Gift Wrapping
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-164 -- More Projects »
Gift-wrapping specialist Jane Hempel demonstrates tips for wrapping all of those holiday packages.
- Homemade wrapping paper is easy to make and adds a personal touch to holiday gifts (figure A). Cut a sponge into whatever shape desired, dab into paint and first make a few test impressions on a sheet of paper to make sure the correct amount of paint is on the sponge. Next, print patterns on either plain brown paper or colored paper and go wild making designs.
Use kitchen items to add a special touch to wrapping a gift. If the gift is something related to cooking, tie a small whisk (figure B) or cookie cutter to the package with ribbon.Use a tape measure to measure the gift and the amount of paper needed. This will make for a neater package and will also save paper.
Make a collage of family photos, and photocopy it on colored paper to make a unique a personal gift wrap (figure C).To make an intricate design, cut out the shapes from a sheet of paper with a utility knife. Use the paper outline as a stencil and carefully brush paint onto the wrapping paper.Save those little holiday knickknacks such as a nutcracker or toy solider. Hanging them on the present with ribbon will spark a child's interest.Incorporating a clever design into the wrapping of a gift makes the gift even more special. Try making the gift into something interesting. For instance, if the gift is packaged in a mailing tube or similar container, make it into a spaceship or airplane with cardboard cutouts for wings and rolled paper to fashion a nose cone. Use twine instead of ribbon and camouflage fabric or burlap instead of wrapping paper to add a rustic or outdoor feeling to a package.Use something completely different for a package. An old lunchbox is a great package for a small child or even the young at heart.Old magazines can be a great source of pictures to spice up a wrapping scheme. Try making a collage on top of the wrapping paper. Decorate gifts for small children with cars, animals or flowers. If someone's just received a big promotion, cut out pictures of limousines.Instead of using a formal card on a package, try using an old photograph. Cut out a picture of yourself or use a picture of the person receiving the gift and add a caption right on the front of the box.If the gift paper is running out and there's not a whole piece large enough to wrap a present, make a "quilt" out of leftover scraps of paper. Cut the different patterns into squares or fun shapes and piece them together by taping them together on the back. For a final touch, complete the wrapping by using multiple types of ribbon on the box.
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