Tag Archives: gift wrapping how to’s

ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS #1! Cellophane Bows

I decided to dive into the archives throughout December and do some re-posting! I certainly hope to including some new posts as well, but watch for my daily posts about ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS…mostly a trip down memory lane re-visiting posts from Decembers past!

Gift Wrapping Tips: Post 2 (original post December 8, 2013)

I love all things pretty, but am also very frugal. Cellophane is one of my secret weapons when it comes to making gifts look great on a budget. Of course, you can pick-up a roll for a buck and get numerous bows out of one roll.

cellophane

I purchase printed cellophane, solid colours and also love the look of the clear.

 Cellophane Bows:

    • Purchase dollar store cellophane and cut off 2 to 3 strips. I generally make my strips the about 4 inches wide and the length is equal to that of the width of the roll.  The size can be altered to fit the size of the gift you are decorating.
      cut cellophane strips

      This bow was made with only two strips of cellophane.

    • Stack the strips.
    • Scrunch up the strips in the center so that the entire strip is gathered together in the center. (You know, similar to the tissue flowers we made back in the 70’s!) The YouTube video gives a great tutorial for making the tissue flowers, but these are much easier. Less layers, no folding (just scrunch), no trimming the ends to form a petal shape and less to pull apart after.
      Scrunch up cellophane

      Scrunch up the cellophane in the center of the strip, until the entire length of the strip has been gathered up.

    • With the center pinched tightly, tie a string or ribbon around the cellophane to secure it in the middle . You can tie it onto the gift at this stage or after the flower has been pulled apart. Regardless, the final step is to pull the layers of cellophane apart to create a very full looking cellophane flower.

I always incorporate a few other things to finish off the gift. In this case, the final look was made with these three items:

Green Raffia, Polka Dot Cellophane and White Star Wire Garland
Cellophane Bow
Cellophane Bow

The thing I like best about cellophane is that you can create any kind of look you want depending on the colours and patterns you use. The ribbon and other embellishments can make you gift look fun or elegant, depending on what kind of look you are going for. Get creative and see what you can add to your gifts to dress-up a simple cellophane bow!

 

Gift Wrapping Hack: Inside Out Box

Have you ever needed a box for a gift (or other purpose), found the perfect size, but hated the fact that it was covered with print/graphics that identified its original use. I love reusing boxes, but always feel like the print on the outside of a box takes away from the beautiful wrapping. Although this hack won’t work every time, I’ve pulled it off many times in the past. Simply take the box apart and reassemble it inside out!

Check out my latest video to see how simply it can be done! Now you don’t have to feel so bad about using that old tampon box to wrap that special gift…Ha! Ha!

Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE! Subscribe to my channel BOWhemian WRAPsody for more great gift wrapping tips.

Shabby Chic Gift Wrap: Burlap & Doilies

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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Gift Wrapping Ideas: DIY Pillow Box

Have you ever been faced with the problem of wrapping an awkwardly shaped gift? We’ve all been there…it won’t fit inside any boxes you have on hand, you end up with this weird shape and if you’re like me, the gift always ends up getting bumped and torn because of how the paper is sitting. I hate that! Well, I may have a great solution to your problem….a DIY custom made pillow box.

What is a Pillow Box?

A pillow box is generally oblong with curved ends and a shape that resembles a pillow. They are relatively easy to make and you can even find templates online. However, if you really want to make a pillow box work for you, the key is to learn how to customize the size to accommodate the size of your gift.

Kinderarten Challenge:

In this tutorial you get a bonus tip: find out one of the most important skills I teach my kinders and see if you pass the test and employ this strategy!

DIY Custom Pillow Box Tutorial

Today’s video tutorial is a bit longer in length, but it takes you through the steps involved in creating your own customized pillow box. I offer a specific demonstration for creating a small pillow box using a standard 8 1/2″ X 11″ card stock so that the size is a bit more camera friendly to work with. This is followed by instructions on how to enlarge the scale of the design to create a full bristol board sized box.

Not only is a pillow box a great option for those difficult to wrap gifts, but it is also a simple way to change up the same old. Perhaps a long, narrow pillow box might be a great alternative to the standard gift bags used for wine and other bottled gifts.

Of course, you’ll be limited by the colours of bristol board available, but don’t let that stop you …..they rarely run out of black and white and to me those are the two best options anyway.

I hope you find this video helpful! Please remember to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody for more great gift wrapping ideas.

Gift Wrapping Ideas: Make it Masculine 2!

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).

I hope you enjoyed the video! Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody for more great gift wrapping tutorials.

Gift Wrapping Ideas: Braided Belt Ribbon

This quick gift wrapping tip highlights a recent thrift store find. I love how this simple braided belt serves as both the ribbon and the bow for this gift. The braided suede-like belt offers interest and creates a very natural look. I love how the buckle serves as the focal point. This is a quick watch and the concept of using a belt might spark many other ideas for creative gift wrapping projects.

If you like this gift wrapping idea, be sure to check out my other wrapping tutorials for more great ideas. Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my blog and Youtube channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody.

Gift Wrapping Ideas: Make it Masculine!

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.

For more great gift wrapping tutorials…subscribe to both my blog and my youtube channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE if you enjoy the tutorial.

Gift Wrapping Tips: Purchasing Paper Punches

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!

If you like this video, be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel (BOWhemian WRAPsody) for more great gift wrapping ideas. Also, don’t forget to SHARE!

Also, check out my blog archives for more posts on DIY projects, home decor, recipes and so much more!

Gift Wrapping Ideas: Paper Storage Hack

This wrapping paper storage hack warrants a second post. I originally shared this idea several years ago, but today I will share it again in video form. One of the things that drives me crazy about leftover wrapping paper is figuring out how to effectively store partial rolls. The paper roll unravels when not fastened and yet finding ways to secure the loose paper is not a simple feat. The use of tape often results in ruining the surface of the paper where the edge is secured. I’ve also used elastic bands, but they often end up cutting/damaging the paper as well. This solution is simple and works like a charm! Check out the video to find out how to solve the wrapping paper dilemma once and for all.

cardboard toilet paper roll + 2 brads + mini hair elastic = storage hack

Find out how these materials are used to store your wrapping paper rolls effectively without damaging the paper!

If you’re interested in learning more gift wrapping ideas, please subscribe to my channel BOWhemian WRAPsody. Also, don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE.

Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas: Think Pleats!

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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