Wrapping for Ripping - Holiday Gift Wrap You'll Want to Keep
DO YOU RIP THE GIFT WRAPPING?
Gift giving isn't just about what's in a box but how it's wrapped. Every family has one person who protects the paper, wincing when the kids rip into the beautifully wrapped packages, trying to salvage bows and ribbons, or carefully peeling their gifts open so they can fold the paper away for later use.
At Plenilune, I'm creating unique wrapping paper that's not just for the moment but for the memories. It's the kind that begs to be saved, folded, and tucked away for next year's celebration. I aim to make paper so delightful that even the most impatient present opener will hesitate before going full shred mode.
MAKE HOLIDAY MEMORIES WITH UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP
As a visual person, my childhood holiday memories often involve being surrounded by a nest of packaging ripped to bitty pieces, all stuck to invisible pieces of clear tape. My mother lurking with a trash bag, eager to clean it all up, or my cat diving into the paper piles and pouncing into the chaos. But amidst all this, I always reveled in the beauty of the holidays, not just the toys and treats. This is the feeling I want to bring to your gift-giving experience.
Yes, You're an Art Collector
The title Art Collector can be intimidating, and something your average person wouldn't feel fits them. It brings to mind mansions, wealth, incomprehensible luxury, and the kind of artwork already hanging in museums. But collecting art can be just as meaningful—if not more so—on a small scale. In fact, every time you purchase a piece of art, whether it's a handcrafted ceramic, a beautiful print, or an original painting from a living and local artist, you're making a choice that shapes culture. Collecting art isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy; it's something you're likely already doing and can continue to do intentionally. This isn't just about decor—it's a way to support the voices of independent artists and contribute to local culture, all while expressing your own taste and surrounding yourself with art that is meaningful to you.
Why Small-Scale Art Collecting is Important
Art collecting on an economically accessible level strengthens the creative economy. Small purchases sustain independent creators and make art available to even more people.
Buying Art Builds Community and Culture
Local art has a powerful ripple effect. Buying a painting from an emerging artist or a handmade item from a crafter at a market helps build a culture that values creativity and self-expression.
Create a Legacy of Support for the Arts
Rather than buying mass-produced replicas of art or decor from chain stores, your purchases go directly to the creators, helping them continue their work and live out their passion. These smaller, direct contributions mean more to artists and often create real, lasting impact.
You Probably Already Collect Art
If you've ever picked up a piece of art or a handcrafted item that caught your eye, you're already a collector. Collectors like you make a real difference, helping keep the arts alive, accessible, and close to home.
Art collecting isn't about wealth; it can be about much more, like communication, self-expression, shared culture, and living in the now while still learning from the past. So, next time you see a piece you love at a local shop or fair, know that adding it to your collection means something significant to the world where you live, learn, and work.
VIEW OUR AVAILABLE ART PRINTS
Very Serious Halloween Supplies: The Perfect Trick-or-Treat Bag for Your Little Ghouls
Ah, Halloween—do you remember the excitement of planning your costume, the crisp autumn air, and the hunt for the perfect trick-or-treat bag? While the holiday has evolved over the years, the focus on collecting as much candy as possible has not changed! Choosing that bag was a big deal. It was your trusty sidekick, the companion that would follow you on your candy-collecting adventures year after year.
Think back: What kind of bag did you use? Maybe you grabbed an old pillowcase—reliable but lacking in style. Or perhaps you opted for one of those tiny plastic pumpkin heads, cute and themed but a little too small for the candy haul you aspired to. And those pesky handles always seemed to dig into your hands.
I was inspired to dig through my old childhood photographs in search of a picture of me in a crafty costume and carrying one of those pumpkin pals, but alas, I cannot find one!
The right trick-or-treat bag is essential to creating lasting Halloween memories for kids. Our sturdy, spooky, cute totes are designed to be more than just bags—they can become a part of your child’s Halloween experience and memories.
Our Halloween totes, featuring fun patterns like cartoon skulls and bones, are crafted from durable materials to withstand even the most intense candy hauls. Check them out! Invite your little one to help pick out their unique trick-or-treat tote. Or, if trick-or-treating is no longer the tradition where you live (which makes me very sad!), you can pick one for their boo-basket.
Halloween is a Whole Vibe
Halloween Vibes All Season Long
Halloween isn't just a single day; it's a whole season of spooktacular fun! Here's how to keep the spooky vibes going all season long with our Halloween collection!
Halloween's more than October 31st—it is weeks of fun and festive activities. From haunted houses to costume parties, it's the season to dress up, decorate, and dive into everything spooky.
Comfortable Kids' Clothing: No Tags, All Fun
Say goodbye to itchy costumes! Our tag-free Halloween kids' clothing is perfect for a comfy, spooky look. With cute designs like friendly skeletons and playful pumpkins, our outfits let kids enjoy the Halloween spirit without the scratchy hassle. Perfect for school parties or trick-or-treating or children with sensory sensitivities.
