Tell us a little about your company:

I’m a watercolor artist and urban sketcher based out of Northern Minnesota. I love capturing the scenes around me in my sketchbook and bring it with me anytime I travel. Most would describe my style as ‘whimsical’, and this translates well when I am designing vinyl stickers of my work. I have been in business for 2 and a half years and I’m excited that I will be pursuing my art business full-time come Fall 2018! I have a background in teaching, so along with selling my work I will be adding more classes to Skillshare as well as teaching local watercolor workshops. I want to help others learn to work with watercolor and ink because I know how much joy it can bring!

What makes your product unique?

The first time someone sees my work, they almost always comment on how ‘whimsical’ it is, and I think this is what makes my watercolor work unique. I have found a balance between capturing enough detail and information in my sketches while also making them appear quick and carefree. Through the combination of materials as well as subject matter I choose, I have found my work often brings a smile to people’s face!

How do you package your products and what ClearBags™ products do you use?

I package my original watercolors as well as my fine art prints with backing board and clear protective closure sleeves. I also use the rigid mailers for shipping my work. I have shipped out almost 500 Etsy packages and I’ve never had a product arrive damaged. This just goes to show how great ClearBags products are! I also use the hanging bags for my vinyl stickers.

Where do you sell your product?

I sell my products online (Etsy) as well as several locations in my hometown. I have some great wholesale relationships with local businesses, and I also enjoy selling my work at pop-up markets and craft fairs.

How long have you been working with ClearBags™ and how does ClearBags™ help you succeed?

I have been working with ClearBags for a little over two years. I knew I wanted to start selling my artwork online, but I didn’t know how to package artwork safely to be able to ship it to my customers. A quick google search landed me on the ClearBags website and I have used their products ever since. Using ClearBags has allowed my business to grow to where it is now, because without quality packaging I wouldn’t be able to ship or wholesale my items. Their protective closure sleeves also help my artwork stay protected at local pop-up markets.

What one piece of packaging advice would you give to other business owners?

Small details matter! Take care in everything you package and realize that the package is the first thing your customer sees. This means your packaging is giving the first impression. I like to embellish my packaging with a hand-drawn ‘happy mail’ and tree sketch. My customers love it! It takes 10 extra seconds and leaves a lasting impression. Even the mail carriers started commenting when I would drop packages off and say, “Oh! You’re the girl who does the tree sketches!” In a way, these extra details are even doing some marketing work for me!

How can people connect with you?

Instagram: @sj_nielsen

Etsy: ArtbySjNielsen

Spring is in the air! You can finally dust off your sandals and fill up your picnic basket. It's the perfect time to take advantage of our 10% sale on Stand Up Zipper Pouches and High Barrier Bags. These products do a great job of sealing in the freshness of flavorful chips and cookies. We know picnics aren't quite the same without high-quality snacks! So, get your products ready and take 10% off any Stand Up Zipper Pouch or High Barrier Bag for the entire month of April (see details below). These pouches and bags will keep snacks, coffee, tea, and other dry goods as fresh as can be.

ClearBags Gets a System Upgrade

Speaking of fresh, ClearBags has just rolled out a brand new system upgrade to improve business for you, our customers. On April 2, 2018, we moved to a more efficient system for taking your orders and storing product, order, and customer information.

The website will look the same and you'll place your orders as usual. Hopefully, you won't notice any hiccups during this transition. If you do experience any issues or delays, we apologize in advance. It is our goal to make this upgrade as smooth as possible and to fix problems quickly if they occur.

This system upgrade will result in savings that will be passed on to you in the form of better wholesale pricing. This move will also provide:

• Improved customer service
• Paperless invoicing
• Emailed invoice copies upon request

We are confident that you'll enjoy this new system. As always, our mission is to bring you the best products and an easy packaging experience for your business. We appreciate your patience! Thank you for letting us serve you.

New Products

Check out the newest versions of our Flat Polypropylene (PP) Bags and Hanging Zipper Barrier Bags. Both offer convenient features and are food safe.

Flat PP Bags

We now carry a 1.0 MIL version of our Flat Polypropylene (PP) Bags to provide you with more packaging options. High on clarity and strength, this new flat bag is lightweight and comes either side sealed or with a double-sealed bottom. Ideal for bulk packaging, bundling products, favors, candy, hardware supplies, toys, and countless items. You can close these bags with a heat seal or with colorful ribbons or twist ties. Find our Flat PP bags in a variety of sizes here,

Hanging Zipper Barrier Bags

Same high functionality, new sleek look! Hanging Zipper Barrier Bags are the perfect packaging solution for tasty snacks and scented items. Made with a thicker 4.0 mil metallized material, these bags have a high moisture, freshness, and odor barrier to seal in flavors and aromas. The bags are designed with a clear front and solid back in gold, silver, white, or black. Features include a peg size hanging hole and tear notches. Package dried fruit, cookies, flavored coffees, teas, and bath salts. Also available in an all clear option. This month, get 10% off these Hanging Zipper Barrier Bags. Pick your size and color here.

Monthly Promo

Spring into action. This month, take 10% off all Stand Up Zipper Pouches and High Barrier Bags.

Stand Up Zipper Pouches are food safe and are airtight to keep products fresh. They come stock with tear notches and resealable zippers, perfect for snacking!

Choose from High Clarity, Color Backed with Clear Fronts, Metallized, Kraft, Oval Windows, Rice Paper and Frosted varieties.


>>Shop All Stand Up Zipper Pouches

Like Stand Up Zipper Pouches, our High Barrier Bags lock in freshness for a variety of food products.

Select from Hanging Zip Top, Heavy Duty Heat Seal, Heavy Duty Cone, Heavy Duty Gusset, Box Bottom Quad Seal, and Coffee Bags.


>>Shop All High Barrier Bags

Can’t find the promo code? Fill in your email address and look for it in your inbox.
Promotion ends April 30, 2018. Discount only applies to stock items; they do not apply to clearance or custom products. Promo codes cannot be combined.

Upcoming Trade Shows

If you happen to be in town, be sure to drop by our booth and get a special promo from us:

• May 19-22, Sat-Tue – National Restaurant Show, Booth #9939 – Chicago, IL
• May 20-23, Sun-Wed – National Stationery Show, Booth #1778 – New York, NY
• May 22-24, Tue-Thu – Sweets & Snacks, Booth #285 – Chicago, IL
• May 31-Jun 2, Thu-Sat – CWCB, Booth #343 – New York, NY

In Case You Missed Them

How to Package Bath Bombs and Soaps

Bath bombs, fizzies, and homemade soaps have brought back the joy of a good old-fashioned soak. If you need ideas about how to package these relaxing bath products, read on.

Read more >>



Featured Customer: Sweet Details Atlanta

Andrea from Sweet Details Atlanta goes beyond taste. Her cakes look and smell amazing, too. Clearly, it's all about the details. We can't get enough of her gorgeous cakes and favors!

Read more >>



18 Fun Easter Favors Every Bunny Will Love

We've put together a basketful of ideas so you can make your very own favors. Perfect for egg hunts and classroom spring parties, these DIY favors are easy to make and there's something for everyone!

Read more >>



*10% off promotion ends on April 30, 2018. Does not apply to customer orders and cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid on clearance and sale items. Cannot be combined with customer-specific pricing program. Limit one use per customer.

Image from DesignEatRepeat

Your back aches and the knots in your neck have cropped up like spring dandelions. There's only one cure for this. You need the pampered chill of a bath bomb! Soak up the pop and fizz of this fragrant release and you'll be as good as new. It's no wonder that the bath bomb has brought back the joy of a good old-fashioned bubble bath.

Along with bath bombs, homemade soaps, salts, and fizzies offer a satisfying way to relax and de-stress. With ingredients like avocado oil, orange peel, lavender, and peppermint, these bath gems enhance our sense of well-being and make special gifts, too.

As bath products are sculpted into many shapes and sizes, there's more than one way to package them. If you're looking for ideas, we've pulled together some options you might like to try.

Go Boutique with a Tapered Tote Box

Bath bombs and soaps mixed with high-end botanicals are a perfect match for a boutique look. A tapered tote box provides just the right combination of handcrafted appeal and elegance. Designed in a tent shape with a clear window, you can showcase finer details like gold flecks or colorful swirls. Available in white paper or Kraft options. The white paper offers a clean, fresh look while the Kraft has a natural, organic vibe.

Gusset Bag Savvy

What's nice about gusset bags is that they're flexible. These bags are designed for bulky and irregular shapes. Bath bombs molded into starfish, cupcakes, hearts, and animals are good candidates for gusset bags. These bags have a crisp appearance and work well for gift packaging. Coordinate colors with matching ribbons or labeling to give your presentation a polished finish.

Stand Up in a Pouch

High barrier bags hold in scents and moisture to keep bath bombs and fizzies fresh for longer periods. When you want barrier protection and a more vertical position on store shelves, a stand up pouch is the way to go. They also offer extra durability and an expandable bottom gusset to add more depth. Package a single bath bomb, salts, or soap scraps. Choose from bold colors, frosted, or clear pouches. You can also find pouches with clear windows that show just a peek of your product. There are so many styles and colors available, you're bound to find one you like. Stand up pouches are a great choice for retail.

Go Simple with a Wrap, Bag or Box

Clear bags and boxes are the easy way to package most anything. Bath bombs and soaps are no exception. If you have a bath bomb disguised as a snowman or as a popsicle, for example, you might want a long-length bag. Poly bags are the perfect solution for this since you can find them in so many different sizes and styles. Wrap individual soaps in a clear wrap with ribbons or choose from self-adhesive or zipper bags. A clear presentation always looks fresh and inviting.

If you prefer a more rigid package, a clear box is a practical alternative to bags. You can find cubes or rectangular shapes and add colorful ribbons or twine. To showcase multiple products, you might try a nested box set. With this option, smaller boxes are stacked within a larger container. A nested box set is a fun way to bundle similar products together and it really makes your presentation unique.

Wrap it up in Glassine

Who needs a box or bag when you have a classy envelope? We're talking about Glassine envelopes, the delicate, semi-transparent envelopes that give a subtle hint of what's inside. Although they have no adhesive on the flap, they can be folded and sealed with stickers, labels, or wax to close. Perfect for handmade soaps pressed with flowers or loose soap scraps, glassine envelopes offer an elegant touch.

Make it Ornate

If you want to take things up a notch, make it ornate with a fancy box. Ornate boxes come in whimsical shapes to make your product stand out. Boxes shaped like flowers, clovers, and purses are just a few possibilities. Since bath products are quite a nourishing treat, what about using a takeout box? You get the idea. Ornate boxes appeal to our playful side.


Colorful scents and fizzy mixtures help melt the stress away to give our lives a perfect balance. We hope one of these ideas is just right to package your bath bombs or soaps.

For more information on ornate and nested boxes, you might like these posts:

Decorative Packaging with Ornate Boxes: For Food, Favors and Gifts

Nesting Towers and Towering Stacks: Unique Ideas for Packaging Multi-Piece Products

This month we have the sweet, sweet pleasure of having Andrea from Sweet Details Atlanta as our Featured Customer! We just can't get enough of her gorgeous cakes and wedding favors. Read on to learn a bit more about her business.

Tell us a little about your company:

Sweet Details is a small home based cake studio located in Atlanta, GA established in 2016 by cake designer Andrea Weithers. I specialize in creating visually stunning and delicious custom wedding cakes, celebration cakes, dessert tables and edible favors to clients throughout the metro Atlanta area.

My approach to designing confections and favors stems from a belief that what I create should appeal to more than just your sense of taste. I want them to look beautiful, taste amazing, smell delightful and I even want you to enjoy holding them in your hand. I want my favors to be truly memorable and make my client's day even more special.

What makes your product unique?

I believe it's our attention to detail that makes the product stand out. From the ingredients we use and recipe development to visual aesthetics, product photography and packaging / branding, it's all carefully thought out and fine tuned.

How do you package your products and what ClearBags™ products do you use?

When packaging our edible favors and some of our confections, it was very important to me that the packaging had a very clean & tailored look as well as be crystal clear. I wanted whatever was in the package to shine through and for the packaging itself to be an extension of the quality of its content. I use the 2 x 2 inch clear boxes for things like macaron favors and our signature GA peach cookies as well as the 6 x 6 clear boxes for on the go tasting boxes and gift boxes for wedding planners and clients.

Where do you sell your product?

Since everything I do is custom, I sell by appointment only.

How long have you been working with ClearBags™ and how does ClearBags™ help you succeed?

