wrapping

[edenart]

I get my biodegradable peanuts locally and/or from uline. That 12 cu bag is HUGE! Also, search on uline for peanuts and then click on ‘upsable” that means they can be sent UPS which is soooooooo much cheaper than shipping freight. Make sure you do that and you can get a 7 cu bag to try them if you want. My paintings are typically 24×24 shipped in a 24x24x6 box and take about 3/4 cu peanuts to pack. I bag them in 2 mil bags. Never had a complaint about packing and never had anything damaged.

My work is usually quite flat on the surface, but I have done highly textured work in the past and I’ve never had any comments about dents.

Also, a warning to anyone who may pack in wax paper. I used to use that to wrap extremely small paintings and then my mother wrapped one of her paintings in wax paper and left it in a hot car in TEXAS for an hour. The wax actually melted to the painting and ruined it. So, I immediately stopped using that to cover tiny work. Now everything goes into a plastic bag and then into the box with peanuts.

I also put a note in there with the peanuts telling people that they are biodegradable. Since they are made from potato starch it’s perfectly easy to get rid of them by pouring the box out on your lawn and watering them! Also, if you have kids you can put them in the sink and let the kids pour water on them and watch them dissolve. Also fun!

Click to see Eden on eBay, on Flickr, on etsy, and on myspace...

[arlene]

[i]Originally posted by wayfarer [/i]
[B]I wrap my matted watercolors in kraft paper and pack the boxes with peanuts. You mentioned a more environmental-friendly packing, material, Eden. What is your source? I’ve been using Office Depot since it’s convenient, but I’d feel a lot better using environmentally-sound materials.

Chris [/B]

I think this is overkill…if you use the usps priority boxes…

i put mine in a clearbag, matted with foamcore backing, and put it into one of those boxes, but instead of making it into a box, I leave it flat and close it and seal the ends with tape.

I’ve never had a problem.

My Web Site:
[/URL]
My Workshops

All my work is copyrighted and may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced without written permission from me.

If any man can convince me and bring home to me that I do not think or act aright, gladly will I change; for I search after truth, by which man never yet was harmed. But he is harmed who abideth on still in his deception and ignorance. - Marcus Aurelius

[wayfarer]

not overkill to me. I wrap them to look professional–my primary goal in business.

Chris

[kjsspot]

[i]Originally posted by arlene [/i]
[B]but instead of making it into a box, I leave it flat and close it and seal the ends with tape.[/B]

Someone (can’t remember if it was here or on my other board) used to do this. Then they had a bad incident. The mailman bent it to fit into the patron’s mailbox. Creased the painting and ruined it. She now makes them into boxes.

KJ

[edenart]

I don’t know whether you were refering to the kraft paper or the peanuts as overkill, but I think that’s just normal packing procedures. If you leave it flat you’re fine because it’s reinforced with foamcore. If not, then it could easily be damaged, so it’s better to fill the voids with something.

And actually, I just bought paintings from two people who were really creative with their packing and I loved it. One woman actually sewed a “pillowcase” for the painting. It fit exactly inside and was a really cute bag that it arrived in. Red with gold fringe! Another artist wrapped the painting in thin foam wrapping, and then in two layers of colored tissue paper. Made me feel like I was opening a present.

Meanwhile, I put a couple of pieces of candy in each package I send. Is this overkill? Yes. Do people like it? Well, let’s just say it’s my way of sweetening the deal! And they love it.

Click to see Eden on eBay, on Flickr, on etsy, and on myspace...

[arlene]

[i]Originally posted by kjsspot [/i]
[B]

Someone (can’t remember if it was here or on my other board) used to do this. Then they had a bad incident. The mailman bent it to fit into the patron’s mailbox. Creased the painting and ruined it. She now makes them into boxes. [/B]

My paintings are matted with a mat on front and foamcore backing…rather thick..and I make sure the postoffice stamps fragile, do not bend all over it.

My Web Site:
[/URL]
My Workshops

All my work is copyrighted and may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced without written permission from me.

If any man can convince me and bring home to me that I do not think or act aright, gladly will I change; for I search after truth, by which man never yet was harmed. But he is harmed who abideth on still in his deception and ignorance. - Marcus Aurelius

[arlene]

Oh and mine does look professional when I send it. The matted artwork, clearbag’s bag, along with one of my postcards with a handwritten note, the sticker on the back of the foamcore and on the package, and my printed address label all make for a professional presentation.

For paper art you’d be better off sandwiching between several layers of foamcore if you’re concerned. Bubble wrap won’t keep paper art from being bent or torn.

My Web Site:
[/URL]
My Workshops

All my work is copyrighted and may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced without written permission from me.

