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Custom Tissue Paper Breathes Life into Upcycled Furniture, Thanks to Roycycled Treasures!
Custom Tissue Paper Breathes Life into Upcycled Furniture, Thanks to Roycycled Treasures!

We love our custom tissue paper customers, since they are so often creative people who love to make their interesting products special! Just when we think we’ve found the most inventive use of custom tissue paper, another comes along that takes a whole new twist on the capabilities of custom tissue paper. Digiwrap customer Roycycled Treasures works in the upcycled furniture business—but she does more than takes the shabby and makes it chic. She creates works of art—and a key ingredient to her process is her custom-designed tissue paper that she uses to decoupage everything from old door fronts to desks and trunks and everything in between. She both upcycles her own projects and designs a popular line of large-scale tissue paper for others to use on their decoupage projects—check out the designs on her store.

We sat down with Royce to understand her path to designing custom tissue paper and upcycling, to find out why Digiwrap tissue paper works well for decoupage, and to get an idea of what inspires her obvious creative genius!

Photographs show Roycycled Treasures tissue paper designs, used on projects of various makers across the country! Click most photos to be linked to the upcycler’s website.

How did you get into furniture upcycling?

I’ve always been crafty. I used to deal with papier-mâché deer heads. I shipped them all over the world—and then Hannah Anderson ordered 50 of them for a store. That was the last I made because it’s so time consuming. When I was done, I started looking around for things to do. I started doing small furniture pieces. I was looking at a desk I had painted white and thought it would be cool if I could get script on the drawer faces—I love ephemera. That idea started all the trouble. I started scouring the Internet looking for script tissue paper. But the script wasn’t anywhere on tissue, so I stumbled onto Zazzle, where you can design your own tissue paper that Digiwrap prints, and I made me some.

From there, I had a vision—but the products to execute the idea didn’t exist. The issue with decoupaging furniture is that you can find small tissue with small patterns, and when you put that on a piece of furniture, it doesn’t have as big of an impact. So I decided to make designs that were bigger so they would have a larger impact. I started a line of designs on Zazzle that were scaled for larger decoupage projects.

What is your design background?

I don’t have a background in design at all. I’ve just always been creative and my mind works the way it works. I’m trying to be better now and am taking courses. It’s funny because a lot of the things I’m learning I was already applying to my own designs—it’s just how my mind balances things.

At first, I would use my designs for myself and save it on Zazzle—I have a very specific aesthetic. I like “the weirder stuff”—a very steampunk feel. But I have a lot of friends who upcycle and repurpose. One friend likes a farmhouse style. She was like, “I need some chickens and country stuff. Help me out.” After designing some for friends for about a year, I realized there was a market for it—I thought I would see what happened. Then I started listing my designs 3 years ago on Zazzle. It’s really just taken off in the last year and a half. A lot is because I’ve been pouring more effort into my business. Once I started selling my designs, my customers would make requests—floral, butterflies. That has led a lot of my designs.

What are you passionate about?

I love teaching and I am inspired by my students. I work full time and take care of my mom full time. I don’t have time to do all the pieces I used to. Moving forward, I’m looking to do more designing and instruction. I do tutorials and teach others how to do furniture upcycling projects and decoupage. Teaching a class and watching that “aha!” moment is like gold. I love helping others just coming into the industry. And my customers are so much more talented than I am. They are awesome.

I’m also looking forward to experimenting with products. I’m always going to have a project going because I have to—I really do—I have to create. In my day job I do a lot of left brain lifting. When I come home, I have to create.

How do you decide what to upcycle next?

You’re going to laugh at me but it’s the truth: the pieces tell me what they want. Sometimes I don’t agree with them and try to do something different, but it never works out! So a piece will speak to me, and I will buy it and make it new. Sometimes I take something old and change it into something else—I’ll take the bottom of a trunk, put legs on it, add a top, and make it into a console table. But truly, my projects tell me what they want. I recently finished a project, but it didn’t agree with me that it was done, so I started working on it again this week—and it’s turning out totally different!

Roycycled Treasures

What inspires you when you are designing something new?

