Gifts trimmed with flair:

Project creation, article and photo by: Madeleine M Langlois

Skill: Easy.

Materials & tools:

Assorted paper remnants, rice paper, plain coloured papers

Scissors

Glue gun and sticks

Double-face tape and regular adhesive tape

Ribbons in assorted colours, widths and styles

Assorted findings: custom jewellery, belt buckles, quilling paper strips, feathers, sequins, tinsel garland, wire, beads etc.

Fabric remnants, fun fur, taffeta, fuzzy wool, scrapbooking tools, snowflake punch, decorative edge scissors, hang tags, rub-on lettering

Also see each gift wrapping description.

(Materials for this project are available at arts and craft stores.

My favourite part of the holidays is wrapping the gifts. It is the perfect occasion to use up many remnants from various projects and to let my creativity run loose, just for fun. Since my wrapping room is shared with the laundry room, it is a sure place to find some peace of mind during all the craziness of the holidays.

Minimalist with a touch of Ritz, great gift wrapping ideas start with cool findings. The secret to achieve the look of these French bonbon gift wrappings is all in the trimmings. Personalized to make an impact, even simple gifts can look elegant with a little accent. Don’t be afraid to extend the colour palette beyond the traditional; it’s all good because, really, anything goes. Even though I used assorted colour combinations of bright turquoise, greens and blues with soft pastels amidst accents of silver, angelic whites and chocolate brown, the theme is what brings everything together.

Fuzzy wool for a cozy warm feeling: Super easy yet stylish. Once a gift is wrapped, affix one or two ribbons around the box and then wrap a few lengths of fuzzy wool as decorative trim around the package. Assorted fancy yarns provide an inexpensive and chic way to dress up bonbon or cracker-shaped gifts.

Rows of ribbons: Create basic plaid patterns using satin, grosgrain and velvet types of ribbons in assorted colours and widths over a tissue-paper wrapped gift. Garnish with dash of white tinsel garland. A length of wide satin ribbon looks stunning when applied over the centre of larger gifts and plain paper bags. Secure the ribbons at the back of a package using hot glue. Wide ribbons can also be adorned with lengths of fuzzy wool.

Bejewel using recycled jewellery and belt buckles: Recycle odds and ends jewellery pieces, earrings, and charms. Glue these onto a ribbon to create an elegant centre ornament. Paint plain or wooden buckles silver or gold (or any colour) and fasten a length of ribbon around a fabric-wrapped gift. Top it all off with a single feather.

Dazzling with sequins: Make your gifts sparkle and dazzle with sequins. Use by-the-yard sequins as you would ribbons. Double rows of brightly coloured sequins look spectacular onto plain silver-wrapped gifts. Further embellish by randomly gluing individual sequins on wrapped presents.

Quilling for snowman: Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs. Quilling papers comes in packages of assorted colours. Creative accents, such as plain snowman shapes or monograms, can be crafted to garnish plainly wrapped boxes. Affix designs to gifts using double-face tape. You can even apply the papers in flat strips or fashion a checked pattern. Simple swirls make wonderful gift garnishes.

Cut-it-out with paper snowflakes: So easy to make and yet so enchanting. They make magical trimmings onto gifts, in assorted sizes. Just cut snowflake shapes using scissors with folded plain or assorted types of recycled papers. You can even have the kids help you out with this one. Paper garlands can be quite stunning too.

Punched snowflakes: Paper punches with holiday designs are wonderful to use and incorporate into gift trimming. Using a snowflake design punch and assorted papers, from velum to silver, punch out snowflake shapes and glue them onto gifts, ribbons and cards, in a row or randomly. I even used the punched out negative to make decorative bands around gift boxes, and trimmed the edges with decorative scissors.

Monograms letters: Letters, initials make delightful gift topping accents and can be shaped with wire of various colours or beaded wires.

Fabric remnants: Excellent for wrapping larger gifts, and to use up fabrics that you know you won’t use within the next year or so. I utilized fun-fur remnants to make a snowman decoration onto a larger gift box.

