Category Archives: BOWhemian WRAPsody

LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Alphabet Bead Sentiments

I bought a small Valentine’s craft set from the dollar store that included a variety of materials. Although I really wasn’t interested in the tacky pink beads and pipe cleaners, the little letter beads caught my eye. For this design, I used the beads to create a Valentine’s sentiment and mounted the beads against an oversized red felt heart (another dollar store purchase).

As you may have noticed, all of my Valentine’s gift wrapping posts include dollar store purchases. I do this for good reason. I’m pretty picky and also well aware of how tacky and cheap some inexpensive items can look. I do believe the old saying “you get what you pay for”, but I also believe that there is no need to over pay for items when it isn’t necessary. There are times when quality really doesn’t make much difference because of the intended use of the item. There are often ways to elevate the look of an item that might otherwise seem tacky as a stand alone, or when combined with elements that don’t augment its value. What I do know to be true is this, many items can be enhanced simply by combining them in the right way and with careful consideration to the other elements.

This design is simple and inexpensive, but it doesn’t scream cheap because some of the other materials in the kit weren’t used. If I would have added some of the other solid coloured beads, the design would have definitely been impacted. Keep it simple and be mindful of sheens and finishes as that can really make a difference in a finished look.

Check out this super simple Valentine’s Day gift wrap idea.

Happy wrapping!

Valentine’s Gift Wrapping Ideas: Gold and Black~Classy Wrap!

This was one of two sets of Valentine’s gift wrap I recently bought at the dollar store. I love the gold and black look, as it deviates from the expected pinks and reds. It’s more of a classy look….hard to believe this paper was found at the dollar store. I do find it has a bit of higher sheen than I like, but I balanced off both papers with elements that have a flatter finish. I really like the simple elegance of both.

The first tutorial incorporates metal ribbon which was also a dollar store purchase made several months back. It is one of my favourite elements because I love designs that have dimension. Any element that has wire or another pliable material makes my list of must haves. I also use another favourite in this look ….salvaged Christmas cracker wired decorations that are used on the ends of the crackers. I always collect these from everyone at Christmas dinner because they are the perfect finishing touch on so many different projects…especially gift wrapping.

For the second gift, I incorporate a simple wooden element. I love the way it connects with the gold polka dots! The gift is finished off with a simple suede string/ribbon that was a dollar store purchase from a few years back. This gift is a true example of “less is more”. Often, simplicity is the key to a great design!

Happy wrapping!

Valentine’s Gift Wrapping Ideas: Stripes & Hearts

Several weeks back, I made a trip to the dollar store to see what I could pick-up for some Valentine’s Day gift wrapping. I was on a mission to look for anything that would work based on colour and theme. Although I didn’t stick exclusively to the gift wrapping section, I was able to find two incredibly cute gift wrapping sets! I bought both along with several other items that I will be highlighting in videos/posts this week.

The funniest part of my big Valentine’s shop is that my husband and I are not big gift givers, we occasionally surprise one another with a gift, but for the most part it’s not our thing. Both of our primary love languages are “Acts of Service” and “Words of Affirmation”. That doesn’t mean I don’t love and appreciate the thoughtfulness of a gift, it’s just that my greatest appreciation is when he finishes a project around the house, preps a meal or says something thoughtful. This is by far the most Valentine’s swag I’ve ever bought. I usually avoid this kind of thing like the plague, but to all you romantics out there who’s primary love language is “Giving/Receiving Gifts” there will be several great gift wrapping ideas this week.

Love this little set. Came with two types of paper and tags!

Both of these videos demonstrate super simple gift wrapping embellishments. Check out these short video tutorials to see how you can create these Valentine’s Day gift wrapping designs.

Happy wrapping!

Bundle of Joy: It’s a Boy!

In this baby boy gift wrapping design, I tap into the vast array of patterned papers available in scrapbooking paper. I will often pick-up discounted 12″ X 12″ paper pads that I use for scrapbooking, card making and of course, wrapping small gifts. (When purchasing scrapbooking paper for wrapping, be sure to consider the weight of the paper, as heavier paper will not work as well.) Pads often come with 2 sheets of each pattern, so you can always join them to get a good sized paper at 12″ X 23″ (with overlap where joined). The larger gift required two sheets of paper, so there is actually a join at the bottom. I never worry much about the joins because if you’ve done a nice job of wrapping, no one will even notice it. In this design, I combine coordinating papers to pull 3 different gifts together in a united stack. I love the blue-green hue of the paper and the hint of yellow that is brought in through embellishments. These simple elements work together to create a lovely gift for that special baby boy!

