my go-to gift wrap...

I remember when I first heard about washi tape. I was crazy excited and amassed rolls by the dozen because it was something I could keep around that was just crafty enough for me without requiring too much time to make something look cool. I'm sure you've seen all kinds of washi tapes around the web over the last couple years, but I still love using it as my go-to for wrapping gifts because I never seem to have any real wrapping paper lying around. Last week, I bought these limited edition washi tapes with these amazing patterns and colors {hello gold foil and neon!} from Crafty Japan, and it was perfect for a friend's upcoming birthday gift. I usually stick to two or three different colors or patterns and simply cross them in both directions until you cover as much of the paper as you want! — Joy

{photo by Oh Joy}

you smell {again}...

A few years ago, I posted a school project turned real project by Megan Cummins called You Smell. It's so fun to hear from Megan again and see how much her line and company has grown since then...

You Smell is now in a ton of amazing stores and is available in additional scents and products {like paper soap}. I still love the beautiful packaging and the quirky message, and I'm so happy to see that something that started off as a student's idea turn into a real business! — Joy

striped snaps...

Um, how cute are these La Sardina Beach cameras by Lomo? Maybe the cutest toy film camera ever. They remind me of these Swell cameras I helped design back in the day... — Joy

hand in hand in haiti...

Last year, I shared a new branding and packaging project I worked on for Hand in Hand—a company who's passionate about preventing illness in children from contagious diseases due to lack of soap and poor quality water. For every bar of soap purchased, another bar is donated to a child in need. And thanks to so many people over the last few months, they recently made a trip to Haiti to donate 5,000 bars to children in need. You can read more about the cause and the orange blossom soap bars right here! They're also now being carried online at Anthropologie. We're working on some new packaging for new scents, and I'm proud to have helped grow this product and cause even more... — Joy

{photos by Hand in Hand}

marbled merriment...

...a special holiday wrapper of Chocolate Edition's salted dark chocolate bar...the colors are seriously amazing! — Joy

{via Bird & Banner. photos by Chocolate Editions}

oh yum...

How fun is the packaging of Justin's Nut Butter? The flavors look delicious and would be perfect as a sweet, creamy, and protein-packed snack...must try asap... — Joy

{available for purchase right here}

the prettiest olive oil...

...I'll happily take one of each please! — Joy

love these...

...super fun and colorful confetti bags by Poppies for Grace... — Joy

hand in hand...

 

I'm thrilled to share a peek at a new soap line, Hand in Hand, that I designed. The founders of Hand in Hand were so passionate about preventing illness in children from contagious diseases due to lack of soap and poor quality water. So, when they approached me about designing the logo and packaging for their sustainable soaps, I was excited to be part of such a great project. For every bar of soap purchased, another bar is donated to a child in need. You can read more about the cause and pre-order the orange blossom soap bars right here! — Joy

{photos by Hand in Hand, logo & packaging design by Oh Joy}

giant balloon awesomeness...

Perfect for a celebrating a birthday {or any fun occassion}, these giant balloons of delight from Geronimo make me so happy. What started as gifts {that Geronimo-creator, Jihan, made for friends' birthdays}, are now custom pieces that can be delivered locally in Los Angeles or shipped around the country! Check out this sweet little film to hear more about these whimsical balloon troopers! — Joy

{top two photos by Adrian Ragasa, bottom two photos by Natalie Moser}