Cheap packaging supplies can result in wonderfully creative ways to present your handmade items. You don't have to spend a fortune on traditional product packaging. All you need to do is to see everyday items for their potential as clever boxes, bags, cushioning, tags, and so on.

Of course, as with most ways of getting things free or very cheaply, you'll need to substitute your time and creativity for money.

Customizing Your Cheap Packaging Supplies

First, be sure to include your business name, website URL, and contact info on all of your product packaging. You can do this easily and cheaply with a custom-made rubber stamp or foil stickers, or with mailing labels printed with your business info instead of your address.

Next, you can embellish your product packaging with craft supplies like stamps, paint, Mod-Podge, raffia, ribbon, etc. Handmade products are nicely complemented by quirky or out-of-the-ordinary packaging.

Ideas for Cheap Packaging Supplies:

• A Brown Kraft Paper Roll-

You can buy a big kraft paper roll very cheaply. Not only is it sturdy - it's also one of the most versatile packaging elements you'll find. Since it's a solid neutral color, it's a wonderful "canvas" for any kind of embellishment you'd like to add. If possible, choose recycled paper.

You can use this brown paper in the obvious ways, as a much cheaper and far sturdier version of gift wrap, or to wrap boxes for shipping. But you can also use it to create your own gift bags, shopping bags, and origami boxes.

You can buy big kraft paper rolls at home improvement stores. But if you can't find any locally, you can usually order it from Amazon.com with free shipping if your total order is over $25.

• Wallpaper Samples -

Another of the most versatile, cheap packaging supplies is wallpaper samples. These heavy paper samples are usually slightly bigger than a sheet of scrapbooking paper, and can be made into stylish boxes, bags, tags, tubes, and other containers. There are tons of free tutorials and patterns online for making your own containers out of paper.

You can get a huge supply of wallpaper samples for free. Go to the wallpaper departments of your local home improvement stores, house paint stores, and interior decorating stores. Ask if you can have their old wallpaper sample books. These stores throw out their expired sample books on a regular basis, and are usually happy to give them to you for free.

• Lunch Bags -

A package of dollar-store lunch bags is one of the best ready-made cheap packaging supplies. You can usually get a few dozen bags for a dollar or two, and then embellish them any way you wish.

Lunch bags are a good pre-made option if you don't have the time to make your own bags from kraft paper or wallpaper samples. As always, opt for the recycled paper version if possible.

• Greeting Cards or Holiday Cards -

Greeting cards can be cut up and used for pretty gift-message cards, product care cards, or even product tags. After the holidays, you can stock up on bargain-priced cards, especially at dollar stores and discount stores.

Another Handmade Packaging Consideration

Packaging is an important part of your product presentation. So even if you're using cheap packaging supplies, remember to keep your boxes, bags, tags, etc. in a style that complements - and even enhances - your handmade products.