Hang-tags embellished with rub-on decal lettering, clip art, micro beads and photos of the gift recipient also make fantastic gift trimmings.

Get wrapping and happy trimmings!

Tips: For all gifts wrapped using fabrics, make sure to iron out any creases out first and wrap the gifts as you would with paper wrapping. Use hot glue to secure the folds instead of tape.

Variations: Other creative gift wrappings include holiday dishtowels, table cloths, fabrics, and wallpaper. Or, you can opt to make the wrapping part of the gifts using a variety of household and clothing items.

Older Christmas tree ornaments that you are no longer using also make fun gift toppings.

Don’t be bashful to use colours such as lime green, hot pink, bright orange, mauves, vibrant turquoise and blue; They are very “in” and trendy colours this season.

Pretty packages can be integrated into your table decorations, to grace a mantel, or even used outdoors. Double them up and use as name card holders.

Copyright MaddyLane Designs © 2006

For more Miy articles visit www.maddylane.com



By: Madeleine M Langlois

About the Author:

Packaging gifts for your customers is an effective way to make your customers feel that you are taking care of their needs and caring about them. You can find a lot of wholesale providers, who will provide gift bags, gifts & apparel boxes, tissue paper, and gift wraps at wholesale rate and in large amount. By gift packaging service for your customers you are saving the valuable time of your customers. And customers will definitely visit your store again and again as they would not get this comfort in large retail shops. Below you can find some of the points for store owners who would like to include gift packaging as a specialty service.



Edge over others: - Gift packaging provides an added advantage for your business to grow. You are providing comfort to your stressed customers. It will be a real relief for a husband buying a anniversary gifts in the last minutes. In festival seasons offering lots of colorful gift wraps, gift bags, gift boxes, and apparel boxes with gifts can be a cost effective way to accelerate your festival business. Festival seasons are the best time for wholesale gifts packaging. During this season any store owner would realize the value of gift packaging.

Gift bags And Boxes: - You must analyze the products you are selling, which means get an average size of gift bag or gift box your product needs. You can purchase those gift bags or gift boxes in wholesale. Offer your customers this convenient service of gift packaging to make them feel easy. Providing your customers with gift packaging service in the festival seasons will definitely boost up your business in off season as well.

Gift wrap and Apparel boxes: - Gift wraps and apparel boxes offer an alternative against bulky boxes. Instead of bulky boxes, you can offer this beautiful apparel boxes for packaging apparels. Gift wrap can really add beauty to gift boxes. The dresses and apparels should be packed in gift boxes and apparel boxes, so the customers don’t have to search for packaging boxes at their home.

Tissue papers: - Tissue papers are another way to make your gifts beautiful. Colorful tissue paper should be used on the gifts to make them look beautiful. Tissue papers can be also used for packaging of gift items. Tissue papers come in variety of colors and are used to decorate the gift boxes and gift bags.

Ribbons & bows:- Colorful Ribbons & bows add attraction to gift bags and apparel boxes. Presenting your gift with attractive looks will really change the environment. Variety of colorful ribbons and bows are available in wholesale rate to give your gift the perfect look.

When there are many stores selling the same products, with the same rate. Gift packaging can be an effective and profitable way to differentiate your business from others.



By: ajay

About the Author:

Tips To Help You With Christmas Gift Wrapping

While many people still favor elaborate and beautifully wrapped gifts, in today’s society is doesn’t always seem realistic and sometimes it isn’t sought either. But you need to know what you should do in order to present a creatively wrapped present. With these helpful Christmas gift wrapping tips, you will spread more of that Christmas spirit.

You can provide a gift that is wrapped well and be proud of it. Here are some tips that can help you have a beautifully wrapped gift no matter how you do it and what your goal is.

Established

For those who want to use a conventional approach to wrap a present, you’ll need to gather tape, scissors and some ribbon. The type of paper that you choose needs to be appropriate for the happening that you are celebrating — from birthdays to Christmas.