I have been using ClearBags products for about a year now. I found out about the product from a friend who is also a baker. ClearBags helps me succeed in my business because they are so easy to use and the quality is unmatched! When I first started looking for packaging, I purchased some inexpensive plastic boxes that I had to manually fold and tuck every seam. It took me forever to put 100 boxes together and the end result was a flimsy and slightly cloudy box. ClearBags boxes easily pop in place, are made of high quality plastic and are crystal clear. They save me precious time and they help me achieve a high end custom look for my confections.

What one piece of packaging advice would you give to other business owners?

Don't skimp on the quality of your packaging. We put so much care into making sure that our products taste amazing that we shouldn't just stop there. I believe that presentation is just as important as the way your product tastes!

How can people connect with you?

Instagram: @sweetdetailsatl

Hold on to your bunny ears, Easter is on its way! We've put together a basketful of ideas for you to make your very own homemade favors. Perfect for Easter baskets, egg hunts, and classroom parties, these DIY favors are inexpensive, easy to make, and couldn't be cuter. The peeps are in the house in a rainbow array of colors, along with some irresistible bunny bait. You can make these favors with simple bags and ribbons or get more crafty with toppers and stamped designs. There's something for every bunny in your life. Here's a peek:


Toddlers, tweens, teachers, and friends alike will have fun with these spring treats. You might like the fresh, colorful spin on traditional favorites like Rice Krispie Treats and S'mores. If you prefer a non-edible option, lip balm makes for an egg-cellent favor. You'll also find tags made just for teachers, fluffy bunny tails, and favors you can use as centerpieces. Because there's more than one way to celebrate the peeps in your life, we made room for variations on the peep theme. As far as we're concerned, there can't be too many peeps! Enjoy.


Simple As That - This is peeps-on-a-stick in the most adorable way. Holiday fun doesn't need to be elaborate to be memorable and no one forgets colorful peeps! Printable included.


Minted - Nothing says yummy like a bag of candy topped with bunny ears. Take your candy bag up a notch with this spruced up treat.


Thirty Handmade Days - Here's a variation on the peeps theme with tags specially designed for teachers. A great gift from the little bunnies in the classroom.


Life Is Poppin - What's cuter than a bag of fluffy bunny tails? Marshmallows that look like bunny tails! A free topper offers a nice finish.


Yellow Bliss Road - Your favorite peeps deserve, well, peeps in their favorite color. Wrap up this treat in a bag and the charming tag does the rest!


The Crafting Chicks - Rainbows come from colorful seeds, didn't you know? You'll believe it's true with you see this favor bag of candied "seeds" created by the Crafted Chicks. Rainbow tag included.


Pretty Providence - Just what's in a bag of bunny bait? A carrot? Some celery, perhaps? Not a chance! It's malted milk eggs, of course. The treats in the bag and the colors match perfectly with the printed bag toppers.


Your Home Based Mom - Say Aloha to this skewered peeps-on-a-stick, a la kabob style! Add a few of these favors to a jar of jelly beans and you have yourself a darling centerpiece.

Constantly Stamping - Lip balm in an egg makes a truly egg-cellent favor! If stamping is your thing, you'll love this non-edible favor that uses the "For Peeps Sake" stamp set from Stampin' Up. Eggs are available at Target. Place in plastic bags and add your stamp creation.


Simplee Thrifty - Peeps make an unforgettable appearance in this S'more Easter Peep Kit. You'll never look at peeps the same way again. Use peeps in place of marshmallows and wrap in a cellophane bag. Topper included.


Yellow Bliss Road - If Rice Krispie treats aren't already delicious enough, this recipe takes this traditional treat to new heights. Peeps stand in for marshmallows and are layered for a colorful spring treat. Place treats on a stick for a pop-style treat.


Frog Prince Paperie - For donut lovers, this spin on bunny tails is sure to please. Fill powdered sugar donut holes into a cello bag and top with this delightful bunny tail topper.


The Idea Room - This variation on bunny tails is expressly for cotton bunny tails, as in cotton candy! If you're a cotton candy fan, you'll be in heaven with this amusement park favorite. Package cotton candy in bags and decorate with toppers.


Smart Schoolhouse - Dare we say, this just might be the cutest sucker we've ever seen. This favor uses safety lollipops with little handles that pose as bunny ears. Add a pom-pom for a tail and wrap in wax or Glassine paper sheets. Don't forget the bow, because all bunnies need one!


Sisters Suitcase - Carrots might be a bunny's favorite treat. This carrot favor will be no exception! Create a strip of fringed grass made out of green card stock and wrap it around bags filled with carrot cake Hershey's Kisses, any orange candy or Goldfish. Twist ties or twine work well to close the bag.