The focal point and design elements combine paper elements, ribbons that vary in both colour and texture, and standard buttons, but it’s the little extras that really make this gift so adorable. I love the little plastic soother, tag and personalized touch with babies first initial. So cute!

Check out the video to see how it’s done.

I haven’t been to many baby showers lately, but I’m going to one in a few weeks. It is for my Great Nephew (Oh my…that sure makes me sound old!) Anyway, I got the invitation and thought that a few of the ideas were awesome. Perhaps this is actually a normal practise now a days. I’m at the age in which I’m just starting to go to baby showers again. It seems there was quite a gap of years where I really didn’t have anyone in my circle having babies. Anyway, loved both of these ideas…the first is to buy the baby a story book in lieu of a card and sign the inside, so that they can remember who gave it to them every time they read it. Obviously as a kindergarten teacher, I think this idea is fabulous! The second idea is to bring a package of diapers…any size. Love these ideas! So, if you’re in the process of planning a shower, keep these ideas in mind. So fun to have a new baby in the family!!

Vintage Baby Boy Gift Wrap

I was just preparing the finishing touches on my latest video when I came across one that I had published in the fall, but never set to go public. It just so happens both videos are actual gifts and both are for baby boys. I was planning one baby post, but because I have two videos ready, I will post one now and another next weekend.

In this video, I used vintage scrapbooking paper to wrap the gift. I love the look ….the colours and pattern are certainly not what you would describe as typical baby wrapping. For this gift, I mostly rely on paper elements to create the final look. I use paper punches to create simple shapes that pick-up on the colours of the paper and then layer them to create the focal point for the gift. The tag was actually included right in the scrapbooking paper pad. It’s not uncommon for pads to have a few pages of elements that coordinate with the paper in the pad. It’s really handy, as you can often find coordinated strips of paper that can be used as ribbon, tags, quotes/greetings and/or lettering. If you opt to use scrapbooking paper for wrapping gifts, be sure to purchase paper that is a lighter weight and pliable enough for wrapping. Some pads have a heavier cardstock that won’t work well. Also, never pay full price. Wait for sales/coupons and get them at a discount. Also, always make sure the pads have 2 or more pages with the same pattern, in case you need to join them to enlarge the sheet for bigger gifts. There’s a big difference between a 12″ X 12″ sheet and a 12″ X 23″ sheet (with overlap for join). Having more than one page with the same print is really important when considering gift wrapping.

Check-out this video to see how the paper elements are combined to create a unique looking baby gift!

Remember to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to both my blog and youtube channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody. Thanks for your support and happy wrapping!

THIS…FOR THAT? Canning Jar Gift Set ~ Repurposed

After a much needed break over the holidays, it’s a new year and time to change gears. With the Christmas season behind us for another year, I’m excited to launch a new play list on my youtube channel. As most of my followers know, one of my passions is upcycling and repurposing. I love finding things both old and new and thinking of ways to use them creatively, in unexpected ways. Of course, with BOWhemian WRAPsody still being a relatively new initiative, my brain is pretty much locked on all things related to gift wrapping. I thought it might be fun to dedicate a play list to all those videos that involve the use of items that have been repurposed. The name of my new play list is “THIS….FOR THAT?” It’s so fun to look at something intended for “THIS” specific purpose, but by simply changing your perspective and thinking outside the box…you might be able to use that same item FOR THAT! Hence the title….“THIS…FOR THAT?”

Canning Jar Gift Set to add a special touch to homemade preserves.
Canning Jar Gift Set

In my latest video, I demonstrate how dollar store Canning Jar Gift Sets can be repurposed and used to enhance your gift wrapping. These sets typically come with fabric circles and gift tags. The fabric is designed to cover the jar lid and add a decorative touch when gifting homemade preserves. However, there’s no rule saying those perfectly cut out circles and matching tags can’t be used to help create beautifully coordinated gifts. I combine the fabric gingham circle with paper layers, ribbon and a button to create a simple, but beautiful look. Check out how to pull this look together in this 2 minute video.

In this video, you’ll also notice that I use a few of my favourite paper tools. Simply shaped punches are always a great investment because of their versatility – I especially love circles! I also use an inexpensive crimping tool to add a bit of dimension and texture to my finished project.

Subscribe to BOWhemian WRAPsody and cindyroy.com to receive my latest posts, as they are released. I will be releasing new videos every week with ideas suitable for every occasion. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting baby, birthday and Valentine’s Day gift wrapping ideas…stay tuned and happy wrapping!

