February 2012
4 posts
Hope you weren’t wondering why I’d have photos of the Fancy Food Show here. Lots of current and future packaging clients display here or walk the show. This is where ideas and plans begin for this industry!
January 2012
7 posts
1 tag
January
It’s been busy these past two weeks! San Francisco for the annual Winter Fancy Food Show and then San Luis Obispo for the Cal Poly Print Week seminars & celebration. All the while listening for market trends, industry challenges, and innovative ideas from customers, colleagues, students and competitors.
Now it’s time to catch up with the business at hand!
2 tags
Godiva's new flagship store →
Reminds me of the time in San Francisco when I actually got kicked out of the Godiva store. I had seen the new rigid boxes with the swirl design at a packaging competition. All I wanted was to take a closeup photo of the foil/emboss pattern on the lid. The little worker came over so fast and told me NO photographs! My intent to buy a box after I got a photo but after the shooing away, I decided...
December 2011
1 post
Holiday and End of Year Thoughts
What a crazy busy time it’s been in the plant. Usually, our folding carton and rigid box business is somewhat cyclical: busy in fall, slower in winter and early spring, busy in summer. In 2011, UPB had a record year and stayed busy throughout the year. Lead times stretched out to 6-8 weeks for customers who had been used to 4-6 weeks. We ran 24/7 in most departments and the employees got...
May 2010
1 post
3 tags
UPB and the Paperboard Market
Have you noticed? The paperboard market has tightened significantly. This means paperboard packaging companies will be waiting to get board – sometimes as much as 6 weeks. You’ll see price and delivery changes in folding cartons, rigid boxes, litho lam boxes and corrugated.
Here’s a little background and information.
The recession has created an issue with the balance of supply and demand in the...
August 2009
1 post
Previous career project - loved these Everything... →
July 2009
1 post
Cosmoprof NA Thrives in 2009 | GCIMagazine.com →
Enjoyed going to this show in Vegas at Mandalay Bay … my favorite area is the Discover Beauty area. All the excitement of new products and entrepreneurs!
June 2009
8 posts
Good article about sense of touch and packaging →
Bare Escentuals - Siren of the Sea is now on... →
Not only is this a great value … it’s a very well done box! Thanks UPB!
Packaging Disease
It’s come to this: I can’t just go to a retail space and pick out what I need. Shopping has become a packaging easter egg hunt. I’m attracted to packaging, what can I say?!
How to Measure a Box →
It really does matter how you measure a box! This easy to read PDF explains it.
SF Wine Competition →
Only a few days left to enter for the Wine Competition for taste as well as label design!!
Article by John Delfausse of Estee Lauder on... →
I’ve met John several times and this article is well written with his personal style infused throughout. If you read it, let me know what you think!
May 2009
5 posts
Sustainable Packaging Coalition Class
At UPB we had the SPC teach their Essentials of Sustainable Packaging Executive Summary Course. TONS of info!! Email me if you’d like to get a look at the comprehensive Resource Guide!
Musings on layoffs and plant closings
As another paper mill closes a manufacturing location, several things come to mind. Fewer choices for the designer and brand owner … more people laid off … less innovation opportuinties. argh. Another thing: there are a LOT of talented people out there looking for new opportunities. People just have to be ready to embark on a new journey. Be ready to emerge as an independent contractor...
Springtime show . . .
Luxe Pack in New York is where I wish I was going! www.luxepackny.com It lives up to its name in the Altman and Metropolitan Pavillion. Way different than anything at the Javits or in Vegas. Gonna miss it!
April 2009
2 posts
Getting ready for the UPB 95th Anniversary and Open House!!
March 2009
1 post
February 2009
1 post
December 2008
1 post
These economic times
How else can we word the economy right now?! So many different ways to say it!! Don’t let it get you down though. For me, this is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at business and how I work. This is when I go back to the basics, the blocking and tackling of getting business done. I’m offering strategic input, enthusiastic brand support and innovative, creative suggestions....
November 2008
1 post
Trip to Seattle & points beyond
Just back from a trip to Seattle mostly to meet with fun client, butter LONDON. Yes it’s cosmetics, but it’s different. Their products are unique and their shops are in airports! We’ve just finished some packaging for butter and although they are a start up, we’re able to help them get a good inventory and plan for future seasons. Also had a chance to see my friends at...
October 2008
1 post
What's New?
I’m finding that blogging is sort of like exercise … you’ve got to make a habit of it! So it’s been some time since I posted anything here as well as exercised. Not to say I haven’t been busy with new projects, though! Brandini Toffee is gearing up for the Holidays and will be at select Costco stores as well as on Oprah’s website for Holiday. butter LONDON is...
August 2008
2 posts
July 2008
3 posts
June 2008
3 posts
May 2008
1 post
April 2008
4 posts
Pavina Handbag Holders
Some of the fun part of my job is working with entrepreneurs who have new products to package. One of my colleagues, JoAnn Hines the Packaging Diva, referred me to Marlo Brands. One of Marlo Brand’s new products are handbag holders. You may have seen these out there, but not like the stunning fabulous Pavina!
Finger Magic - Origami Bijou
Cindy has changed her packaging and the sample we just did looks fantastic. It’s Lumina Bronze for the base and inner platform with Rainbow 7 in Buff with the Buckram embossed finish for the lid. Both papers are from Ecological Fibers. We’ll foil stamp it in silver and gold on the lid with Cindy’s new design. If you haven’t seen her jewelry, you must check it out at Finger...
March 2008
8 posts
SF World Spirits Competition
I recently participated as a judge in the SF World Spirits competition. Sorry, not tasting, but judging the packaging! Last time I checked, the Packaging Awards are not up yet. It was apparent that certain classes of liquor had more experience in elegant packaging than others. The tequila class had some truly awful design. However, the tacky tequila has its place in the market: perhaps on the...