If any man can convince me and bring home to me that I do not think or act aright, gladly will I change; for I search after truth, by which man never yet was harmed. But he is harmed who abideth on still in his deception and ignorance. - Marcus Aurelius

[arlene]

[i]Originally posted by edenart [/i]
[B]I don’t know whether you were refering to the kraft paper or the peanuts as overkill, but I think that’s just normal packing procedures. If you leave it flat you’re fine because it’s reinforced with foamcore. If not, then it could easily be damaged, so it’s better to fill the voids with something.

And actually, I just bought paintings from two people who were really creative with their packing and I loved it. One woman actually sewed a “pillowcase” for the painting. It fit exactly inside and was a really cute bag that it arrived in. Red with gold fringe! Another artist wrapped the painting in thin foam wrapping, and then in two layers of colored tissue paper. Made me feel like I was opening a present.

Meanwhile, I put a couple of pieces of candy in each package I send. Is this overkill? Yes. Do people like it? Well, let’s just say it’s my way of sweetening the deal! And they love it. [/B]

No eden i’m not referring to shipping oil or acrylic paintings…

I’m referring to shipping watercolors or matted paper art. Bubble wrap really does nothing to protect art like that….as I said foamcore does a better job, and a clear bag.

I like the second idea, but honestly too many people don’t figure in their time for packing and shipping, and just charge what the postoffice charges…even in my quickie way of doing it, I can figure up to 5 or 10 minutes of my time to ship…plus the cost of the postcards, stickers, clear bag…

Also I hope you’re not putting chocolate in…I’d hate to see it sit in a hot car or truck before getting to it’s destination…

My Web Site:
[/URL]
My Workshops

All my work is copyrighted and may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced without written permission from me.

If any man can convince me and bring home to me that I do not think or act aright, gladly will I change; for I search after truth, by which man never yet was harmed. But he is harmed who abideth on still in his deception and ignorance. - Marcus Aurelius

[arteitaliana]

I think that when a customer receives a good painting in a short amount of time packed safely that should be enough.
I don’t sweeten the deal, buyers are getting a pretty good deal as it is.

Rita, when you have large paintings, crumpled paper gets pretty heavy which leads to higher shipping costs

I don’t stuff the box with crumpled newspaper, I just put a few pieces in strategic places so the painting does not rattle around.
I ship like that painting on MDF board up to 12×16 in size. FedEx boxes are pretty sturdy and packed 12×16 paintings do not weigh over 2 pounds. (The smaller one only 1 pound).
For larger paintings on stretched canvas I make customized boxes (I am getting quite good with stanley knife and packing tape) out of boxes that I get free at my framer. Anything larger than 20×20 I ship rolled in a tube.

[wayfarer]

Never implied your method wasn’t professional, Arlene. Sorry if there was any offense taken. Hopefully a postman would not try to fold a 2″ box. I think though that the postman’s brother that you mentioned in your reply, kjsspot, delivers my mail!

Lots of great ideas here. Everyone seems to have found what works for them. Like the candy idea, Eden.

You’ve mentioned using FedEx as your shipper, Rita. I’ve used them as well, but only FedEx Ground. I’ve ordered boxes from them, but they are for use for Express shipping only. Can I ask if you’re shipping primarily express or are you cutting them and using them to ship other ways with FedEx? (They are nice boxes.)

Chris

[arteitaliana]

I have used FedEx exclusively from the beginning.(June 30 2001) I use Express Economy (two days delivery from Canada to US). FedEx Ground option is not available to me.
The reason I use FedEx is because I like the service and reliability plus…. I’d rather paint than worry about my shipments!
My clients seem to be ok with paying a little more for a good service.

[arlene]

[i]Originally posted by wayfarer [/i]
[B]Never implied your method wasn’t professional, Arlene. Sorry if there was any offense taken. Hopefully a postman would not try to fold a 2″ box. I think though that the postman’s brother that you mentioned in your reply, kjsspot, delivers my mail!
Chris [/B]

Chris I didn’t take it that way…just was trying to show another way to make a professional looking package…

Now if I ship framed art, I get very neurotic…i’ll tape foamcore over the glass, then triple wrap in foamcore, then stuff the corners with newspaper.

My Web Site:
[/URL]
My Workshops

All my work is copyrighted and may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced without written permission from me.

If any man can convince me and bring home to me that I do not think or act aright, gladly will I change; for I search after truth, by which man never yet was harmed. But he is harmed who abideth on still in his deception and ignorance. - Marcus Aurelius

[wayfarer]

thanks, Arlene

Have to mention this. I was delivering an item today at a retail shipping outlet for FedEx Ground. I asked about biodegradeable peanuts. The clerk there told me that she had had some complaints about the biodegradeable materials compacting too much through shipping. It would seem to be just the case for larger items and more fragile items, but thought I’d mention it. I still want to be green though!

Thanks for the info, Rita. We don’t have that option (that I’m aware of) in the States. Have to say that FedEx has really improved their website lately to make it easier to ship! I compare prices now and again to look for the best deals and FedEx usually has the best prices.

Chris

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