Aligning It Neatly

The first problem people often have is keeping the paper aligned and straight. Fortunately, you can purchase wrapping paper that comes with grids marked on the backside of it to help you with cutting straight lines. This is also an easy way to measure the wrapping paper that you need to cut as well. Use wrapping paper with grid-lines and your chore will be much easier.

Measure And Tape

Make sure that the paper is at least one and a half times the size of the object in every dimension.

Now, you can move on to taping. Secure a piece of tape where both ends are supposed to meet. Then insure that the fit is snug on all sides and secure the center connecting point with more tape to keep the form rigid. Crease the ends, folding in the 2 end flaps that are opposite each other.

Make sure to go over the creases at the sides, then fold the triangle flap from the bottom to the top and then the top over the bottom. Then tape it. You can use ribbons if you like, but make sure to curl them with the non-sharp edge of your scissors.

Not A Conformist?

You want to make the gift pleasing to the other, even if you do not have time for the wrapping process. You can use fabric instead of paper, even a fabric bag will work well because it will create a warm and unique experience for the recipient. Just make sure to fully cover the present and secure it with a ribbon. Add a bow if you want. How about boxing it up? This is quick and easy and will allow you to delete wrapping paper completely. Make sure that your gift is the accurate size for the box, though. Stuff the inside with tissue paper and then close with tape. Finish it off with a plain ribbon tied around it and a bow.

You can always use gift bags, as well. These are ease multiplied, and can add a flare of elegance to your gift. They are easy and quick because all you have to do is put your parcel into the bag, cover it with tissue paper and that’s it.

You can make any gift look wonderful, whether you use an alternative or a traditional way of wrapping.



By: Ron King

About the Author:

This holiday season I hope to do things differently. I want to finish my holiday shopping early, find very unique yet fun gifts, and create a beautifully decorated tree with tons of beautiful presents surrounding the tree. Having beautiful presents elegantly wrapped gets everyone excited for the pending holiday.

After spending a lot of time online I came across the perfect idea- personalized wrapping paper with photos of your family and pets imprinted onto the paper. I was so excited to come across this original idea. I had never even heard of personalized Christmas and holiday wrap. All of sudden-my creative mind started swirling with ideas of what I could do with this adorable gift wrap.

This year you too can personalize your holiday wrapping paper with photos of your children, family, or pets. Or you can have your personalized gift-wrap designed with your family monogram or names! Too over the top-maybe-but the holiday season is the perfect time to go over the top and create lasting memories filled with beautifully wrapped gifts. Just imagine how fabulous monogrammed gift wrapped boxes will look under your tree. You might not want to open them because they look so pretty. You could also personalize your children’s gifts by adding personalized gift wrap to that special gift they are so excited to receive this year.

What a fantastic way to present your holiday gifts! Whether you use the paper with the name or photo of the gift recipient, or have it imprinted to let everyone know who gave the gift, it is a spectacular way to share the holiday season!

There are several patterns to choose from that you are certain to find a gift-wrap to personalize that suits your personality and style! Also-this is a great way to send that extra special wedding, baby shower, or birthday gift.

To view the selections and place an order (make sure to place it early to beat the holiday rush!) visit Fun & Sassy Designs at: http://funandsassydesigns.com/catalog.php?category=232



By: Jennifer Varner

About the Author:

At Corazon Latino, we offer a full gift wrapping service. However for those who want to give it a bash themselves, here’s the recommended technique for perfect gift wrapping.

1. Start with a good quality box. Your gift may already be in a box. If not buy one from a good quality stationers.

2. Line it with foam or tissue to hold your gift snugly.

3. Choose colourful paper appropriate for the occasion.

4. Measure the paper by gently wrapping it around the box. Leave 4cm extra to overlap.

5. Cut the paper evenly so you have a clean edge. If the end is ragged fold it over to leave a clean straight edge.

6. Measure the ends by using the end of the box. The paper on the upper surface should fold down to cover the end of the box at both ends.

7. Trim the sides of the paper making sure you have enough to cover the ends.

8. Now wrap the box lengthwise and tape the paper tightly. You should now have a “tube of paper” slightly longer than your box at both ends.

9. Flatten these ends and fold the corners in towards each other to form a point (pointing outwards from the gift).

10. Fold up the two points (one at each end of the parcel) and tape them.

11. Choose a bright ribbon that coordinates with the wrapping paper.

12. Wrap the ribbon round the box, cross it over & back around the box to form a cross on the parcel.

13. Tie the ends into a simple bow (if necessary tape in place).

14. Too complicated? No problem… Let us gift wrap for you!



By: Catherine D’Arcy

About the Author:

With retail chain stores on every high street, there’s never been a more important time for independent retailers to find ways to promote their own brand. However, whether you have one store or five hundred stores your brand is central to everything you do to promote your business.

A growing trend among retailers is to offer a gift wrapping service. This is true both in the physical world and also with retailing on the internet. It is possible to buy a huge range of stock gift wrap papers. But, this has its disadvantages. Not only is it almost impossible to match your company’s corporate colours, but with changing trends, a paper chosen today could be out of stock tomorrow.

A better solution for gift wrapping is to have your own gift wrap paper custom printed. A simple idea would be to have your logo repeated to make an overall pattern using your corporate colours. This will work well with a particularly good design. A much better idea would be to commission some bespoke illustrations that either reflect your store’s product range or possibly a seasonal theme. The company logo can be included, but with more subtlety. This way you can maintain your corporate brand whilst offering the recipient of the gift something much more appealing.

Remember to give some thought to whether you are going to include ribbons and bows when choosing your design theme and colours. Gift wrap ribbons and bows will add the finishing touch to any gift. Do think about how the fully gift wrapped present is to be packaged for posting if you are planning to gift wrap mail order items. You would most likely include the gift wrap materials along with the product for wrapping by the gift giver, unless you are sending the gift directly to the recipient.

Custom Gift Wrap Design and Print

There are printers who specialise in wrapping paper printing. The same is true of designers. Initially you will need to talk to someone who understands the different processes involved and being armed with sufficient information at the beginning will help.

1. Do you require rolls or sheets?

2. What is your preferred paper weight? eg. 60g., 70g., 80g., 90g.

3. Paper quality? Kraft, Varnished, Metallic.

4. Paper size? Length and width of rolls or sheets.

5. Paper finish? Matt or Varnished.

6. Quantity of sheets or rolls?

7. Colours in design? Standard 1-4 colours, Pantones.

8. Type of printing? Flexo, Gravure, Litho.

9. Any special effects? Metal foil, spot varnish.

The quantity and paper finish required will very quickly dictate what is possible and what is not for your budget. The budget will be dependent on the value of the gift, assuming you won’t be charging for a branded gift wrap service. There are three types of printing used to print wrapping paper. These are Flexography, Gravure and Litho printing.

Printing wrapping paper rolls using Flexography. For simple designs in 1 or 2 colours the minimum quantity is approximately 6 to 12 rolls per design. Roll widths are typically from 30cm to 100cm and have a roll length of 250m. Rolls can be cut and supplied as gift wrap sheets.

Printing wrapping paper rolls using Gravure printing. Minimum quantities are often referred to by weights from 100kg for a single colour and up to 1000kg minimum for 4 colour printing per design. Roll widths are from 30cm to 100cm and in roll lengths of 250m.

A weight of 100Kg is equivalent to approximately 15 to 25 rolls, depending on the paper weight and roll width. These 250m counter rolls can also be cut and supplied as gift wrap sheets or converted into consumer rolls. Consumer roll lengths are specified by the customer and typically vary from 1m to 5m in length.

Printing wrapping paper using Litho printing. Gift wrapping paper is relatively thin, 60-90g, and not many printers like to put such thin paper through their litho printing presses. Some will print on thicker paper. This isn’t normally recommended as it makes wrapping gifts more difficult. A 90g matt white paper provides an ideal base for printing gift wrap designs and is thick enough for litho printing if you can find a supplier that will do it. The most popular sheet size is 500m x 700mm or very close, depending on the printing press and country of supply. Typical minimum quantity is 1000 sheets per design.

There are definite advantages to printing litho. With low print runs possible and high quality multi-colour printing, the starting price for being able to print multiple designs is kept low. With some creativity a wonderful selection of designs is possible while including a central branded look.



By: Richard Leeds

About the Author:

Some of the best fund raising ideas for schools are those which involve the pupils in some kind of creative activity. I’ll bet if you asked most young children what they enjoy most at school the answers would include drawing or painting. Combining the talents of our children with parents and grandparents willingness to spend money is a winning combination.

And how do you get all that creativity on to something that displays our children’s artistic skills to as wide an audience as possible? You print it on gift wrapping paper. Possibilities for themes are endless, but parent’s pockets aren’t, so selling the gift wrap at a couple of events a year should be just right. The most obvious are the Summer Fete or Fair and at Christmas.

Get the children to create their works of art on A4 paper sheets. They can be on white paper, or for an interesting effect spread a few different coloured papers among the pupils. A standard sheet of Gift Wrap is 500mm x 700mm or similar. When the children’s illustrations are reduced down in size, you can fit any number from about 72 up to 288 images on to a sheet. It depends on the effect you want to achieve. The white background tends to work better with the lower numbers and the multi-coloured papers with higher numbers. Duplicate images as desired or necessary to make up the numbers.

The children’s images are scanned and montaged using design software and printing should be carried out by a printing company. How much of the work of creating the gift wrap is carried out by the school will depend on the school’s own capabilities. However, it is recommended that the assembly of images and final printing is carried out by professionals. The minimum quantity for printing gift wrap of this kind is 1000 sheets. The profit on this amount should be at least 100% after printing costs are taken out. For larger quantities, the amount raised by the school would be even higher.

At Christmas time, an additional fund raiser is to have greetings cards printed with images from the gift wrap. The advantage with these fund raising projects is that they can be repeated annually with different sets of children taking part. As well as the money raised, the expressions on the children’s faces when they see their work in print is priceless.



By: Richard Leeds

About the Author:

Some of the best fund raising ideas for schools are those which involve the pupils in some kind of creative activity. I’ll bet if you asked most young children what they enjoy most at school the answers would include drawing or painting. Combining the talents of our children with parents and grandparents willingness to spend money is a winning combination.

And how do you get all that creativity on to something that displays our children’s artistic skills to as wide an audience as possible? You print it on gift wrapping paper. Possibilities for themes are endless, but parent’s pockets aren’t, so selling the gift wrap at a couple of events a year should be just right. The most obvious are the Summer Fete or Fair and at Christmas.

Get the children to create their works of art on A4 paper sheets. They can be on white paper, or for an interesting effect spread a few different coloured papers among the pupils. A standard sheet of Gift Wrap is 500mm x 700mm or similar. When the children’s illustrations are reduced down in size, you can fit any number from about 72 up to 288 images on to a sheet. It depends on the effect you want to achieve. The white background tends to work better with the lower numbers and the multi-coloured papers with higher numbers. Duplicate images as desired or necessary to make up the numbers.

The children’s images are scanned and montaged using design software and printing should be carried out by a printing company. How much of the work of creating the gift wrap is carried out by the school will depend on the school’s own capabilities. However, it is recommended that the assembly of images and final printing is carried out by professionals. The minimum quantity for printing gift wrap of this kind is 1000 sheets. The profit on this amount should be at least 100% after printing costs are taken out. For larger quantities, the amount raised by the school would be even higher.

At Christmas time, an additional fund raiser is to have greetings cards printed with images from the gift wrap. The advantage with these fund raising projects is that they can be repeated annually with different sets of children taking part. As well as the money raised, the expressions on the children’s faces when they see their work in print is priceless.



By: Richard Leeds

About the Author: