Thinking about packaging for sending out the pendants I have been making (see here) I have been experimenting with making little boxes. Trying to avoid gluing or fastening I found a template for a folded box on the ever-reliable internet. Looking around for some lightweight card to experiment with, I found a pile of Christmas cards on my desk, waiting to be recycled. These proved to be a perfect weight for these little boxes. The next bit of the experiment was to decorate my own, so I printed the template onto some 180 gsm watercolour paper, splashed some coloured inks on it in a random way and folded it up. I’m not sure I will be able to use this style of box for posted items as the handles stand up and are likely to be squashed in the post, but I’m sure they will come in handy for something!
anna warren portfolio 
My gosh – these are “perfect packaging”. It isn’t hard for something to remind me of Japan and these do. You know how the packaging is as important as the gift in Japan, so these are a perfect example of such an aesthetic. With your pendants and your boxes, you never need buy presents again EVER – well – maybe still for men but not for women.
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Oh thank you Julie – I hadn’t thought of Japan, but of course, these are very Japanese. And I hadn’t realised how important packaging was in Japan, but that was one of the things my daughter mentioned she noticed from her recent trip there. She brought me some varnished paper earrings, which are beautiful in themselves, but were wrapped so nicely I didn’t want to undo the package! The thought of never having to buy presents again is quite appealing …!
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Ah ha – so your daughter’s Japanese experience and gift backs up my statement. You see – I never lie!
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Honest as the day is long – I would never doubt you!
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These are adorable!
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Thank you so much Patsy!
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These are perfect for your pendants, great idea and they complete the experience of receiving hand crafted items. Karen
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Thanks Karen – it is nice to be able to make all the elements. These need a little polishing up, but they are on the way!
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Oh so sweet! Packaging is always a struggle for me and you have found a perfect answer for your product. 😀
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Thanks Gale – I am having fun with them, no brain strain, easy to put a few together when I don’t want to think too hard!
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😀
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These boxes will just enhance the gift giving, lovely idea. – Sharon
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Thank you so much Sharon!
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What a great idea. They’re lovely 🙂
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Thanks Rosie!
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What a fantastic idea! They do look Japanese, very much Origami. I like the idea of using old cards as your substraight. I have some old calendars that would also work well, but the idea of watercolors sounds beautiful.
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Oh yes, calendars would work well! I have one that has been waiting for a purpose. Thanks for such a good idea!
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Oh, what about music sheets, probably to light weight but could be mounted to heavier stock, or wall paper!
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Yes, music, lovely! And wallpaper too … I have a vague idea of using old wallpaper as a base for a drawing but haven’t found the right one yet. It could be multi purpose. You are sparking so many ideas!
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Ha, I had a mini brainstorm and all of a sudden I realized I had to stop or I was going to be extremely late for work! I can’t wait to see what you do with these pouches, such a great idea to package your lovely necklaces!
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One idea leads to another doesn’t it? I have too many ideas circulating at the moment, I need to put several into action!
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Those are great!
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Thanks Karen!
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Great little boxes – I love packaging! Pillow packs would work too…
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Thank you! Yes, you’re right, pillows would be good too, but they are easier to buy ready made!
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I love these!
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Thank you so much! I love your buttons!
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Brilliant! Terrific companions for your pendants!
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Thank you Elena!
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these are perfect Anna – but like you not sure how they will stand up in the post !!
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Thanks Veronica – I know, I am thinking if they are filled firmly with bubble wrap or similar, and the little handles folded down they will be ok, but I haven’t tried it yet. I could always make another box to put them in!!
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yes I was thinking a firm outer box would do the trick 🙂 ha ha great minds think alike !!
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It would make them even more Japanese-style, packaging upon packaging!
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Such beautiful little boxes…you’ll have to include the link where you got them from…they are exquisite and I can understand the not wanting to open a beautifully wrapped gift. Love it and love your art work. Your abalone shell drawing is so true with that touch of blue/green. It takes my mind back to my husbands stories of spear fishing in South Australia when he was young. We hail from SA many moons ago 🙂
Alexa from Sydney, Australia
http://www.Alexa-asimplelife.com
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Thank you so much for your comment Alexa! I can’t actually remember where I found the box template, but if you google ‘box template’ and look at the images you will find several versions of this one. Glad you like the abalone – they really are beautiful objects, often with that crusty brown layer on top of the iridescent blue/green. And lovely to draw, too.
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Oh these are so attractive Anna ! Would be lovely for party favours any tiny little surprise gift .. As others have mentioned old music sheets/calenders .. I kept a William Morris one for ages !
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Ooh William Morris would be perfect! I was thinking along similar lines this morning. These are such fun to make, I think they could become quite addictive!
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These are delightful, anna!
I have posted this on GooglePlus, as I think the world needs to know about your talent. ❤
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Thank you Janina! You have great faith in me!
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