Tag Archives: gift wrapping shortcuts

TOP 10 HOLIDAY WRAPPING HACKS & TIPS

Invest in a few more expensive gift embellishments.

1. Designate one paper design to each member of your family! I sometimes do this and completely omit the tags. I purchase a roll of a paper for each member of my immediate family. This saves the hassle of tagging and prevents them from peeking, as there are no names on the gifts! I use other random papers for gifts that will be leaving our house…extended family, friends and co-workers.

2. Budget hack: Invest in a few more expensive gift embellishments, but reserve them for immediately family. This allows you to re-use them year after year.

3. Gift Boxes: I have a large tub of gift boxes that I use over and over again. Not only does this mean I always have a stash of boxes, but also that the sizes of boxes I use are pretty standard. I have a variety of styles, so that once under the tree, they are not all typical shirt boxes. I also wrap with varied focal points, so some are off centre or even positioned vertically to add interest.

4. Good quality ribbon can get very pricey. By using the same boxes from year to year, I can actually re-use my ribbon/embellishments as well. In fact, sometimes I just slide on a previously tied ribbon with decorative elements still tied on from the year before. (PS When you do buy new ribbon…wait for the 70% sale!)

5. The paper gets recycled once gifts are opened, but everything reusable is kept. (Ribbon, gift decorations and even the tags!) My paper changes. but I am often able to incorporate my gift decor complete with attached tags, from Christmas to Christmas. For example, my daughter might receive a gift in the exact same box with same ribbon, embellishments and tags every year. She doesn’t even realize it because the paper and gift are new! (You know what they say KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid)

6. Everyone loves a TAB TOP surprise! Save your tab top cans (Eagle Brand milk) and create a fun opening experience! Follow the link to check out my video to see how it’s done!

7. Now that I’m wrapping for tutorials, I obviously don’t do this, but for years, my strategy was always the same. I would spend hours wrapping every last gift. NO TAGS. NO RIBBON. NO EMBELLISHMENTS. I would simply print the name on the underside of the gift (tiny so it really wasn’t noticeable). I would “decorate” the gifts on a totally separate day.  I would take out my stash of previously used ribbon and embellishments and re-use as much as possible. This would often just entail a few minor adjustments and perhaps (but not necessarily) a new tag. I would then create new looks for gifts that could not work with items from my previous creations due to size or colour. This method saves lots of time and money.

8.  STOCKING STUFFERS: (This isn’t necessarily a wrapping tip, but I always wrap every gift in the stocking!) I always try to include a variety of items in the stockings. I try to get at least one item per category: Something to WEAR, EAT, READ, USE, and DO. I will often use the dollar store metallic paper and/or decorative tissue to wrap stocking items. I find these papers to be super pliable and easy to work with. For example, you can easily wrap a pair of socks without a box because the paper is flexible and simple to work with. I will be posting some tutorials of how I wrap stocking stuffers using this dollar store paper over the next few days, so stay tuned. 

9.  Wrapping Paper Cutter – I just got two of these to help with my wrapping. They work great, but don’t fit around larger paper rolls. Most of my rolls are standard size, so it’s fine, but something to be aware of if you consider purchasing one. The paper cutters make a nice straight cut and are easy to use….love them!  They work well for storing paper as well, but then you’d need one for every roll. I use my DIY toilet paper roll storage system and just reserve the blades for cutting.

10. Upcycle and Repurpose anything and everything! Some of my favourites gift wrapping upcycles are jewellery, Christmas Cracker Wired Embellishments and cellophane which I love to use to make paper flower style bows. 

Hopefully you’ll find some of these tips helpful….Happy wrapping!

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: 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.

Ponytail Presents!

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.

Gift Wrapping Basics: Think Wardrobe!?

Best Bang for Your Buck:

Gift Wrapping Basics

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:

Edge Work!

Wrap With Scrap

Wrap With Scrap#2

Take some time to check out some previous posts from my archives. You’ll find some great DIY projects, recipes and much more! If you enjoy my blog, you can subscribe and get an email notification as soon as I post! Thanks for visiting!