It’s All About the Paper!

This paper makes a statement all on its own. It’s like “chalkboard glam” or something! For this design, I use a layered iridescent white ribbon topped with a very narrow black and white polka dot ribbon that blends beautifully with the paper. I add in a few strands of iridescent curly ribbon, iridescent present stuffing, wire snowflake garland and an inexpensive snowflake ornament. If you’ve been following my Youtube channel you already know that decorative wire garland and shredded present stuffing are two elements I use all the time. Both are MUST buys. They are super inexpensive to use because you only use about 5″ or 6″ of the garland and a few strands of the stuffing. Both elements a great for adding finishing touches that create more interest and dimension in the design. Check out this one minute tutorial to see how it’s done!

Leave your email to the right and see my most current posts as they are published. Check out All Things Christmas! and BOWhemian WRAPsody in the side bar for previous Christmas ideas, recipes, tips and tutorials! Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my youtube channel as well….BOWhemian WRAPsody. Follow the link to see all of my holiday gift wrapping videos!

Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas: Pom Poms, a Star & Candy Jars!

Cstmas cracker upcycle
Christmas Cracker Decorations

Love this candy jar Christmas wrapping paper. It has just the right amount of sparkle and colour without being over the top! I decided to use a traditional satin ribbon in this design. There is no wire in the ribbon, so I opted to knot it and forgo the bow. Instead, I pull in some silver netted ribbon. This is a great element because it really holds its shape nicely. I rarely wrap or tie bows with it, but rather gather a small strip in the center and tie it where I’ve scrunched it together. In essence, this process creates a bow. It is tied in place with ordinary silver curly ribbon. The other elements I use are green wire pom pom garland and Christmas cracker decorations. My sister in-law always buys crackers (from Costco I think). The ends of the crackers have ribbon and these cute little wires with balls at the ends. Every year they are slightly different, but always the same concept. I collect them from all of the guests and use them for all kinds of projects. Anything with wire has amazing potential…I love to create designs with a 3D aspect to them and these little gems are perfect.

Leave your email to the right and see my most current posts as they are published. Check out All Things Christmas! and BOWhemian WRAPsody in the side bar for previous Christmas ideas, recipes, tips and tutorials! Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my youtube channel as well….BOWhemian WRAPsody. Follow the link to see all of my holiday gift wrapping videos!

READY, SET, WRAP! Candy Style

When it comes to wrapping cylinder gifts…candy style is my #1 technique to tackle them, especially when they are long and skinny. This is one of my favourite ways to wrap stocking stuffers. I’ll often end up adding items like dry shampoo, body spray, etc. The key to wrapping gifts candy style is all in the paper you use. My “go to” paper is the double-sided foil paper from Dollarama. It is super pliable and the double-sided feature makes the ends look great! I also use this technique to wrap stocking stuffers that will fit into a toilet paper roll or cut down wrapping paper tube. In fact, I bought some specialty gel pens for a stocking stuffer this year and a wrapping paper tube was the perfect disguise. Try out this super simple form of wrapping!

Leave your email to the right and see my most current posts as they are published. Check out All Things Christmas! and BOWhemian WRAPsody in the side bar for previous Christmas ideas, recipes, tips and tutorials! Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my youtube channel as well….BOWhemian WRAPsody. Follow the link to see all of my holiday gift wrapping videos!

Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas: Off-Set Focal Point

In today’s holiday gift wrapping tutorial, I demonstrate how to incorporate an inexpensive floral pick into my gift wrapping design. The one I use is quite long, so I off-set the focal point to accommodate the length. I’m quite drawn to asymmetrical designs and will often do this, especially for oblong gifts.

I am very committed to reusing any supplies I can. This particular ribbon has been used for several years and still has the gift tag attached from last year! I love how the glittery polka dot pattern on the ribbon compliments the colours in the paper so nicely. The final material I use in this design is 1/2″ metallic ribbon.

The key to this design is not only the off-set focal point, but also the use of a ribbon shredder to create thin slices of metallic ribbon. I love the “messy” look of thinly shredded ribbon. Although you could curl it as well, I often just mess it up!

Leave your email to the right and see my most current posts as they are published. Check out All Things Christmas! and BOWhemian WRAPsody in the side bar for previous Christmas ideas, recipes, tips and tutorials! Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to my youtube channel as well….BOWhemian WRAPsody. Follow the link to see all of my holiday gift wrapping videos!