How I did it: I decided on my project based on past experience. I've been making my own cocoa, tea and coffee mixes for years for my own use and for holiday gifts. Why I didn't consider putting them in my shop until now is beyond me, but as it happens, I've been designing matching gift bag and cat toy sets, among other things, and I needed something for the humans.

I made a budget, gathered as many supplies locally as possible and ordered the rest. I set aside an area of my studio for measuring and mixing the dry ingredients and got to work. Office Max had a buy-one-get-one-free label sale so I spent a few hours designing labels with ingredient lists.

It's very important to me to have a professional appearance, so instead of scooping the mixes into baggies with twist ties like a lot of people do, I got 2mil food grade poly bags in 3x5 and 6x8 and my most expensive item, a hand crimp sealer. The 3x5 bags hold enough mix for a 16 ounce cup of cocoa!

I can also use the bags for bulk candy to make complete gift sets, an unforeseen bonus.

Lessons & tips: 1. Make a budget and stick to it. Secret projects can get out of hand.

2. If you're making foodstuffs, you will need to use a bleach solution on your utensils and bowls so make sure they are glass or stainless steel. If you have a septic system, budget for septic treatments as a result. Bleach will kill the microbes that make your septic system work.

3. Use a certified kitchen and proper labeling for food, or a room that pets aren't allowed into for art.

4. Nonsmokers can tell if you were smoking when you make food. Your food and packaging give it away. We may not tell you this to your face if we know you, but your customers will not buy from you again if your food tastes like tobacco. Don't smoke in your preparation area or around your packaging.

(I have been able to smell tobacco on books shipped to me via Media Mail. It doesn't go away easily.)

5. Use a hairnet and wash your hands. Wear gloves if you are handling food directly.

6. A professional presentation is crucial to sales. If you aren't good at designing labels, find a friend who is or look up a custom graphic designer. Expect to pay $30 an hour for a design.

Resources: I went to Uline for packaging supplies and the hand sealer.

Etsy is a good place to find custom graphic designers, though I didn't need one.

The only problem I found with the food is sometimes certified kitchens quote you one price, then talk to the boss, instead of the other way around, and the boss tends to want to charge several hundred dollars more. If you plan on going into business you should probably spend that money on certifying your own kitchen instead!

If you're just trying to package art or non-edibles professionally you don't have to worry about this, however, you do have to worry about whether your products are CPSIA compliant in the US if intended for children under 12.

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Nov 10, 10:07AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer