Let's take a walk down memory lane of my sample packaging today and there's a chance for someone who leaves a comment, with either an opinion or an idea for the interior "stuff" I'm finding I want to change to win a sample box of all my 11 perfumes.
Over the years, I've changed out my sample bottles and packaging several times. Did you know when I first offered samples they I packaged them in seed packets made from recycled paper? I used my Fairchild collage on the label, circa 2006. The black is the background I saved the label on, it's not the color of the seed packets, they were white, they never had a black border. I'll have to find an old one and scan it. The samples, once inserted, made the packet lumpy. Still, it fit in the "Garden" theme and worked well until I decided to change. 
ETA: I forgot about the recycled paper boxes embedded with wildflower seeds! Yikes, I had completely forgotten about them until some folks left comments. I used to pack my samples and my 3.5ml perfumes in them. The perfumes were tucked inside delicate, pretty floral tissue paper. They were very labor intensive and I couldn't ship them to Australia due to their customs laws. Here's an image of them.
Boy, I got artsy with the photo effects on that one!
I fill little one milliliter bottles 1/4th to 1/3rd with perfume for the sample. For several years I've packaged them in custom satin pouches, and that worked very well, but I noticed that since a number of sample bags are made up at once, perhaps thirty at a time, those that were "on their sides" in the bags may have suffered from some evaporation or leakage while stored.
A scan of the purple satin pouches used for Anya's Garden perfume samples
The pouch didn't scan very well, perhaps I should have taken a photo of it. Anyway, I decided I needed a sturdy container that would hold all the samples upright both when they are stored before shipping, and for the ease of storage for the customer after they received them. Since the names of the perfumes are on labels on the lid, all they have to do now is open the box I chose for the samples, and pick out the perfume, easy now because they're not jumbled in a pouch. Plus, the box in a nice keepsake, don't you think?
I love the visuals of this perfume sample box, from the subtle texture of the paper, the logo and the overall ratio of the aesthetics.
To keep the box closed during shipment, I found attractive, unique stretch "loops". You'll typically see them in plain gold or silver cords, but I found the "ribbon" look ones with a little tied detail that you see in the image below. However, the problem is with the inside "batting". It's a synthetic material and I need your help with either an opinion yay or nay that you don't mind it, or, if you know of a source for pre-cut substitute material in real cotton, please share with me.
Here are some images of the packaging process for the samples. You'll see I cut each piece of batting to give a cushion in the box, since the samples don't quite fill the box, and then I use the cut-out piece as a buffer between the bottles and the lid, so they don't bounce around during shipping. The customer can discard the top buffer if they wish after opening the box.
I individually cut each of the synthetic cotton batting pieces to allow for the perfumes to be cushioned. Note the piece in front of the box. They're used, see below.
The perfume samples are placed inside the box and the batting helps keep them snug once they're all packed.
The cut-out piece is placed on top of the bottles to cushion them during shipment.
The finished sample boxes, ready to be shipped.
Now that you've seen the process, please share your opinions and ideas for alternative batting/cushioning material, if you think it's necessary. I value your thoughts very much, so I will hold a random drawing for TWO winners:
- one for the opinion giver of yay or nay, keep the batting that comes with the box, it's OK, or no, you need to change it out, or,
- one for the alternative materials idea if you give the source of the materials. For the batting material suggestions, the boxes measure 3-1/16" X 2-1/8" X 1", so the batting, hopefully cotton, will be no more than 1/4" thick.
You'll have until Monday, noon, Jan. 21st, 2013. I suggest you either click on the option to receive follow-up posts, or subscribe to the blog and/or posts, because even though I privately emailed the winner of the ambergris giveaway, I haven't heard from her. Perhaps my email went to her spam folder, and she didn't mark the check box to receive follow-up posts or subscribe, and I don't want that to happen again to a winner.
Thanks for participating, and good luck to the folks who leave a comment.
Anya, I like it the way that it is. It shows a lot of care, your box is lovely and the cut-out is very creative, cushioning the little bottles. I can’t think of anything natural off the top of my head for the filler that would work better, so I vote to keep it as is.
I’m saving up my $$ so I can order these, they are on my “wish” list.