Tote Bags: The Ultimate Halloween Candy Carriers
Choosing a Halloween candy bag is a big deal for kids—it's a trusty sidekick that will follow them on their trick-or-treat adventures year after year. Our sturdy bags are perfect for hauling candy and are durable enough for years of Halloween adventures. They're more than bags—they're part of your child's Halloween memories.
Spooky Greetings: Send Some Halloween Cheer
Why let the fun stop at costumes and candy? Spread the Halloween spirit far and wide with our collection of Halloween greeting cards. Perfect for sending spooky wishes to friends and family, our cards feature playful illustrations that capture the season's essence. Whether you're inviting friends to a Halloween bash or simply sending a festive hello, our greeting cards add a personal touch that emails and texts just can't match.
Explore our Halloween collection today and find everything you need to make this spooky season unforgettable for your family and friends.
How to Find a Pen Pal!
Yes, pen pals are still a thing! It's not just a throwback to a childhood before computers! The phrase is quaint and dated but still accurate, distinguishing between someone you write a physical letter to and people you may chat with through online message boards.
STRANGER DANGER?
The idea of talking to strangers isn't unusual nowadays, considering we spend so much of our lives chatting anonymously online. There was a point where your average person was horrified at the idea of talking to faceless weirdos on the internet, but that fear has long since dissolved as so many of our jobs, shopping, and hobbies have moved to the virtual. (I recall the earliest days of social media sites, especially the pre-myspace website Makeoutclub. While I made friends there, and many real-life friends had profiles, I would not have liked my parents or normie friends to know about it.)
So, while making a long-distance friend you never meet in person isn't so strange, it's the effort that goes into it; the formality of finding someone you want to exchange physical letters and packages with can still feel out of reach or old-fashioned. This effort and formality, however, can also be seen as a unique and significant part of the pen pal experience.
WHY YOU MIGHT WANT A PEN PAL
Seeking Authentic Connection
Many people crave genuine connection. While social media and instant messaging offer convenience, the instant gratification can lead to a lack of depth. Writing a pen pal encourages one to slow down, reflect, and communicate thoughtfully.
Everyone Loves Getting Mail!
There’s something delightful about receiving a letter in the mail—a sense of anticipation that digital messages can’t replicate. Opening a physical envelope and reading words carefully penned by someone just for you does not compare.
Cultivating Long-Lasting Friendships
Pen pal relationships can grow into lasting friendships. The time and effort invested in writing letters may help build a deeper connection.
Expanding Cultural Horizons
You can seek a pen pal from outside your sphere of experience. You’ll learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life, offering a richer understanding of global diversity.
Enhancing Writing Skills and Creativity
Composing letters gives you a chance to improve your writing skills, explore creativity, and articulate your ideas more deliberately.
How to Find a Pen Pal Safely
Choose the Right Platform
Many sites and boards are dedicated to finding pen pals, many with different themes. These sites are filled with people who are eager to forge new connections through snail mail. Here are some popular options:
Global Penfriends: A comprehensive platform for finding international pen pals.
Letter Writers Alliance: No longer active, but still a great resource.
The above is just a selection of options, some of which I have used. I may review my experiences in future blog posts. Do you have any groups or websites you recommend?
Safety Tips for Pen Pal Correspondence
Use Reputable Platforms: Stick to well-known pen pal websites and apps.
Be Clear: You will likely encounter some folks who want to use a penpal site as if it were a dating app. Don’t be afraid to be clear that you are not interested in a romance. Put it in your profile if applicable that you are not interested in finding love.
Protect Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details until you’ve built trust.
Use a P.O. Box for Added Security: Consider using a P.O. box or online interaction until you’re confident in the relationship.
Monitor Your Minors: A parent should monitor a child’s internet and phone use, so check in with anyone your child may contact via a penpal site. I don’t want to imply kids shouldn’t have penpals (in fact, I think the term conjures up images of childhood more than anything adult-related), but there is a danger they may encounter someone sketchy.
Trust Your Instincts: Don’t hesitate to step back or discontinue the exchange if something feels off or uncomfortable.
Do You Have the Time?: Be honest with yourself and determine whether you can make the time to correspond with pen pals through handwritten letters and cards. It takes commitment to maintain a pen pal friendship. It isn’t fair to your pen pal if you cannot or will not respond to their letters.
Back To School 2024: It's July, but the school supply rush has begun!
It's July. You're probably thinking about beach trips and BBQs, not school supplies. But the internet has spoken: it's officially back-to-school season! While the rush to get ready can be stressful, picking out new school supplies is the best part of going back to school for kids and teens. Each school year is like a mini makeover as they redefine themselves, one backpack at a time.
PACK IT UP
Backpacks
First up, backpacks, bookbags, schoolbags, whatever you call them! Our backpacks are sturdy and ready to be packed with your child's personality and heavy school supplies. They are perfect for standing out in the sea of plain Jansports or the latest from Target. A new backpack is not only a bag—it will be a part of a student's day all year. Plus, choosing the perfect one is half the fun of returning to classes.
Versatile Tote Bags
Need a bag for gym clothes, your laptop, art supplies, or a secret snack stash? Our tote bags have got you covered. They’re unique and built to last. Perfect for students, teachers, and anyone who appreciates a good tote.
Pencil Cases
Keeping track of all those pencils, erasers, and cords is challenging. Our pencil cases are here to help! Durable, spacious, and adorned with fun designs, they make organizing supplies simple. Plus, they’re so cute you might actually want to keep track of your pencils and not have to ask the teacher for one.
Notebooks
Notebooks are a school essential, but who says they have to be boring? Our notebooks come with sturdy covers, spiral binding, and fun designs that inspire creativity and make note-taking (or doodling) a joy. Whether it’s for science class or secret journaling, Plenilune notebooks are for all things scribbly.
For Teacher
Do not forget the unsung heroes of the classroom: the teachers. You can show them some appreciation with our range of gifts designed to bring a smile to their faces. From motivational poster prints to trusty coffee mugs, these goodies are perfect for any teacher who deserves a little extra (and they all do).
Creating the Brand Plenilune
Crafting My Brand: Plenilune's Meaning
When choosing a name for my brand, I wanted something that resonated deeply with my history and embodied my vision for the company. The word "plenilune" emerged as the perfect choice, weaving my love for the night, my childhood literary adventures, and the interconnectdness I long for.
The Meaning of Plenilune
The word "plenilune" is a poetic term for the full moon. Derived from the Latin plenilunium—combining plenus (full) and luna (moon).
The night has always been a sanctuary for me. A certain stillness descends, the volume is turned down, and the sound and color lower to a gentle hum. The full moon casts a soft light that allows the mind to pause. I wanted to capture this serene and thoughtful space in time in my brand—a space where calm and contemplation reign, inviting introspection and creativity.
Discovering Plenilune in J.R.R. Tolkien's World
My fascination with the word 'plenilune' traces back to my childhood, when I was engrossed in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of The Rings and devouring any and all extra material from him I could find. The discovery of 'plenilune' in his prose conjured vivid images of a full moon illuminating lands where heroes embarked on epic quests and tales unfurled. This pivotal moment ignited my love for the power of words.
Tolkien On Plenilune
“The words plenilune and argent are beautiful before being understood, said Tolkien, and best met in a living context rather than in a dictionary.”
-- J.R.R. Tolkien
The Tagline: Unfold and Bloom
Moonflowers: Nocturnal BloomS
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) illustration. Digitally enhanced from our own book, Medical Botany (1836) by John Stephenson and James Morss Churchill.
One of the inspirations behind my brand's 'Unfold and Bloom' tagline comes from the moonflower and other night-blooming flowers, a plant that unfurls its blossoms at the start of dusk. Just as the moonflower opens to reveal its beauty at night, connection and creativity flourish in moments of stillness and reflection.
The Fullness of Hearts and Letters
The second aspect of the 'Unfold and Bloom' tagline is about the joy and connection of receiving and opening a card or letter. I am dedicated to creating artwork and cards worthy of being a vehicle for those important moments, unfolding a little piece of happiness in your hands and inside of you.
The Magic of Handwritten Letters in a Digital World
Handwritten letters might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, when we receive them, they feel special in a way that no email or instant message can match. Let’s explore why this fading tradition is worth saving.
Rediscovering the Charm of Handwritten Notes
Emails are quick, but they lack the personal flair of a handwritten letter. A note on paper captures the essence of the sender—the choice of paper, the unique handwriting, and even the ink’s color. It’s a piece of their personality, creating a connection far more profound than pixels on a screen.
LETTERS AND CARDS CAN BE Cherished Keepsakes
Digital messages only exist as long as your device or file does. Cards and letters can become cherished keepsakes. They’re not just paper—they’re tangible memories. Love letters, notes passed in class from friends, and cards from family become moments you can revisit.
I have kept a box of greeting cards, handwritten letters, and folded notes since I was a teenager. These are not just messages to me; they are stories and connections I can hold onto.
The Special Effort
Writing a letter requires time and effort, making it a more meaningful gesture than sending a quick text message via your phone. Writing can also be a therapeutic exercise, allowing you to reflect and craft a deeply personal message.
Reviving the Art of LETTER WRITING
Our greeting cards are more than just paper—they’re keepsakes designed to make your messages feel as unique as those receiving them. Whether a birthday wish or a thank-you note, our cards can help you connect with those you care about.
WRITE A LETTER TODAY
Write a letter to a friend, send a note to a loved one, or choose a card from our collection as a gift to revive your own letter-writing practice.