Guest Author - Beverly Elrod
Making tatted gifts is always a pleasure and joy, especially when you know how well your tatted item is received. Everybody seems to enjoy receiving a homemade gift, especially one that’s hand crafted. Sometimes we ship those homemade items via the parcel post of one sort or the other and we want those packages to arrive looking just as wonderfully as they did when we packaged them. There are a few tricks I’d like to share with you that will keep your gift looking the same as when you sent it off.
First, make sure that your gift fits the box you’ll be using. While it’s okay to fold a flat tatted doily in quarters, you don’t want to fold one which has ruffles and other three dimensional embellishments on it. But, let’s not skip too far ahead.
For a flat piece, if it’s small enough you can ship it flat. Otherwise you can fold it in half or in quarters. This can then be folded in some tissue paper and put in a ‘puffy’ envelop (a manila envelope with bubble wrap adhered to the inside).
Or you can send your item in a box. To do this place one layer of tissue (about twice the size of the base of your package) in the bottom of your box. The outer edges will eventually be covered over the top of everything. Now, place a few layers of tissue on the bottom of your box. Next place the tatted gift on the tissues. Then, I like to lay down filler (this will make sure that the box is full enough that your gift will not slide around in the box, should the package get turned to its side). For filler, you can either use more tissue, or you can use cotton batting. If you’re sending other items-such as hankies-these can be used as filler material. Last, fold the initial layer of tissue over top of your filler. Make sure there is no tissue hanging over the sides. You may need to tuck in the corners to prevent the excess from being closed up when you put the lid on your package.
Once you have your package put together make sure to seal it together with good tape. Or, if you’re going to wrap with packaging paper, you might put a decorative ribbon around the box. However you finish off your wrapping, make sure that the final box that your package is shipped in is sturdy. Moving boxes, banana boxes, etc., are strong and durable, but they’re pretty big for shipping a small gift. If you don’t have a box, small enough, that is also durable, you can always take one of these types of boxes and cut them down to fit your package. By doing so, you’ll have the sturdy box that you want and it’ll fit the size that you’ll need. If you end up making your own box, make sure that you tape it well so that it doesn’t come apart during shipping.
You may be able to find just the box you need at the post office or other packaging facility that you may use. Sometimes spending a little bit of pocket change is far worth the cost rather than to make your own box.
Please do not use this method if your item is embellished with glass or plastic beads. Something of this nature should be packaged into a box. And, make sure that you pad the beads quite a bit so that they won’t be jostled against each other and break.
If you are sending something that has been stiffened and/or is 3d, I recommend that you place these items in a box big enough for the item to be shipped without folding it. Also, make sure that you tuck tissue paper wherever you can. For example: if you’re shipping a hat that you’ve stiffened, make sure to scrunch up and stuff tissue paper on the inside to help support the hat while it’s being shipped. Then scrunch up more paper and place it around the brim once you’ve placed the hat in the box.
Also, you may want to insure your package. Of course, no amount can reimburse you for the time and love that you put into making your gift, but usually if a package is insured the mailing carrier will take better care when handling it.
By following these directions, your gift is sure to be greeted by a winning smile at the end of its journey.
