Janet Butler
For many of us, wrapping a present is as much fun as buying it, if not more; others feel “all thumbs” when it comes to packaging. Never fear: you’ll find ideas here to help you present a package that’s as pretty outside as the goodies inside! Make gift name tags with construction paper; cut it out in the shape of the recipient’s initial (don’t worry, there are stencils for that!), write his/her name on the “letter,” and voila — a striking name and gift tag. You’ve got to love a “warm winter wishes” tag and ribbon that actually looks like a pair of gloves — or gingham-inspired wrapping paper in prints and plaids. Match ordinary brown paper with “burlap,” linen, or lacy bows, snowflake accents, or cinnamon sticks, and it’s not ordinary anymore!
At a loss for a bow? A sprig of holly or evergreen, a pine cone, or even a paper or tissue flower will do nicely. And wrapping doesn’t only have to be red or green — striped paper in greens, blues, and purples looks great when trimmed with a soft purple bow, and floral paper in a variety of colors gets just the right “Christmas touch” with candy-striped ribbon. Do likewise with black and white, cranberry or raspberry pink, or any shade of blue. Trim a plain box with yarn in rainbow colors, red felt flowers, or wide green ribbon over lace. The sky’s the limit: you can feel free to use paper, fabric, knitted “caps,” fabric roses, cutouts from a favorite book page, even clothespins to accent your packages…and have fun with wrapping this year!
