Fullhearted wrapping

I come from a family where gift giving and receiving is very important - in fact, it's unwritten (until now)  lore that (a) gifts should be timely given and thoughtfully selected (b) gift wrap and card choice is just as important as the gift itself and (c) wrapped gift and card package should be as gorgeous as humanly possible.

Sadly my family (especially my sisters) put me to shame, particularly when it comes to point (c). In fact, over the past few years I've pretty much given up on producing a present that looks nice. On the occasions when I've splurged on really gorgeous gift wrap the present always ends up looking terrible because of my appalling wrapping skills. If that sort of thing wasn't particularly important to me it would be fine, but the reality is that I truly appreciate and value a well wrapped gift, but to date have been incapable of producing one myself. It's a terrible predicament - but one that I now have the tools to break out of!

Let me present Japanese craft book ISBN453720088X, 'Fullhearted wrapping'.

I had the glorious fortune to be able to spend more than an hour in Kinokuniya the other day [sigh] and when I came across this one I just knew that it would be coming home with me.  So many craft books are exciting on first inspection only to disappoint when you start to look more closely but this one is the opposite. It covers basic through to advanced and fancy wrapping skills, plus how to make great envelopes, bags and other cool packages. It also has great diagrams, beautiful pictures and heaps of inspiring ideas.

There's one that I saw last night that I especially like. I call it the gift pillow: Cut two squares of wrapping paper, seal together three sides of the paper with double-sided tape to form a little bag or pouch. Pop your present inside and seal up the last side. Then, take a hole punch and make holes at regular intervals around the  perimeter of the paper. Finish it off by threading some beautiful ribbon, cord or yarn through the holes. Isn't that a great idea!

I already wrapped one small gift for a fellow crafter and was very pleased with the outcome. Sadly though my beautiful fullhearted wrapping got all mucked up while I was trying to shove it into the padded post bag earlier today. Phooey! Handmade contents of package to be revealed later in the week after it makes it to it's destination.

It's my birthday tomorrow so with any luck I'll be doing some fullhearted unwrapping!

Comments

[Mirre]

Happy birthday!!
I hope you've had lots of beautifully wrapped presents :))))

[Justyna]

Happy Birthday Amber!!

I admire your stamina for craft. Now that I am miles and oceans away from the craft club, my zap is well, zapped. I am making wedding invitations though. That counts, right?
The level of craft in Poland extends to, hmm, embroidery and paper selection is pretty poor. I won't even bother going into the fabric. I think I will have to become an internet shopper. But anyway, have a tops birthday and I shall look forward to the next craft adventures (loved the scraf).
Justyna

[Miss Helen]

Awww! I was super impressed with the wrapping!!! And then I saw it on the cover! And then read about it! oxoxoxoxoxox<-- soooo much love!