It depends. It’s always different. I collect ephemera and have an attachment. My friends think I’m crazy, but I might come across an invoice from 1890 with a cool header, and my mind starts mulling over possibilities. In the 1800s, typography was an art form. People would take it very seriously to show off what they do. So ephemera moves me creatively the most. Sometimes I’ll see something beautiful, like an old book, and I’ll think, “Ooo, I wonder if…”. And the more I create, the more ideas I have. I’m working on a design right now that has prompted other ideas. So instead of one design, I have 4 designs, and these all spark others. The inspiration comes and goes in cycles, also. I’ll be in a mode like this and create, and then I won’t for a while.

Do you have tips for anyone interested in trying their own decoupage for the first time?

Be prepared to be patient. You may not do it right the first time. A lot of people try it once and are discouraged. But you can get the hang of it, and then it’s not that hard. It’s a beautiful way to personalize your environment. The things in your home that you love can truly be made yours. If you are just starting, I encourage you to practice with inexpensive tissue and materials. At first, try on a flat surface or an old cabinet door or a piece of wood. Try on something you’re not in love with, so if something goes bad, it’s not a huge deal.

Tracy Johansen

Why does Digiwrap tissue paper work well for decoupaging furniture?

I love the paper. The print quality is phenomenal. I love the fact that it doesn’t bleed at all. When I’m applying with a varnish, I don’t have to worry about any kind of bleed that will affect the design. Also, the 18# paper is perfect for decoupage. And you can use 10# if you have experience, but it is easy to get a wrinkly mess with those sheets if you don’t have experience. 18# is the perfect weight because you still get to maintain the benefits of decoupaging, but it’s heavier so easier to manage. And 20” x 30” is the perfect size to give an opportunity for scale. I can produce things that really make an impact. Also, since it’s digitally printed, my design options are limitless.

I am really grateful for Digiwrap. I don’t know if they realize it or not, but, creatively, it’s not always possible to take what’s in your head and make it happen. But I can with this product—because it’s not a regular printing press with 3 colors to choose from…it’s limitless. I feel like as a designer, I can create anything I want to, which enables me and other creatives to make beautiful pieces of functional artwork. The designs empower other creatives to do more. That’s huge! I’m grateful to be a part of that.

Are you interested in Royce’s designs for decoupaging furniture? Check them out on her store.

Or, design your own tissue paper here

Gift Some Bubbly or Wine in a Personalized Wine Gift Bag!
Gift Some Bubbly or Wine in a Personalized Wine Gift Bag!

It’s time to celebrate! But you aren’t sure what to give as a gift. A bottle of wine or champagne may sound like a great idea—but is it personal enough? You can make it personal by packaging it just right! Consider a custom-made wine bottle gift bag to give the gift the personal touch it deserves.

Sounds expensive—is it?

Not at all! This is what Digiwrap does. Your custom gift bag will cost anywhere from $4.39-$6.99 per bag, depending on the quantity you order.

But I’m sure there’s a minimum quantity, right?

Yes—the minimum quantity is 1. :-) You can order anywhere from 1 to 500+, and the price comes down per bag as quantities get greater.

So what can I put on the bag?

You can put anything on the bag from a photo you upload to a design you’ve created, going fully custom. Or, if you’re not a designer, no problem! Choose one of our templates and easily customize with your name or message. We have designs ranging from wedding-themed to celebratory to simply “From, Your Name.” It’s never been easier to design your custom wine gift bag.

What are you celebrating? Whether it’s a housewarming gift, graduation, new job, or a wedding, the gift of wine or bubbly can now be totally personal. Check out our custom wine gift bags today!

We Now Offer Digitally Printed Labels of Various Sizes and Shapes - 30% Off Your Entire Purchase

Try us! Buy digitally printed customized labels for yourself or your business today, and take 30% off of your entire purchase.

At Digiwrap, we are experts in digitally printing customized art on just about anything from tissue paper to bags. Now we’ve applied this same expertise to digitally printing labels of various sizes and shapes. So now, you can have us print your artwork directly on a bag — OR — you can purchase plain bags from us and have us print labels for you to apply to the bags. Of course, you can also just print labels. It’s all up to you.

Customer Spotlight: Personalized Products without the Hassle of DIY-ing at Willo Bixby

At Digiwrap, we are all about personalizing—after all, custom-printed tissue paper and gift bags are our jam! So we love the idea behind Willo Bixby, an Etsy shop where people can order personalized products without having to DIY.

