next square. Make those cuts.

5. Fold in the uncut sides to meet at the center X.

6. Bring flaps inward to meet and you can see your box beginning to form. If you’d like, you can use a little tape to hold them together. It isn’t necessary, but may make it easier to handle.

7. Bring remaining tabs up and over the flaps you have put together and down into center of box. They should all meet up in the center so the inside looks finished. If it got a little crooked and doesn’t meet up perfectly, just cut a piece of paper to fit inside the box to finish it off.

8. Follow steps 1-7 with the larger paper to make your cover for the box.

Note: Can be made with cardstock, but works perfectly fine using regular weight paper and easier to fold. If you make the bottom with cardstock, make the cover with regular weight paper.

Pictures show step-by-step instructions, but don't necessarily coincide with the written instructions. I have more pics than written steps.

more pics...

Last of the pictures.

Wooooow Connie!!! Thanks!!!:D :D :D

You are welcome, Isabel! So glad to help!

I had that problem too. But I also had problems with the packages getting lost by the post office. I put a lot of work into my bows and it was not worth it if they lost them or smashed them. So, I started shipping everything priority mail. The post office will provide the DVD size box for free and you get to track the package (at the end, I have actually had them find lost packages since there was a barcode). Now, it does cost $4.60 to ship but that includes the shipping (up to 1 lb), box and tracking. It is still much cheaper than UPS. That price may not work for all of your customers but it may work for the ones with the stiffened bows.

Good Luck!