It's the day I look forward to every year - the first day of Spring! (Sorry, Southern Hemisphere folk.) Ever since I moved to Minneapolis, it's become even more overwhelmingly happy experience because severe winters make you appreciate this day even more.
In celebration, I've got part one of a project for you: custom Seed Packets! They're great for favors or gifts if you chose to harvest seeds from your garden this year or use them to store seeds for next year. First thing's first - download the dieline .
When you've got the image downloaded, you'll open it up to see the above layout, just without the numbers. The numbers represent the following panels: (1) the principal display panel, otherwise known as the front; (2) the back panel; (3) the top flap; (4) the bottom flap; (5) the side flap. Dotted lines are fold lines; solid lines are cut lines. You can customize the template with your own art in two ways: you can either print it out and draw directly on the reverse surface of the paper (you don't want to draw on the side with the fold and cut marks), or you can add art to the digital file and print that out. To edit this file, you can either import the PDF into Photoshop or Illustrator (or similar programs) and apply art directly over the template.
When your packet is finished and you've cut it out, fold the back panel (#2) up towards the front panel as dictated by the dotted line, and put pressure on the crease with your finger (make sure your hands are clean first!) or a bone folder. Repeat with panels 3, 4, and 5, folding once again toward the primary panel.
Prepare panels 4 and 5 with a glue stick or strong double stick tape. Try to avoid using liquid glue, especially on thinner paper stocks, as this introduction of moisture can warp the paper and could keep your seeds from staying dry in storage. With panel 2 folded over panel 1, press down panel 5 (the side panel) down first to create the primary packet shape. Press panel 4 down next - by putting this one down second, it helps reinforce the structure created by joining panel 5 to panel 2. Set aside your packets to dry - it's best to try to keep them as flat as possible while they dry, so find a book or weight if possible to place on top of them.
When you're ready to use them, place the seeds into the packet and apply glue stick or double stick tape to panel 3, and press down towards the packet's body to seal closed. Store in a cool, dry place.
On Tuesday in Part Two: Pre-Designed Templates and Photo Instructions!
Maddy Susser is a graphic designer and
artist that has a soft spot for all things paper and English period
pieces (in other words, men in tights and funny vests). Armed with a
number of years in marketing for retail on a small business and
corporate scope she collects tidbits of information learned along the
way and puts it into easy terms to share, formerly on her blog Try This
at Home, and now on Modish. She's currently working on a line of paper
goods.
