Weekly Inspiration: The Lovely Package Exchange

*Forgive the delay: I tried to post this yesterday and I accidentally lost it right before I pressed post. Attempt #2:

Many of you may know that I very much enjoy putting together packages and wrapping gifts. I often find the process of putting together the package more enjoyable than the content itself. My father, also being an artist, taught me about what it really means to give a gift. It never has to do with the amount of money the gift cost (as it is often the free stuff that has the most meaning) but it's the love you put into it that lasts for the recipient. From the idea behind what you plan on adding to this person's life all the way to how you present it, I was blessed to grow up learning about how to make a gift really mean something...how to make the physical package ripple love into someones life. And part of that has to do with paying attention to every. single. detail. Of course this kind of execution isn't always possible or necessary. Sometimes there is great power when there being no presentation at all. Simple gestures sometimes need to remain simple to be the most meaningful. That being said, I just love to get obsessive about presentation that it came as no surprise when a very good friend pointed out that I should join the Lovely Package Exchange.

I was assigned to 3 strangers in the US who also appreciate packages, art, details, craft, mail, and finding beauty in world. We don't know much about our package partners other than a brief description of their likes and links to their blogs and websites. So over the past month or so I have been collecting little here and theres, making little objects, collecting string and tags...all to culminate in 3 lovely packages that will make there way into the homes of these 3 strangers and hopefully give them a good dose of loveliness.

One problem I've been facing is that I've been working very long hours at my job and when I come home I'm exhausted. I spend the day with so much creative output that by the time I get home I'm at a creative deficit. So, I keep looking at all my gatherings for the packages and I can't seem to see how it all fits together. I've been too tired to hear the little objects whispering to me about how they wanted to be wrapped. Oh no! There is nothing that gets my sparks flying like putting together a bunch a little things into a package delight. Where can I find the fire to put this all together?

And then I got my first package:
Meet the lovely and amazing Natalia from Denver, Colorado.

When I came home from a very long day her package was sitting there smiling at me. As I opened up this package and explored each detail one by one, I felt the fire light up inside me. Not only was I a kid on Christmas because getting stuff is always fun, but it was the thought and the heart infused into every detail that made me feel so good. By the end of the my journey with the big reveal, my creative battery was re-charged and I was ready to go. My little objects were speaking to me loud and clear and I knew just how they wanted to be arranged. I will post pics of the package I put together...but not until Natalia receives it!
And that lovely flower bow you see below:Is actually a gorgeous handmade head-band.Many of you also know that I love tiny versions of things (and I love to MAKE tiny versions of things too!) which was one of the details I included about myself on my list of likes. Well Natalia must have taken note of that because she sent me the cutest ever waffle making set.Seriously though, take in how small. The syrup is my favorite. LOVE IT!But what really stole my heart and filled me with such appreciation is the scene she hand crafted on top of the box that held this tiny waffle maker. I really felt the love shared between this couple when a stranger took the time to make something like this for me. Beautiful.I also got an awesome journal (which is now a staple in my purse) which was wrapped by a drawing of buildings with handmade vines and flowers growing all over them...such great detail.And some paper balls hat revealed goodies and candy at the pull of their string.AND SO MUCH MORE!!! I could go on and on.

But what I really was left with was an awakened excitement and a reminder of why I love packages in the first place. Someone took the time to infuse these objects with good vibes and they traveled all the way into my home so I could enjoy those good vibes. Thank You Natalia for the amazing thoughtfulness and care you put into this package. Thank You for sending some good old fashioned love into my home. And Thank You for re-charging my depleted creative juices. I'm inspired.