I like the little bottles and the box very much. I agree it would be nicer with a natural material for the batting. Wool felt comes to mind, but it would be too expensive. What about corrugated cardboard? Whatever you decide, it your existing set up is still nice.
Dear Anya, I agree that the sample boxes are an excellent change and that they look great as they are in the photos, shape and color both. The corrugated cardboard suggestion seems a good one for a natural material for the secure and protect topping unless the corrugation lines make it hard to cut to the exact size you want.
Anya, you also had a box made of thick handmade paper with flower seeds embedded within it. That was very beautiful and fittingly aligned with you.
The current presentation is quite nice, and yes, some of the batting is necessary to keep the jars upright and protected from leaking or spillage. Not the top sheet; the box is shallow enough that they won’t slip to the side.
The single strip of batting tucked on three sides is a good solution.
Is it time for an assistant to help you with the batting and packaging?
Best wishes!
Mary
I like the idea of a natural material, but the synthetic batting works really well. This is one of the best options for samples I have seen. Most of my samples are in the standard perfume sample vials that do leak when stored on their sides.
I agree with DebRa, it seems to work well as it is. I agree a natural material would be nice but I have not clue what there would be to use. I’m curious as to how many samples you put in a box. Do they always fill the box,what if someone orders only a couple, do they move around?
I love the evolution of your sample packs! The current packaging is gorgeous. I did find a quilt batting made from recycled plastic bottles, but I don’t know if it would work for your needs or how cost-effective it is. I think it’s a nice idea to use something like that, but not if it’s going to up your costs substantially. Anyway, here’s the link to that place: http://www.quiltersdreambatting.com/dream-green.htm
This is a bamboo/cotton blend batting http://www.fairfieldworld.com/product/47 and here’s another one by Kyoto (although I can only find third-party online sellers) http://www.homealamode.com/kyotobambooblendbatting.aspx and Moda makes one that is a soy/cotton blend (same thing) http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item–i-M-LR-3190
Good luck! And thanks for inspiring me to re-think some of the materials I normally don’t give much thought to. I think what you’re doing right now is fine, honestly, but if it doesn’t end up being substantially more expensive, or harder to work with, a greener alternative is always nice.
Anya, I believe the last time I received a sample (or samples) was in the little bag, but I very much like the new boxes. I wonder if whatever company produces the biodegradable packing popcorn, you know the kind made of cornstarch, might also produce biodegradable sheets much like the batting-sheets you use now, but more environmentally friendly. Thanks for involving us in this question and for being so personable and, well, so natural!
I must admit, I really miss the seed paper! I thought that was great fun, and really emphasised the earth-friendly side of natural perfume creation. However, the new box is very beautiful. I wonder if the packing material could be made out of the old seed paper. I always did worry about sample evaporation and spillage, so this should be an improvement.
I’ve received your samples in the pouch and box, but I don’t remember the stretchy ribbon. I think the boxes are lovely, safe and practical.
I know you requested pre-cut, so this might be a little time consuming with cutting into suitable sizes for inserts, but using cotton batting for quilts may be an idea. It can be purchased in depth between 1/8 inch and up.
Here’s a website that might give you an idea : http://www.mountainmistlp.com/products.htm
Thanks so much for offering such lovely natural fragrances, and asking us to submit suggestions.
As to the current packaging with batting, I say if it works and keeps the samples cushioned and intact, yay. (on the other hand, I sense you wish to improve the packaging.) With that in mind:
How about a natural wood by product that’s been used for… about ever, and that is natural and pretty? A fine excelsior “wood wool” made from biodegradable, sustainable Aspen would nestle in the boxes and look, well, nest-like as it cushioned. It’s available from several sources, Uline among them.
I think keep the batting .
Warm and Natural is a natural cotton quilt batting , but , alas it is not pre cut.
Or, what you are using looks perfectly fine .
Anyway I think the boxes are lovely !
Good Luck !
I love the box, love the bottles, but the batting , apart from being synthetic, takes cutting and handling, I thing of a simpler solution, with less handling: thinly sliced paper strips, like there used to be around Easter eggs. It is natural, and I suppose it would be easy to fit into the box, making a space at the middle for the samples, then adding some on top to secure the bottles. Do you think it could work?