Tiffany Bryant, the brains and creative force behind Willo Bixby, left us one of our favorite reviews to date! We love knowing that the packaging of her product gave her confidence as she moves forward with her awesome business plan:

“I’m not one to get emotional very easily (OK, OK you caught me...😆) but I was nearly brought to tears when I opened my packages! I'd already been blown away by the excellent customer service and the finished product put me over the top. I've been wanting to start a small business for some time and finally got the courage to take the leap. Digiwrap made the marketing ideas in my head real, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. My motto this year has been "Do MORE...fear LESS" and trying this out was certainly scary. TY TY TY for making it so easy and for making my business look like a million bucks. I will definitely be ordering again soon.”

Thank you, Tiffany! Now without further ado, learn more about Willo Bixby, Tiffany, and support her in her work if you love custom and personalized products but aren’t sure you have it in you to DIY!

About Willo Bixby:

Creating customized and personalized products has never been easier and more affordable with the proliferation of in-home cutting and pressing machines; however, not everyone has the time or the eye for design. From T-shirts to backpacks and cups to keychains, Willo Bixby offers the unique, one-of-a-kind character you want from DIY-ing without the hassle of TRYing.    

Where did you get the idea, and how did you decide to get started?

I refer to myself as an "ideator”—someone who always seems to have a good idea partying with the lint and gum wrappers in their back pocket. I am also notorious for being a procrastinator—someone who never acts on said ideas and casts them aside with said lint out of fear because, like many other women, I too suffer from being P.I.S.S.E.D.: a Perfectionist and Imposter Syndrome Sufferer Every Day. I’m constantly asking myself, What if it's not good enough? What if no one likes it? What could I possibly have to offer that hasn't already been said or done? 

I knew I wanted to do something because I had hundreds of ideas in my journals, but I couldn't convince myself anything would be worthwhile. Sad but true.

After a milestone birthday last year (no, I will not tell you which one but thanks for asking 😄 ) and a seemingly unending parade of “I-could-have-done-that” encounters online, I was fed up with watching from the sidelines. Nevertheless, I was inspired to buy the cutting machine I'd been stalking for six months (and no lie, it took another three months to even open the box). Finally, I started making things in my spare time. Taking letters from my name and the "with love" concept I wanted to convey in my work, the company name, Willo Bixby, was born. It felt smart, unique, cool, and mature, just like me. Or like my great-great-great grandmother who survived the Antebellum south, according to my husband. Pretty sure she was super cool too so it works either way.

Why are you passionate about your product?

Everything I make is a personal reminder that I can do whatever I put my mind to because I'm the only person who matters standing in the way. I am not the  ______est (insert adjective here) person in the room, but I am still worthy of being there because there is enough space for us all—preferably in a corner with the rest of the socially awkward introverts. Thanks!

Everyone should have the opportunity to feel empowered, and Willo Bixby is the battery in my back giving me life in ways my professional career hasn't. My neck and head hurt from bumping into and staring up through the glass ceiling every day. (In case my boss is reading this, I love my job and the work is extremely fulfilling!)

What inspires you when you are designing something new?

There isn't a nice way to put this, so I'll come right out and say it—my inspiration is pure selfishness!  I want to hear the "oohs and aahs" and "OMG that's soooo cute, I love it" from my customers so I learn as much as I can about them and the project before I start designing. I want to know, What's your favorite color? Is this a gift for you or someone else? What's the sentiment behind it? How should it make me...I mean...you feel? All this information influences the design choices and helps deliver a more memorable product and experience for the client. Nothing feels better than hearing "you did a good job.” Like I said totally selfish, I know, but it feels super win-win for them and for me, so I don't stress myself too much about it.

Why is presentation in your packaging important?

I don't even know where to start. There aren't enough fingers and toes on the planet to count how many times we've found ourselves buying something we don't need (or really even want for that matterI’m looking at you, Target) because the packaging or store presentation subconsciously said "give me your wallet,” and we were handing over all our cash and valuables without realizing we were being stuck up by pretty color combinations or fonts that reminded us of our first kiss or the last dance. Humans only need three basic things to survive: food, water, and shelter. But, to feel alive, these three things must make you feel better than basic, and any good marketing/sales person worth their salt knows presentation is the tool that bridges between surviving and living. Live, honey, liiiiiiiiiive!!!!

What do you do for fun?

