In my latest gift wrapping tutorial, I combine brown packaging paper, burlap and doilies to create a simple Shabby Chic look. In the video, I share how the elements can be combined in different ways to create various different looks. Paper doilies are readily available at most dollar and craft stores, but you can step it up a notch by watching for cloth/lace doilies while out thrift shopping…just be sure to check for stains. You can often pick them up for under a dollar and they definitely can help make the difference when going for a Shabby Chic look!
Check out my latest video, but be sure to watch to the end to see the featured designs!
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I never like to pigeon hole my gift wrapping creations by saying they are more suited to a male than a female, but I do feel that some, feature elements that are combined to create a simpler look that may be considered more appropriate for a male than pretty flowers, lace and doilies! My purpose for making the designation is simply that when wrapping for a male, one sometimes wishes to create a more “manly” vibe and I think I have some ideas to help make that happen.
This design relies on geometric paper shapes and a simple square-topped brad. I love the black and white elements coupled with a hint of silver. One of my favourite additions to this gift is the use of washi tape in lieu of ribbon. Check out the video to see how several different looks are created with the embellishments mentioned above. In addition, find out what my suggestions are with regards to purchasing washi tape. Washi tape makes a great alternative to ribbon, but be mindful when purchasing so that you don’t end up with a collection of tape that never gets used.
I also highlight one of my favourite paper punches. In this video, I use my double square punch from Creative Memories….one of those “can’t live without” tools that I purchased several years ago. (I noticed that it is no longer available through their site, but perhaps it or something similar can be found on eBay or through Amazon).
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In today’s gift wrapping tutorial, I used a new medium that I found at Dollarama to create what I believe to be a bit more of a masculine gift wrapping design. Don’t get me wrong, these designs would be perfect for anyone on your list. The only reason I deem them more masculine is because the designs are perhaps less “pretty” and more streamlined, contemporary and overall less fussy. The basis for this look is a super cool black metal ribbon mounted on matt black paper. The metal itself gives a “male” vibe and I love the black on black to keep things very sophisticated. To finish off each creation, I change up the ribbon/focal point.
Check out my latest gift wrapping tutorial to see how I incorporated metal ribbon into this design and how it serves as the perfect element for creating a more masculine gift wrapping design.
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One of my “go to” gift wrapping tricks is to add interest using simple paper layers. It’s amazing to see how you can elevate the look of a gift by simply adding in a layer or two of paper to create the present focal point or add to another primary element. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using simple paper punches. You simply punch out the desired shape and use it to create a layered look. Investing in multiple punches can certainly add up. In this video, I share some shopping pointers that will help you get the best bang for your buck! Don’t waste your money on tools that have limited uses. Ensure you are buying items that are versatile and more open-ended. Check out my latest video to find out my suggestions!
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Although I was not on “my game” when taping this video (lots of edits), my heart was in it! Unlike most of the presents I wrap, this was a real gift! It always means more when you have a recipient in mind. I picked up this bible at Sam’s Place a few days ago, with my friend Heather in mind. I knew that this version was one she really wanted and when I found a brand new copy, I couldn’t resist. Now consider yourself warned….I’m going to go off on a little tangent here, but I just have to ….If you’ve never been to Sam’s Place before, I encourage you to check it out! It’s a used book store and café. It is operated by Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba through a large group of volunteers. There’s great coffee, food and of course, many books. I often manage to find brand new ones and the prices are always great! Fabulous place to meet a friend for coffee. It’s located on Henderson Highway, here in Winnipeg. A favourite for sure. There’s my plug!
Knowing that Heather’s favourite colour is pink, I began to go through my stash to see what I could come up with. The interesting thing about combing paper and patterns is that you can often produce a great look with paper/patterns that might not be that special on their own. To be honest, I did’t love the chosen paper and guessed I would never use it for scrapbooking. However, what I did know was that 1. Heather loves pink! 2. Once you begin to combine elements it is surprising how a pattern can be elevated. The combination of patterns, shades of pink and simplistic design came together nicely to create a beautiful finished look.
One of the features of this gift wrapping design is the inclusion of pleats along the centre of the present. This finished look was primarily created using paper scraps, but you certainly wouldn’t think of it as “leftovers”. The simple white lattice ribbon and a brad are the only extras in creating this look. I did use my circle punches to cut the concentric circles that anchor the centre of the paper flower. Definitely worth investing in a few circle punches of various sizes. (The dollar store sometimes carries small circle punches.)
Check out my latest video from BOWhemian WRAPsody to see how this gift was pulled together.
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I make every effort to think outside the box and incorporate new elements into my gift wrapping. As soon as I saw this burlap ponytail, I knew it would be a perfect present enhancement. I love the natural look and texture of burlap. In this gift wrapping tutorial, I demonstrate how to incorporate the burlap ponytail as well as a burlap broach into your gift wrapping project. I also demonstrate how to create two different looks with paper. The brown packaging paper melds perfectly with the natural elements of the burlap, while the black elicits more impact through the contrast. These two simple elements add beauty to the plain solid-coloured papers, but would also mix wonderfully with a carefully chosen print!
Coming soon! Our biggest upcycle DIY project ever! So excited to share this project with my readers.
If you’re interested in creating your own gift wrapping style, it may seem a bit overwhelming at first. This is especially true if you don’t have any materials with which to start the process. In my latest BOWhemian WRAPsody video, I don’t actually wrap any gifts, but rather share tips on how to begin building your collection of gift wrapping supplies.
This short video highlights some basic rules of thumb for making initial investments that will give you the most bang for your buck. My best advice is to resist the temptation to buy that beautiful ribbon that you love so much…chances are the colours and pattern will be so limiting that you’ll never actually get the chance to use it! I’ve made this mistake many times in the past….you know, those “I just have to have that!” purchases. We’ve all done it! When you’re first establishing your basic supplies, always ask yourself these questions:
Is the colour neutral?
Is the pattern busy and/or limiting? (I recommend only solids to begin with, especially if you are shopping on a budget.)
Do I already have something similar?
Gift Wrapping Inventory Must-Haves:
solid, neutral colours of both ribbon and paper
varying widths of ribbon/cord/string in each of your foundation colours
Think Wardrobe!
I compare my collection of gift wrapping supplies to that of a wardrobe. In your wardrobe, you probably have your classic solid coloured pants/skirts that coordinate with various other accessories/prints you wear. The “staples” or classic pieces are an essential element to your overall wardrobe, even though they may not be your favourites. These pieces are often boring and lack personality, but their importance can not be underestimated. They are essential components.
When you begin to develop your collection of gift wrapping materials, think of it in much the same way…you will add those awesome colours and patterns, but only after you establish the fundamental elements with classic neutrals. Once you have those in place, you can begin to look for those pieces that add more personality and interest to your gifts, but you have to start somewhere.
Patterned Paper:
In today’s video, I also suggest purchasing a 12″ X 12″ (light weight) scrapbooking pad. This is a great way to incorporate patterned paper designs into your collection, but be sure the weight of the paper isn’t too heavy or it will not be pliable enough for wrapping. Although scrapbooking paper does limit the size of the gifts you can wrap, you can check out some of my other videos and tips for “patching” to make smaller pieces of paper work for you:
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