Cindy

Environmentally Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Upcycle! Upcycle! Upcycle!

My husband recently received a gift and although the bag was pretty, the gift giver wrote his name and birthday wishes directly on the bag, making it impossible to reuse. I really do hate wasting items and try to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. My husband tossed the bag in recycling, but the glittery back caught my eye and I just had to rescue it! I love the way this gift came together by combining 3 rescued items: a gift bag, a previously used ribbon and a broach! Check-out my latest tutorial to see the variations I came up with and perhaps you might rethink some of your own castaways!

If you like what you see, don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE the posts! You can receive an email notification of my latest posts by SUBSCRIBING to both my youtube channel: BOWhemian WRAPsody and my blog! Thanks for visiting!

Stay Tuned for the Big Reveal:

We have been super busy this past week….tune in to see pictures of our latest and perhaps most spectacular DIY reno and upcycling project yet. I am honestly speechless…my hubby really out did himself this time! I hope to have the finishing touches done and the post up by next week!

Gift Wrapping Ideas: Edge Work!

This gift was created using scrapbooking paper. The edges of the paper were folded to create a white board running down the centre of the gift. A pink strip of paper was mounted on top and then a second strip of white paper sits on top of that to create a layered look. I added in a small white doily and big pink button in the center to serve as the focal point in this gift. I love the black-based floral print. The contrast between it and the white and pink creates a beautiful stand-out look.

I absolutely love this paper! Whenever possible, I try to use scrapbooking paper for wrapping gifts. Why? Because there are so many incredible papers to choose from. A great way to get started using scrapbooking paper for gift wrapping is by purchasing a 12″ X 12″ scrapbooking paper pad. There are many great collections and they often follow a specific theme, colour scheme or a certain look. Some examples might include: Christmas, pastel colours, shades of blue, vintage, travel, floral, chalkboard designs, etc. Once you find a book you like, be sure to watch for coupons or a good sale price. I only buy paper when it is 40% off or greater. Some books come with coordinating solids and others only contain patterned papers. If your book does not come with solids, purchase some matching single sheets of paper to go with your patterned papers. Often the colours in a book follow a set scheme and a handful of solid colours will match with most of the patterned designs.

Regardless of whether you are using scrapbooking paper or regular wrapping paper, you can create interest in your finished projects by focussing on the edges of your paper. In this video tutorial, you will learn how to:

  • Use a folded edge to compensate for a piece of wrapping paper that is too small
  • Incorporate a folded edge as a design element
  • Enhance your gift wrapping with torn paper edges

You will be amazed to see how a variety of looks can be created with the same elements being used in slightly different applications. I hope you enjoy today’s tutorial.

To learn more great gift wrapping ideas, SUBSCRIBE to my channel. You can also help me out by LIKING and SHARING my posts. Thanks for visiting!

My Secret Weapon for Great Gift Wrapping

Re-used elastic ribbon, a dollar store netted wire bow, silver curly ribbon and a few strands of iridescent present stuffing are used to create this beautiful gift.

Today’s gift wrapping tutorial introduces you to one of my secret weapons. I wouldn’t consider myself a hoarder by any means, but when it comes to gift wrapping, I keep and re-use the same ribbon and embellishments over and over again. When I host a birthday or when we open gifts on Christmas morning, the paper gets recycled, but I collect anything and everything that is re-usable. This is my secret weapon because it saves me both time and money! This is especially true at Christmas when there are so many gifts to wrap!

In my latest BOWhemian WRAPsody tutorial, you will see how I take one of my old embellishments and with a tweak here and there, create a beautiful gift. With such a great finished look, you don’t need to feel the least bit guilty about taking this shortcut! Watch the video to see how you can start saving time and money by purchasing the correct types of embellishments and creating simple looks that can easily be stored and re-used in the future.

If you want to learn more great ways to create beautiful looking gifts…subscribe to my channel! Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE. Thanks for your support!