Another suggestion comes to my mind: to put a label on the bottom of the samples bottles as well as on the lid, ’cause it is easy to put the wrong lid on the wrong bottle and it is so sad, it would alter the perfumes.
I liked Isayah’s idea about the Easter egg paper, I was thinking of colored paper from a shredder, but I think both ideas might be to messy for the customer who opens the box. No one wants to clean up those things. I do think labels on the bottom are a must. How about putting cotton balls around them?
I really like the new sample packaging. It looks very nice, and it also seems a safe way to ship- I have gotten samples in much less effective packaging! The natural alternatives that others have mentioned seems very appropriate to your project, however…
I think this style of sample packaging looks nice!
Best,
Lora
Dear Anya,
The most recent packaging design has a very and spiritual feel, from the purple, and the gold ribbon gives it a royal feel.
From the exterior, it gives the impression of exceptional high-quality, one-of-a-kind artisan feel.
I agree that the batting should be changed, as it sort of takes away from the impressions of the outer packaging.
My suggestion would be a white recyclable cardboard, to match the inside of the box, and then almost feels like a part of the box. Unfortunately I am not certain were to source, however I have seen some helpful and creative packaging ideas and solutions at papermart.com.
I think your dilema is interesting, and if the batting bothers you, this is significant because it represents you and your work.
~Natalie
I love the purple boxes, the ribbon, and the look of all the little vials nestled together in the box. So lovely! These samples would be a joy to receive! Very regal yet playful.
I like the effect of the batting, namely that it keeps all the vials centered in the box. But I’m a very tactile sort of person, and the batting looks like it would feel a bit rough or unfinished, an effect that doesn’t fit with the sensory delights contained within the vials. I wonder about using other natural materials. The first thing that came to mind for me is crinkle cut kraft paper shred – I find it quite attractive and natural-looking, and you could pack it around the vials to keep them from moving around. Something like this: http://www.uline.com/BL_1908/Crinkle-Paper?keywords=basket%20shred I’ve used this sort of shred in gift boxes, and it basically stays put, beside or under your product – it’s not so crazy springy that it ends up all over the place. I suppose you’d still need something to lay on top of all the vials, to keep them snug vertically. You could use shred there, too, but it might be too messy having it on top of the vials. I’ll have to put my thinking cap on some more!
Hi Anya
I like the box visually and the color combination of the purple and gold shows a deeper message about the level of care in your product.
I’m not opposed to the batting type material but maybe some sort of shred that is recycled would work too. You have to consider your time and the amount of work to secure your packaging.
I love the little bottles! I prefer these over the standard little vials that have the difficult plastic stoppers. (I have spilled contents when trying to get these off the little vial)
Does anyone remember the little glass tubes that had two small, colored balls to denote the scent as featured in the legend? You had to break off one end to get the perfume out? This was in the Sixties. I have ONE left from my childhood. LOL. They came about 15 to a little case. It was a dangerous and serious way to get your scent.
I like these sampling boxes =) I must have received the samples back then in the drawstring bag and I vote “yay” on these new boxed with the padding to protect the precious samples. I do have one comment on the sample vials. I cherish my samples very much and save them for special occasions, when I went to test something last week I realized almost all of the vials had evaporated and I was horrified!! Can I dilute them again with a drop or 2 of alcohol? If possible, I’d suggest looking into sample vials with a even better seal~
I love the combination of violet and gold, colors that appear so often in nature (and actually are my favorites 🙂
Wool would be the most natural material I can suggest, it is lightweight and would look and feel same great chosen in natural color or being dyed. As I work with wool (I make felt jewelry) I know how cosy and economic it is – you can do a lot having ex. one kg of wool!
Regards,
Rita
Hi Anya, It’s so interesting to see all your phases. I have to say that I love the original collage image as a piece of art but for ease of shipping and storage I love the box because it serves as an easy way to store the tiny bottles sets before and after you send them.
The batting doesn’t bother me at all but if you wanted to pursue other options you could look into sourcing cotton remnants from quilt makers, or other fabric artists. You could cut strips of fabric to cushion the bottles or you could use just one piece to wrap around the batting. But that’ a lot more work.
You could also just shred paper headed to the recycling bin to cushion the bottles. They could be removed upon delivery and recycled. Not as elegant but I kind of love it when I see paper being used just one more time before being recycled!
Good luck with this!
Anya, I love the care that you’ve taken with your packaging! I think the small piece of batting, synthetic or otherwise, laid on top of the bottles is a fine idea. As for keeping the bottles snugly in place, what about a little upside-down tray (like the bottom of a box) inside the box, and made from lightweight cardboard or card stock, with holes punched that the sample vials would fit into upright? They’d be snug as eggs in a carton, and the presentation would be very tidy!
Hi Anya,
I immediately thought of the hanging planter baskets lined with coconut coir. This stuff is the husk of the coconut that has been chopped up. It is an organic, natural, renewable product. You can buy 2 different kinds of it in blocks at Home Depot. You can get more of a nugget sized coconut mulch – Bark Brown Mega Mulch . It is $5.97 for 8 lbs. It has a brand name of Plant Best. 552534 is the product number. Call your local store to see if they have it because not every store carries it.
There is also coconut coir peat called Beats Peat. It’s form is more fiber like or sawdust like. A block weighs 11 lbs, and it ships free. It costs $8.97. If your local Home Depot doesn’t have it, go to their website. The item number is 468159. Again, call your local store to see if they carry it. If not, you can get it online.
This isn’t a pre-cut fiber product that you were looking for. But I think it would really work for an organic packing product. You could tell your clients that they can take the peat and put it into their compost bin, or use it as mulch for small potted plants. It will break down eventually and is a great thing to use to amend your soil. It’s main purpose is as a mulch. Water is added to it, and it expands and makes about 2.2 cubic feet of coconut coir peat.
Apparently you can get a much smaller package at a pet store. You could try the smaller size first to see if it works for you. There it is called Bed a Beast or Plantation Soil. A brick of it there is $1.
Anyway, think about it. It just might work.
As you can imagine the logistics is part of the challenge of delivering a beautifull product to our customers. It is time consuming but it worth the try and it has the green aproach. Besides studying the text book, and the exercises, I have been hacking perfume boxes and determining the cost and the stress test. A mold made in such a way that beautifully displays each product is the best way. The mold can be made in ceramic clay fired at your local ceramic clay creative kids art store. Then slump dry some recycled paper or paper mache. In other words similar to the idea of transporting and storing eggs but with a touch of elegance by adding color or line it with satin. This is the last idea after I bought an empty perfume bottle from MIKASA.
Dear Anya
Your packaging is exquisite. I really like the lettering on your logo, along with the design and round shape; then the pretty textured deep purple box and tied ribbon set it all off so nicely!
But I feel you are right to question the batting. It’s all right, but I don’t think the look is up to the rest of it, plus it must be a horrible pain to cut out those little squares!
I am a visual artist, with an interest in design, and also a Nature’s Sunshine Herb Specialist, and I have two ideas for you.
You expressed an interest in cotton. I think you could use organic bulk cotton fiber, pulling out a piece long enough to surround the inside of the box, giving it a slight twist, and laying it in. Another untwisted poof could then be laid on top of the bottles. This might be a little awkward to get the hang of, but once you did, I think it would be much easier than what you are doing and would look great. Anyone who cards and spins wool should be able to help you with getting the hang of handling the loose fibers. I am enclosing a link to a place that sells organic, US grown cotton for $55 for 5 pounds, with free shipping. They say they will even send you a sample. http://www.whitelotus.net/wholesale-organic-cotton-us-grown-no-frs/
My second idea is taken for the boxed set of essential oils I sell through Nature’s Sunshine. The box is incredibly well designed for ease of use, storage and reuse. It has an insert made out of stiff, uncorrigated cardboard, that fills the floor of the box, at a hight about 1/3 of the way up. This insert has holes in it the size of the bottles. Each hole is about 1/2 inch from the next, and from the sides and front, giving the insert enough support to be used repeatedly as bottles are taken in and out. And this spacing also leaves room for a person’s fingers to pick one bottle out easily. Another very handy feature, which probably is nothing you need to know about, but maybe for something in the future, is that on the front side, which flips up as you open the box, are the names of all 10 essential oils. They have a label on the side of each bottle also, but this makes it possible to know exactly where they are in the box. I do not think this flip up labeling would work with your more formal presentation, but the insert with holes the bottles fit in is a definite possibility. If you would like me to send you a photo of the box, I will.