Cooking Classy - This bunny bait recipe for Funfetti Popcorn calls for popcorn mixed with vanilla melts, pretzels, M&Ms, and sprinkles. Close goody bags with ribbons. No bunny will be able to resist this favor!


Katrina's Paperie - Teacher favors are not complete without this free printable Easter tag. Pack bags with jelly beans, truffles or your teacher's favorite treat. Add a bit of confetti for a nice surprise.


Crafty Morning - Who needs eggs when you have ice cream cones? Fill sugar cones with your favorite Easter treats and wrap in cone bags for a perfect fit. Tie with ribbons for a colorful finish.

With spring right around the corner, we know you have your camera ready. Photographers, we got you covered! We have many supplies to keep you organized and help you achieve a polished presentation of art prints and photos. Our pre-cut mats, slip-in mats, backing, Moab inkjet paper, show kits, and photo accessories are on sale just in time for upcoming events. Get 10% off any of these items (see details below) for the entire month of March.

Here's a tip for a classy presentation

Did you know that you can use a clear photo mount to attach a business card to your artwork or photo print? Sure, you could just tape your card or let it fall loose in a bag, but this approach can look more like an afterthought. Clear photo mounts make it easy to secure an item to your presentation. Simply peel away the adhesive strips, adhere to the back of your print, and slide in your card. You can also attach personal photos, thank you notes, certificates of authenticity, and even packing slips for a more personalized experience for your customers. Choose from multiple sizes to fit your desired item(s). Clear photo mounts allow you to neatly pull together loose items and offers an overall classy touch!

Featured Products for March

Show Kits

If you know you're running low on materials, ClearBags has a Show Kit that includes everything you'll need to display artwork at a show. Our kits include 20 of each: protective closure bags, pre-cut mats (choose between single or double mats), and backing and foam board. You have the option to select either ClearBags or Bainbridge brands. Show kits are a quick way to get stocked up and work well for multiple presentations of the same print size. See a selection of our show kits here.

Photo Accessories

Get hinging

Those backing boards aren't going to hinge themselves! Mounting tape, mounting corners, and other photo accessories are a safe and convenient way to achieve a professional presentation of artwork and photos.

Mounting tape is available to hinge heavy art to translucent, Japanese paper, and everything in between. For simple mounting of prints and photographs, you might try self-adhesive mounting corners. These squares (in clear or white) are acid-free, non-yellowing, and have peel-away liners so there's no sticky glue.

Get organized

Sometimes the best way to get organized is to have a place to put things. How about a photo box for your photos? ClearBags offers large-quantity boxes that hold up to 300 photos. Clear photo mounts, photo booth sleeves, and Museo cards/envelopes are some other accessories that allow your work to shine. Check out our selection of photo accessories here.

Monthly Promo:

Do you need a promo code? Fill in your email address and it will arrive in your inbox.

Spring into savings. This month take 10% off all Pre-Cut Mats, Backing Boards, Moab Inkjet Paper, Canvas Gallery Wraps, Showkits, and Mounting Accessories.


Promotion ends March 31, 2018. Discount only applies to stock items; they do not apply to clearance or custom products. Promo codes cannot be combined.

Upcoming Trade Shows

If you're in town, drop by our booth and get a special promo from us:

• Mar 9-11, Fri-Sun – Natural Products Expo West, Booth #2723 – Anaheim, CA

In Case You Missed Them

Featured Customer: Busy Bee Sweet

Catch up with Busy Bee Sweet and spend a few delicious moments in the world of cookies. "Pretty and tasty" is her motto and we can see why! Her divine sugar cookies have a personal touch.

Read more >>


Packaging Artwork for Shipping: Art Prints and Framed Art

Learn how you can package art so it looks professional and can be safely shipped to your customers. It may be a matter of preference and style. Find out what works best for you.

Read more >>


How To: Load a Tape Gun in 6 Easy Steps

Have you ever struggled to load a tape gun when packaging up your retail products? If you answered yes, you might like this tutorial on how to properly load a tape gun. Carefree packaging is within easy reach!

Read more >>



*10% off promotion ends on March 31, 2018. Does not apply to customer orders and cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid on clearance and sale items. Cannot be combined with customer-specific pricing program. Limit one use per customer.