The best compliment I can receive on any given day is, "Cute shoes; what...you're an accountant?!"  Making business and finance decisions all day may sound really fun, but even I need a break every now and again from being about that crazy CPA (certified public accountant) life. Willo Bixby is one place I'm currently channeling the creative, left-brained side of my life (because creative accounting in the workplace will typically land you in jail, and head-to-toe county orange is not the best color for my neutral undertones…). I am just a nerd in cool people's clothing, so of course I enjoy reading and watching documentaries on all things weird and informational (not mutually exclusive). I am a huge sports junkie (golf and hockey though...gross). I inexplicably love llamas and alpacas (fight me, bro).  I am just a regular haberdashery of fun and good tidings all around.

Learn more about and shop Willo Bixby—we'll add the link once the shop is open! Coming soon!

Proudly Made in the USA!

When you purchase a product online, it can sometimes be hard to track where it is coming from. For some people, this matters because you want products that are produced with ethical labor practices. For some, it matters because of sustainability. And for some it matters for patriotic reasons—you love the USA! Whatever your reasons for wanting that “Made in the USA” label, you get it with Digiwrap.

Check out the interactive map about our production location, as well as where we source materials!

Digiwrap is proud to be made in the USA. We are proud to have real people here, ready to help you with your order and to be sure you are happy with the products you purchase. We want you to be able to order care-free—knowing you will get the help you need, and products that are created ethically, sustainably, and with excellent quality!

Interested in ordering custom printed tissue paper or gift bags? Visit our store to get started!

Cover photo by Alondra Olivas on Unsplash

Wedding Favor Idea: Customized Gift Bags!

When you are planning your wedding, you want everything to match up exactly to your vision. There is no better way to accomplish that than going fully custom! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite uses for custom gift bags created by clever brides and grooms. Say thank you to your guests and wedding party in a big, memorable way by designing your own custom gift bag and tissue paper.

1. Thank You Favor Bag

Add a photo of the bride and groom, and include a message on the back. Fill it with whatever your heart desires—candy, artisan items, items that represent the bride and groom’s favorite places. Then personalize the tissue paper as well for added “wow!” factor.

2. Table Number Favor Bag

<p">Kill two birds with one stone by making the favor bag into a table number. Since Digiwrap custom gift bags are digitally printed, you can order just one of each design. Digiwrap can work with you to make this happen, and your guests will love to keep the bag as part of the gift after.

3. Wedding Party “Thank You”

You want to celebrate your wedding party and how much they mean to you, and what better way to celebrate than with your favorite bubbly or wine? But that can seem impersonal on its own—customize it with an awesome bag to mark the occasion!

4. Wedding Welcome Bag

For guests staying overnight at a hotel, or especially if you are having a destination wedding, offer a welcome bag when they get to their room. Include a welcome message on the bag and a description of what they’ll find inside—whether it’s snacks, some of your favorite things, or—if you’re planning on a wild party—a hangover kit for the day after the wedding.

Ready to customize your big day? Order your custom gift bags and tissue paper today!

5 Creative Ways to Make a Cash Graduation Gift Personal

Graduation is right around the corner, and you are just so proud. You want to celebrate your child or family member or friend’s achievement with a graduation gift, and simply handing over a check doesn’t feel personal enough. However, money is exactly what a grad wants! When the grad opens so many envelopes, the gifts all lose meaning and run together. Make your gift stand out by packaging it in a creative way—and combine one of the below ideas with a personalized gift bag.

Not crafty? No problem! Several of our ideas involve just uploading photos to create a beautiful, fun customized gift bag that will make any cash gift personal! This way your cash gift is both the perfect present, and it goes above and beyond to show how much your grad means to you.

Make your cash gift stand out with one of these below unique ideas, coupled with impressive personalized packaging.

1. Money Wreath

Roll up those dollar bills and make something your grad can hang on the door of their dorm room closet. When they need some spare cash, they’ll know where to look! We found tons of money wreath ideas on Pinterest—this is just one of many how-to’s for this fun idea.

2. Cash Graduation Cap

Celebrate graduation with the perfect replica of the day’s symbol—a cash graduation cap. We love the detailed step by steps in this how-to. Pair it with a bag that says “Go Change the World,” and include piles of quarters in the bag!

3. Look How Far You’ve Come Gift Bag

Find a funny photo of the grad from childhood and upload it for a fun, super-personal gift bag! They will love how personal your gift is!

4. Cash Medal

Every kid loves a medal! This money chain is a super fun way to award a grad for their hard work. Pair it with a gift bag with their photo that says “You’re a real winner!”

5. School Spirit Gift Bag

Is your grad particularly proud of the college they’re headed to? Use the grad’s future school colors on a gift bag, and fill it with gift cards to places near the school.

And of course, choose from any number of customizable gift bags from Digiwrap to make the gift extra personal! Add your grad’s photo, name, and a message of congratulations to send them out into the world!

Digiwrap’s Impromptu Hand Delivery: Customer Service that Goes the Extra 790 Miles

Recently, when a major carrier couldn't deliver a Digiwrap order in time for our customer, we took matters into our own hands.

As a small business, we love to give our customers the attention and appreciation they deserve. Our focus is personal—we create custom-printed products, so each order is unique. Our product reflects that, and so does our service and personal attention. Every order matters to us. We recently had a wild experience of being able to deliver for a customer in a major way—even when one of the world’s most popular international shipping companies couldn’t do the job.

On January 28, 2019, the Chicago area, where we are located, received 3-5 inches of snow and was about to be hit with a polar vortex and the coldest recorded temperature ever. It was so much that pickups and deliveries were delayed but not cancelled.

4PM: A Digiwrap order was completed and ready for overnight delivery to New York City.

6:30PM: The package was delivered to the shipping company and scanned in well ahead of the allowed drop off time for express packages. We aren’t notified of problems and assume it will be delivered the next day as promised.

Tuesday, January 29:

9AM: We were alerted that the package didn’t move since being dropped off at the facility. We called to confirm why it wasn’t on its way. Weather conditions had caused the final shipment of the day to be cancelled. The shipping company was unable to deliver the product same-day.

10AM: The customer lets us know that the Digiwrap item is time sensitive—if they didn’t have it that day, it would be useless to them. We knew the only way to get it to them would be to deliver it personally. A last minute round trip is booked for Charlie Williams, Digiwrap co-founder, to NYC!

10:30AM: Charlie picks up the package from the carrier.

11AM: Brad Boskovic, co-founder, drives Charlie to the airport for his afternoon flight. The flight has a few delays but finally takes off.

4PM: Plane touches down at LaGuardia! Charlie grabs an Uber.

5PM: Charlie hand-delivers the package—and Digiwrap’s same day cross-country delivery is complete!

This personal service isn’t just a one-time story. Our reputation for customer care is evidenced in our reviews—currently we have 892 reviews on Zazzle, and we are at nearly 5/5 stars average. We would love to take care of you and your business’s custom-print tissue and gift bag needs!

Interested in ordering custom tissue or gift bags for your business? Order today. You never know—maybe you’ll get co-owner custom delivery service if the renowned shipping company can’t get the job done right!

Quick Delivery Personalized Gift Bags or Tissue Paper? Yes!

At Digiwrap, we get it—life gets in the way of even the best-laid plans. When you need something personalized or customized, but you’ve waited until the last minute, it isn’t too late. We are able to not only personalize even the smallest quantity orders, but we are able to provide a quick turn time. If you are in the US, it is also a bonus our product is made in the USA—costs are low and delivery is that much quicker. In fact, we can deliver the highest quality of full-color prints in 7 business days or less, with an optional 2-day rush. How can we do it so quickly without compromising quality?

  • Digital printing. Look to our name for a clue—“Digi” wrap means our products our printed digitally. Digital printing is a fast process, allowing us to produce high-quality color, in small to large quantities, fast.
  • US-based, personal service. Digiwrap is an American company based right outside of Chicago. Our production and our customer service all happens at this central location, which allows for our fantastic turnaround time as well as an extra layer of personalized service. We make sure that you are happy with your order, and our many repeat customers are a sign to us that we are doing the job right.
  • Our most exciting example: Shark Tank Open Casting Call. To illustrate the speed, read about how we landed a spot on Shark Tank a few years ago.

So do you have a logo you need printed on tissue paper or a gift bag for an event next week? Do you have a photo you need printed on wedding favor gift bags, and the big day is this month? Do you have a gift you’d like to give for a friend’s birthday in a few weeks and it just needs the perfect touch? It is not too late to place your order today! Order now.

Nothing Says Personal Like Your Face! Simple Custom Holiday Gift Wrap
Any gift can be personalized when you put your face on it! Or the recipient’s! Or both! With Digiwrap custom gift wrapping, you can order as little as one sheet of custom printed tissue paper or a custom gift bag, so each gift can be unique. Check out some of our customizable gift wrap designs