Rebooting Raven

This year I was fortunate enough to have the time and energy to do homemade presents this year for my near and dears. With the help of Adobe and WordPress I think this season was a success!

Mom recently moved to FL and spends just about everyday at the pool. So I designed a double sided bag using heat transfer paper. I made sure to get a tote with a zipper and it even has a small inside pocket with a zipper. She’s always digging for her keys so hopefully that helps. The idea was to make the “back” of the bag a seat saver in case she’s meeting a friend or needs to save her seat by the pool. That little idea ended up being my favorite part of this gift. It was my first heat transfer bag so it’s not perfect. But I’m happy with the way it turned out and I think she will be too.

I also made and framed a welcome sign for her new place.

I have a near and dear friend that has 100 bags but she’s a sentimental sucker just like I am. So I’m pretty sure she’ll like the one I made her as well. She’s definitely a Disney adult, and Pooh happens to be one of her favorite characters. Sooooo, using the same bag but in blue, she got the following which I thought turned out SO cute!

My nephew is a total outdoorsman in training, soon to teach the class. So, he’s receiving the following t-shirt. Don’t worry, I’m not a completely lame aunt. He’s getting other stuff too. But this is what I’m most excited about.

My niece is simply crushing it on the softball field so I figure she should be dressed accordingly. The softballs in green graphic goes on the front of hers and the bottom statement was added to the back. My girls gonna look TOUGH.

I also created a few stickers based on some of my favorite quotes.

My sister-in-law is into all things homemade and enjoys adult humor. So I figure this should go over well also. Her’s were done on a different, smaller tote because she’s a less is more kind of gal.

I also designed some Christmas and birthday cards for a few people this year. I made matching colored envelopes using some 12/12 paper I had around with a few quick folds. I’m not much for sentimental cards. My love language is more show than tell. So I tried for a silly and/or seasonal vibe.

Some people are about the experiences and less about the stuff when it comes to gifts. So the in-laws are receiving a double date “coupon” to a place we’ve talked about taking them. The EXTRA awesome included with this present is time with family and support for a small, local business. This place has a reputation for great food and taking great care of the employees, double win. My mother-in-law is also a big fan of red if you couldn’t tell by the card or certificate.

And last but my favorites, some logo/business cards and a holiday website graphic for my bros fledgling business.

At the last minute I decided to go a little extra and print custom name tags for everyone, including my brother’s dog. Quick and fun and it adds one last personal touch. And it allows most of the packaging to be reused without having to cover up old tags. The kids usually like messing around with the ribbon so I just tie everything into an easy to pull bow. It’s also a sweet idea if you have a loved one with mobility issues, easier to open.

To say I’ve had fun with Adobe this year is an understatement. Once you get started you’ll come up with so many new ideas! I’m kind of sad Christmas has come to an end. I guess there’s always birthdays!!! I leave you with some mp4s created for business partners. Sending best wishes to you and yours!!!