I hope this helps; and yes, I really hope I win!
Carol Lucas
I like your current package – boxes with ribbons look great and a colour combination is really nice!
As a replacement for synthetic material I thought about cardboard cell-type inserts (partitions), like on this pic:
http://www.customboxesandpackaging.com/images/YeboWebpics/Protective-Packaging/Box-Partitions/chippart-small.jpg
Hello Anya,
The evolution of your packaging has been interesting to see. Thanks for sharing it. I can see such a process coming down the road for myself.
What you are using now seems to work and looks good, and is probably as inexpensive at it will get, but for a non-synthetic option it might work to try something really low-tech like the organic cotton roll offered by companies like this: http://www.intrinsics.net/prod_organics.asp
The roll could be cut to be used in a similar fashion to how your are currently using the synthetic piece (may require more than one layer) or a ring of cotton balls could go around the samples and then a flat piece laid on top (they offer pre-cut sizes) and then something decorative sprinkled lightly on top to pretty-it-up like a few colorful dried flower petals.
Thanks for being so open with us.
Isa
I think you should keep the system you have until you have the
money/source info to re style the sample box. This would be having
an insert of die cut circles with spacers–two levels of circles that would
keep the bottom of the bottle and the neck or top in place upright. Each little bottle would have its own position in the box. Empty positionswould remain empty if not needed. I could source this out for you with a knowledgeable professional at my disposal. For cushioning on top, a thin spongy corrugated material. I think your very first seed packet was quite
lovely, I am collage artist, and I appreciate that design. You should
work the design back in when you get the chance. The only item I
personally strongly object to is that little drawstring bag. And you
corrected that. Many good wishes for the perfect fit.
Hi Anya –
The boxes are beautiful. I envision some kind of recycled paper excelsior(sp?) to cushion the bottles.
That would keep with the natural theme.
Keep doing your good work!
Hello Everyone!
I am overwhelmed by the wonderful responses! I never could have found all these resources by myself, and I am truly grateful for your suggestions. For some reason, the links y’all provided aren’t showing up as clickable, maybe because I had the webmistress tweak the settings last week. However, I am able to click them on behind the scenes on the dashboard, and I am going to visit each one.
I was going to leave a comment for each suggestion, but I don’t think there are enough hours in the day, so please regard this as my mid-point in the giveaway time period post.
Let’s see if I can make the links clickable by fiddling around with the dashboard so it’s easier for you to visit the sites.
What great feedback and votes of confidence for my path.
xoxo,
Anya
Dear Anya
I was a lucky recipient of a box of samples of your perfume in 2009. They came in the seeded box at the time. I still have the sample bottles some of which still contain the original perfume. River Cali was my favorite at the time and I used up that sample quickly!
I think your current packaging is elegant and i would not change a thing! Yeah to the batting as is. However should you wish to change the only other option I could think of was paper shreds. Papermart also carries something they call white creped tissue made from cellulose. It is not pre cut however. You could check it out on the Papermart website under cushioning and fills.
Best regards
Aba
Hi Anya,
While I like how your packaging currently looks I think if you can feasibly make it more earth friendly i think as a natural perfumer its important to make that effort.
I don’t know if anyone else already suggested Geami paper or Eco Cradle mushroom products but i hope those are helpful suggestions.
Best wishes!
