Happy Monday and Happy Holidays!
There are only 9 more days until Christmas and I hope you’ve got all (or at least most) of your shopping done! Now it’s time to wrap all those gift treasures and what better inspiration do you need then wrapping tips from the finalist in the 2012 Scotch Most Gifted Wrapper Contest.
Taking part in the contest was a highlight of my year and I learned lots of new wrapping tips from my fellow contestants. So, to share the love I asked all the contestants to share a few of their favorite and most creative gift wrapping tips with all my readers. You’ll definitely want to take notes and PIN these images because you are getting the 411 from some of the nations best gift wrappers! Just call it my Christmas Gift to you.
Enjoy and be utterly inspired!
image courtesy of Ellinee
Our first most Gifted Wrapper is Lia! Lia is the Creative Director of Elli Design Studio and was the winner of the Most Gift Wrapper Contest. Beautiful is the only way to describe the gifts wrapped by Lia!
Lia’s gift wrapping tips…
-
Use tissue paper and paper scraps to create beautiful embellishments for your gifts like paper flowers, paper bows and snowflake toppers.
-
When a plain store-bought gift bag won’t do your gift justice, make your own using fancy wrapping paper and ribbon.
To see more of Lia’s gift wrapping ideas and view the tutorials for making paper flowers and gift bags, check out the Ellinee Blog. You’ll also find beautiful cards and stationery products in the Ellinee Shop!
image courtesy of Jolie Colis
Next up is Carol! Carol is the owner and designer of Jolie Colis, The Perfect Parcel, an online custom gift wrapping shop. Carol can work some magic with paper and ribbon and creates some of the most stylish gifts I’ve seen.
Carol’s gift wrapping tips…
-
Create re-usable keepsake boxes by wrapping two-piece boxes separately, to avoid having to tear paper. It’s a pretty and green way to wrap a gift.
- Personalize gift boxes with photos instead of name tags. Not only is this incredibly cute and sentimental, it’s great for smaller kids who aren’t reading yet. They’ll see their face on the gift and know it’s for them.
The Jolie Colis website is filled with beautiful wrapping images and be sure to follow the Jolie Colis Blog for even more ideas and inspiration.
You can also buy Carol’s custom wrapped boxes via her Etsy Shop.
images courtesy of Shasta Blasta
Now let me introduce Shasta! Shasta loves gift wrapping so much that she created a blog on the very subject. Shasta loves to wrap with unique papers and color combinations which give here gifts even more style.
Shasta’s gift wrapping tips…
-
Look at alternatives to traditional ribbon to wrap your gifts in. One favorite idea is to create paper ribbons by wrapping gifts in contrasting paper bands.
-
When you want a bold topper for your gift, create a paper fan topper that will add lots of pizazz!
Shasta’s blog, Shastablasta Wraps Presents Well is where you’ll find more gift wrapping tips, craft projects and lots of amusement.
Shasta also has an Etsy shop where she sells letterpress cards and craft items.
photos courtesy of Stationery Station
Our next Most Gifted Wrapper is Sheryl. Sheryl is the owner of a great stationery and paper store in Chicago called Stationery Station. Sheryl has been wrapping for years and love
Sheryl’s gift wrapping tips…
-
Layers, Layers, Layers are the way to create beautifully wrapped gifts. Create belly bands by layering several scraps pieces of paper together and wrapping them around a package.
- Use unusual and unexpected items like dried flowers, ornaments and craft beads to embellish your gifts.
If you live in Chicago, make sure to stop in and visit the Stationery Station or check out the Stationery Station website for more inspiration!
images courtesy of Michelle Beshaw
Next up is Michelle. Michelle is a uber talented Theatre Artist and Puppeteer from Brooklyn. Having worked at one of my favorite stores, Kate’s Paperie for years, Michelle knows the ins and outs of creating beautiful gift wrapping. Her forte’ is elegant embellishments.
Michelle’s gift wrapping tips…
-
Use glitter as a way to embellish plain paper and gift wrap accents. The white swirls on the gift above were created with chunky white glitter!
- Another way to add interest to your gift wrap paper is by sewing papers together to create layers ( see package with red velvet ribbon).
You can follow Michelle at here blog, Michelle Beshaw Blog or find more of her inspiration on her website, Michelle Beshaw!
Two of the other contestants were not able to take part in this blog post as they are SUPER busy wrapping gifts and running businesses this time of year.
-
Michelle at Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, KY. Michelle is co-owner of this incredible toy store and can wrap any size and shape of toy that comes her way!
-
Brenda is keeping busy managing a Papyrus store in California. If you’re looking for beautiful wrapping paper, Papyrus is definitely a store you want to check out. I just purchased a few sheets of beautiful paper there last week.
And, of course I couldn’t end without giving you a few gift wrapping tips of my own. If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know I love to take everyday items and use them as part of my gift wrapping. The unexpected is what gives my gifts their style!
I picked up a pack of pretty holiday paper plates and immediately thought they’d look great as a gift topper. I punched a hole top and bottom, inserted ribbon and wrapped my box. If you’re someone who decorates with a theme, you could also use the plates as part of your holiday dining table décor or even as ornaments on the tree.
Looking for a fun gift tag or package topper idea, how about paper wine bottle tags? I picked these up at HomeGoods for $1.99 for a pk. of 10. Wine tags already have a To: and From: area so they are an ideal option as a creative gift tag!
Whew, that’s a lot great ideas to absorb! Now it’s time to get wrapping so get going!
I’ll be guest posting tomorrow over at Rhonda E. Peterson’s blog Stylish Places Designed for Living so be sure to check out the fun holiday decorating ideas I’ll be sharing!
