Gift wrapping is an art form that allows you to add a special touch to presents for friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones. While classic wrapping paper and ribbon are lovely, creative gift wrappers enjoy testing their skills and impressing gift recipients with beautiful, intricate designs. If you want to take your gift presentation to the next level, there are many techniques you can use to make your packages stand out. Keep reading to learn simple methods for creating dazzling wrapped gifts!
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What are some basic supplies I need for gift wrapping?
Before delving into advanced gift wrapping techniques, it’s important to stock up on some basic supplies:
– Wrapping paper – Look for rolls of paper in different colors, patterns, and textures. Solid color papers provide a classic look while patterns add visual interest. Metallic paper, craft paper, and tissue paper offer unique textures.
– Tape and ribbon – Stock up on clear tape, double-sided tape, and decorative ribbons in various widths. Wired ribbons can be molded into creative shapes.
– Scissors – Invest in a dedicated pair of scissors for cutting wrapping paper. The blades need to be sharp for clean cuts.
– Tissue paper – Tissue paper is useful for wrapping fragile gifts and adding fullness. Save different colors to coordinate with wrapping papers.
– Gift tags – Choose sturdy cardstock for gift tags so they don’t tear. Collect tags in different shapes, or make your own.
– Gift boxes and bags – Have an assortment of boxes and bags in multiple sizes. Craft stores sell bulk options.
With these supplies on hand, you’ll be prepared to create all kinds of wrapped masterpieces!
What techniques can make my gift wrapping stand out?
Now for the fun part: techniques to take your gift wrapping to the next level! Here are some creative ideas to try:
Use embellishments
Embellishments add special details to wrapped gifts. Try these ideas:
– Affix sequins, buttons, beads, or fabric flowers with hot glue. Spread them across the paper or cluster them in one area.
– Cut shapes from patterned scrapbook paper and adhere them with double-sided tape. Try circles, stars, hearts, or scalloped edges.
– Stamp images or phrases directly onto gift wrap using rubber stamps and ink pads. Look for holiday themes or mix and match different designs.
– Use ribbon applique by cutting ribbon into shapes and adhering them with glue dots. This adds color and texture.
– Die cut cardstock into intricate designs like snowflakes or trees using die cut machines. Attach these cutouts with tape for dimension.
Incorporate paint techniques
For one-of-a-kind looks, pull out the paint:
– Use a rubber stamp and paint to stamp images directly onto wrapping paper. Try different color combinations.
– With a sponge, dab white paint randomly over paper to create a speckled texture.
– Use a foam pouncer and acrylic paint to add polka dots. Try different colors and dot sizes.
– Use a paint pen to draw patterns or write names or messages freehand onto paper.
– Dip crumpled up plastic wrap in paint and stamp it onto paper for an abstract look.
Let the painted paper fully dry before wrapping gifts for the best results.
Try unique folds and shapes
Steer clear of basic wrapping techniques and go for something unusual:
– Wrap a gift box in an angular shape rather than a square for a modern look.
– Tie ribbons in asymmetric or cascading bows rather than a typical centered bow.
– Attach coordinating ribbon vertically, horizontally, and diagonally across a package for visual interest.
– Fold paper into an origami style wrap with points and sharp creases.
– Wrap tiny gifts creatively, like wrapping a single gift card into a miniature present shape.
– Conceal the shape of a gift by wrapping in ruffles, poufs, or book-style folds. This adds mystery!
Incorporate natural elements
Bring nature indoors with organic gift wrap ideas:
– Use burlap, lace, jute, or twine as part of an eco-friendly style.
– Wrap gifts in coordinating bandannas or scarves for a bohemian vibe.
– Tie sprigs of greenery, small pinecones, or cinnamon sticks onto gifts with twine or ribbon.
– Wrap gifts in cross sections of tree trunks or birch bark for organic texture.
– Adhere large leaves on gifts as natural embellishments. Try palm fronds, banana leaves, or giant elephant ear leaves.
– Wrap gifts in maps, sheet music, or book pages for a vintage style.
Make it personal
Adding personal touches makes gifts extra meaningful:
– Have kids decorate plain brown kraft paper with their own artwork using crayons, markers, or stamps.
– Use family photos to create custom collage gift wrap that recipients will love.
– Look for wrapping paper featuring the recipient’s interests or hobbies like sports, pets, or travel destinations.
– Use fabric from old clothing or linens owned by the recipient or their relatives to wrap gifts. This repurposes material into something new.
– Decorate gift bags with iron-on vinyl customized with the recipient’s name, monogram, or meaningful dates or phrases.
What are some tips for perfecting my technique?
Mastering professional gift wrapping techniques takes practice:
Learn to wrap uniformly
– Use adequate paper for the gift size to avoid skimpy coverage. Allow 2-3 inches extra on all sides.
– Position boxes diagonally and wrap seams on the underside for the cleanest look.
– Wrap the bottom first, sealing evenly with tape before doing the top. This prevents lumpiness.
– Fold in paper edges and tape down inside flaps to hide seams.
Keep scissors and tape within reach
– Keep scissors handy to cut paper, ribbon, and tape easily as you wrap.
– Tear off pieces of tape and stick them to the table edge for quick access rather than fumbling with a tape roll each time.
Work on a large, clean surface
– Clear ample table or counter space when gift wrapping. This allows room to work.
– Protect work surfaces with roll paper, plastic tablecloths or clean towel. Tape, glue, and ribbon can be messy.
Save and reuse materials
– Fold and store leftover gift wrap rolls and supplies to reuse, reducing waste.
– Save or repurpose gift boxes, tissue paper, bags and ribbon. With creativity, these often get a second life.
– Compost used natural gift wrap like fabric scraps or pinecones rather than sending to landfills.
What are some quick and easy ideas for sprucing up basic wrapped gifts?
Even if you’re short on time, small touches can add cheer and creativity to wrapped gifts:
– Upgrade basic wrapped gifts instantly by tying on ribbons in seasonal colors or prints like Buffalo plaid.
– Attach custom gift tags withrecipients’ names in calligraphy or decorate tags to coordinate with wrapping papers.
Embellish with simple additions
– Glue on pom poms, fabric yo-yos, or felt shapes like snowflakes or flowers.
– Tie decorative bells, carved clothespins, or cinnamon sticks onto ribbon.
– Use washi tape with different patterns to seal seams or edges.
Top with greenery and fruits
– Tuck sprigs of rosemary, pine, or eucalyptus into bows and ribbons.
– Affix cranberries, rose hips, citrus slices, or leaves with floral pins.
Add sweet treats
– Attach candy canes, cookies, or mini candy bars to gifts with ribbon.
– Tie homemade food gifts like small jars of baked goods or preserves.
DIY creative wraps
– Wrap gifts creatively in scarves, fun towels, or swaths of fabric.
– Cover gifts in maps, comics, sheet music, or pages from old books for eclectic wraps.
– Wrap oddly shaped gifts in tissue paper or gift bags. Embellish bags with designs, photos, or monograms.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creative gift wrapping! Whether you have time to wrap gifts elaborately or just want to add simple flourishes, techniques like embellishments, paint, natural elements, and personalization transform basic packages into works of art. Mastering professional skills like tight folds and keeping materials close at hand as you work results in polished finished products. And even if time is short, quick fixes like whimsical ribbons, foliage, sweets, and unique papers infuse personality into your gifts. With some inspiration and practice, you can become an expert gift wrapper and make every package unforgettable.