Hello, Anya! Let me say up front…don’t keep the current batting, if you are open to trying something new (just for a change of pace). Instead, use, earthy tissue paper to cushion the product, and silicone bracelets to keep it together. I will explain all of this right now. Here is my idea. You could have a cardboard box with a flip up style lid. The outside of the box would be completely black. On the top of the lid, in gold lettering (to me, gold really “pops” against black, sort of how the swarovski crystals pop under the dark lighting in the store), you could have a perfume quote, like “Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson. Inside of the box would be either brown like a cardboard box, or some other lighter color, like white, and there would be pictures of a simple flower that holds meaning to you, all over the inside of the box. You would then also have the same exact flower as paper cut outs (like confetti) that would be sprinkle over the product on the inside. The effect of the flowers on the inside of the box would look like they are bursting out, and the matching confetti flowers would actually float out as they fell off the product (do not put too many confetti flowers in the box, otherwise, it will lose the cute effect, and just turn into a mess–use like 15-25 flowers or so, made of a lighter paper material for the float effect). Right on the part where the lid flips up, on the inside, print, or put a sticker of your logo/seal “Anya’s Garden Perfumes.” I am not sure if it would be big enough, but you could use those popular silicone bracelets to band around bunches of your product (to keep it together and upright in shipping). The bracelets should be (a) complimentary color(s), or else one(s) that represent(s) your company well. Each bracelet could have the name of your company on them, or other short inspiring words, like “happiness,” “laughter,” “memories,” “inspire,” “love,” “gratefulness,” and etc. For any left over space around the product, you could put in simple crinkled up earthy tissue paper (make sure to put the cut out flowers over the top of this and the product). Ok…..now, a person receives this box in the mail. It isn’t often that they get something packaged in a bold black box. Oh wait…..there’s some gold writing on this box….. it’s a cute quote about perfume! How adorable! The person then opens their box….. And they become visually entertained by the contrasting lighter color on the inside, with the flowers printed along the edges, and slightly up onto the bottom portion of the flip top lid. The person then see’s your company name/logo right there, front and center on the inside of the flip up lid. They look down….. they see a product nestled inside of an earthy tissue paper…..they go to pull the items out….. and more matching flowers like the side of the box float off like confetti! Wow! What presentation! And how different from any package I have ever gotten! How unique! Not only do I feel special that I have bought this wonderful product, but I also feel like Anya put these special touches in her packing to give me an added exquisite experience…..and I feel like I am rarely surprised my much at this point in life…..But wait! What is this holding my perfume bottles together? Wow! It’s one of those silicone bracelets that I always see others wearing! Now I have one/some too! Wow, and it even has inspirational sayings. I am going to show all my friends (and eventually, this whole thing becomes a conversation starter about how I got this bracelet to begin with–now my friends/family want to know more about this company). Thanks, Anya! I can’t wait to purchase another one of your fabulous products!
Well, that is my idea! I hope it helps!
-Staci Kong
I think your new packaging is beautiful and your batting is perfect. While we strive to use all natural products, sometimes it just isn’t possible. I think the corrugated cardboard is a nice idea, but you may find it more difficult and time consuming to cut and use.
Keep up the wonderful work and may your days be full of “scentfull” pleasures!
I like the batting idea. It is important to cushion the bottles and keeping them vertical is helpful. I wish I knew of a resource for you for pre-cut batting or cotton batting but I don’t.
Thanks for asking!
It’s not the most cost effective, but you can purchase natural fibers for spinning yarn that would provide good cushion. Personally I think it’s fine how it is, I think your customers will be so thrilled at the cute package and what’s inside that they won’t care about the packing
Hi Anya,
Wow, everyone has offered so many wonderful ideas. I loved investigating all the links. I do like the current box but would love to see a more “green product” to cushion. The Geami paper looks awesome. BTW, if we are talking about packaging, I was sorry to see that when my kits arrived a few days ago, Kit #1 was not in a wooden box as stated on the website. It came in a round aluminum and plastic topped tin:( The kits were covered with yards of bubble wrap. The first package was damaged on its way to me. USPS email said that it was “destroyed”. I was saddened to think of all the effort that it takes to collect the raw ingredients to provide us with these wonders from around the world, only to be wasted by someone’s carelessness.
Hi Susan:
You got the metal tin because you ordered right on the cusp of things changing with the kits. I updated the website two days ago, taking the “wooden box” out. I simply cannot find replacements for either of the two wooden boxes I used previously. I may get them custom made. I like the metal tins, they’re for shipment and storage and very modern.
You lucked out because I will now have to dilute the blond tobacco and the vanilla absolutes. The prices have just gone crazy, and that’s the only way I can offer them and keep the costs down.
I don’t understand about the packages being destroyed, you’ll have to communicate that with me privately, with photos, as it looks like an insurance claim may be in the works.
