package/wrap tote – courtsey of Sweet Salvage

Three weeks ago, my favorite lifestyle blogger, Heather Bullard, posted THIS.

Image via HeatherBullard.com

I was inspired to create a packaging/wrapping tote of my own. I decided to wait the three weeks until the next Sweet Salvage event to see if I could find the perfect container.

As always, the ladies at Sweet Salvage did not disappoint! Not only did I find this fantastic tote and vintage Arizona Winter Sweet Orange crate, but two dozen-plus additional treasures too!

I’m not quite certain what I’ll do with the Blue Goose Growers, Inc. crate yet, but I couldn’t pass it up. Loved the imprint with Tempe, Ariz. on the sides. I found this 1950’s label for sale online. I’m tempted to purchase one and attach it to the front of the crate. I’ll have to sleep on that…

It was an especially good month at the once-monthly sale! I’ll show you my other purchases in the next post, but today I’m going to focus on what I’ve done with the wooden tote.

After stenciling on the front, I loaded that puppy up in no time!

Shipping labels, muslin, and flat glassine bags.

Vellum envelopes and mini corked bottles.

Clay kitchen tags for baked goods and other food gifts. Numbered clay tags and the entire alphabet for unique and personalized gift tags.

Little chalkboards attached to clothespins, which I not only use for gifts, but for labeling food on buffets too.

Burlap and chalkboard-cloth gift tags and brown card-stock gift tags with satin ribbon.

More unique gift tags… 1930’s Dairy receipt book (notice that phone number!) and in front of that are vintage French seed packet labels.

I have a collection of over 100 of these vegetable and flower seed packet labels. Each is unique, so I copy them on a color copier and keep my originals. This way I’ll have them forever to use over and over again.

Another great packaging item for food gifts is Natural Waxed Paper Bags.

And I don’t know what we did before we had these Glue Dots – love them!

These printed cloth bags take a simple gift into something extra special. And windowed cardboard boxes are perfect for baked treats.

I attach those vintage seed packet labels to these plain brown envelopes and tuck in a handwritten note. Vintage cloth ribbon, red leather trim, and mini clothespins are great for dressing up any package.

The final compartment has an assortment of chalkboard and numbered picks – perfect for a gift of flowers or living plants.

And finally, behind those is a collection of cutting boards, used when I give a gift of cheese, chutney, sausage, and such.

There you have it. I’m wondering if reading this has inspired you to make a tote or packaging station of your own – like seeing Heather’s did for me. Let me know!