HTH
Anya
Hi Everyone:
I just added a photo of the sample boxes I forgot to include! Thanks to those of you who left comments remind me about the wildflower boxes. They completely slipped my mind. Oy, I’ve been working too hard.
xoxo,
Anya
About the Geami paper: I’ve been using it for years! I just got a huge roll that is very heavy. It’s the one where the “waffles” expand when I pull the flat paper out through the lip of the box. I always use the white.
Anya
Yay! I figured out how to enable the comment links to be clickable! I’m so appreciative of everyone’s comments and links I can’t put it into words. I’m going to print out all the comments when the giveaway is over and visit all the sites. I never could have done this without y’all!
xoxo,
Anya
I don’t mind the cotton batting, but it seems labor intensive. I like the Geami paper and shredded crinkle paper as they are both reusable or recycable; however, I don’t know much they cost compared to the cotton batting. Thanks for letting us comment!
Anya,
Your boxes are gorgeous – sensuous and upscale but with a natural component. How about continuing that natural theme and using aromatic plant material, such as lavender (available through Mountain Rose Herbs), cedar wood shavings or chips (available at pet supply stores or your local sawmill), thyme (easy to grow and on the stalks takes up space nicely), or even seeds or grasses? I have used fir needles nicely for packaging small perfumes, but they are more easily available where I live and I blend on a much smaller basis than you!
What about crinkle paper? Like this:http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-6119T/Crinkle-Paper/10-lb-Crinkle-Paper-Teal?pricode=WU343&gadtype=pla&gclid=CL2x2q3x-bQCFck7MgodjkIApw
I do like your box method, aesthetically it is very nice, and I like the amount of care you put into your packaging. I wonder if placing the samples in tubes (about the thickness of the sample containers) for shipping might be good for keeping them snug as well as interesting to the eye. This might be difficult for keeping them stored though, the boxes seem to be the optimal option for that. Thank you for the draw!
Hi Everyone:
The winners of the sample boxes of my perfumes are Linda Lavalle and Suzinn. They have been notified privately by email. Thank you to everyone for contributing your opinions and suggestions for alternate interior packaging materials. I’m going to visit each site and see if I can find a good solution.
Sincerely,
Anya
I just remembered that I tryed to post this for you on Saturday from a different computer and was having difficulties (the computer was having more difficulties than I, actualy) think it may be helpful:
I don’t like getting packaging that I can’t recycle, although I generally put the synthetic materials in the plastic recycle and hope it gets used somehow
I would recommend using some form of cardboard, it can be designed to fit your boxes perfectly, is recycled and recyclable.
Perhaps you can talk to -I can’t remember their name now, it is a natural perfumer, I believe from Australia, who won an award on the design of their packaging -made from cardboard- I believe they designed it themselves, learned something to do with that in college or something,- I vaguely remember this, and know exactly what the packaging looks like, tubular, with an inner, sorta star shaped cardboard that goes around a nice wooden containers of solid perfume… she is a part of the community, either the guild or the group, perhapse you know who I am talking about?
sorry I can’t be of more spicific help, but I believe, if you know who I am talking about, she may even be able to design something for you
I googled natural perfumer award winning packaging. this is who I was talking about,
Francesca, of Pacific Perfumes
as I recall she designed her boxes….
“the Winner of the 2011 IPDA Green category Packaging Design Award in NY and the 2011 NZ Environmental Packaging Councils Special Judges Award.”
Hemla
Hello Anya~I know my suggestion is too late for the opportunity to win your sample pack. However, I feel that in keeping with the lovely organic packaging and perfume , the material placed between the two should accompany the natural aesthetics of the contents. I love finding alternative uses for everything, especially natural materials! I don’t know about k-mart, but most Walmart’s have a great pet department. In particular, the bird and small animal section~has natural materials. My suggestion to cushion the treasure inside the box is…..Timothy Hay!! It runs about 2.50 for a 24 ounce bag (will fill a lot of those little boxes), it is not moist or too dry to work with. The green color would look lovely with your boxes and….once delivered, it can be tossed outside and the birds will have a “hay” day!
Thanks for your suggestion, Rebecca.
Never heard of Timothy hay, I’ll check it out. I’m also looking at some moss, and some of the suggestions made by others. Packaging is hard work!
Thanks,
Anya