Ribbon Wrapping...........for summertime Gift Wrap

My husband turned into a power wash addict yesterday. I know it was addictive behavior because he wouldn't share and let me have my turn. Fine then, I am going to Pinterest Pin all day long and I think I did. Well actually, I did some other things too. I took Daisy to a rest home to see how she would do as a therapy dog and she barked at the wheel chairs but loved the people. She has potential if I can tone down her excitement level. And I baked some giant muffins from The Barefoot Contessa even though I give most of my baking away these days. I don't consider pinning a productive task, mostly I use it as a relaxation technique while I wait for muffins to cook or while pouting because the power washing was my idea. But sometimes it leads me to some great ideas as it did today when I ran into the Gift Wrap board of Larissa Hill and found this Kate-Spadish gift wrapping idea with neon stickers on kraft paper. Fun and easy, everything a summer gift presentation should be, don't you agree?

I also like this gift wrap technique, shall we call it ribbon wrapping? It works best with narrow and interesting ribbons and that is exactly what I found at The Gilded Bee while pinning away. So maybe pinning is productive at times because I sure do like this Etsy ribbon source.

These aren't your typical ribbons, more tinsel cording and unique trims for gift wrapping, weddings, and crafts but I love the gift wrapping potential, especially for sweet little gift presentations. Glittered Ric Rac, luxe velvets, fringe garlands, and yes, sequins and pom pom garlands as well. Love this Chartreuse  Pom Pom garland here. 

The Gilded Bee also sells these paper butterflies clips with their fuzzy centers and though I would tend to use them en masse, I love the one used below in a singular fashion as well. I tend to think of summertime wrapping as being more relaxed, with simpler techniques and bright colours and this is the season that humble kraft paper does itself proud.

If you really like this wrapped ribbon technique, note how the ribbon is laying flat and twisted, gives it a more interesting variation. You might have to try it a few times and a glass of wine beforehand might relax your hand perfectly for this imperfect technique. It can't hurt. Isn't this ribbon from The Gilded Bee wonderful? It works perfectly for this trendy gift wrap technique. 

Aren't you happy I didn't get my turn at power washing after all?

The Gilded Bee has over 993 items in their Etsy shop so be prepared 

and forewarned. You will want to do some ribbon wrapping of your own.

See my Pinterest boards here.

Top image via Pinterest/1, 2, 3, and 4 via The Gilded Bee

Any gift envelope.............embellished and special

When I saw this gorgeous gift wrapping on Haute Design after the holidays while catching up on my favorite blogs I had a quick thought. I wonder if these are gift envelopes? If so, all the better and more impressive, do you use ribbon to dress up your gift envelopes? And why not? Nothing could make the recipient of a simple envelope feel all the more special whether it be a heartfelt birthday greeting, a pair of show tickets, a gift certificate, a spa day, and most especially a wedding gift card (I always wrap wedding cards with a beautiful ivory satin bow). From this day forward...........let's embellish our envelopes. It's a thoughtful touch that makes the giving and the receiving all the more special for all of us.

Photo found here via Sarah Klassen - Haute Design

Happy Thanksgiving............and a season of gift wrap begins

As it turned out, this collection of gift wrapped samples had an autumn feel with some festive touches just starting to make their way into the mix. Perfect for wishing my American readers Happy Thanksgiving. They weren't intended to go together, it just happened that I piled them together to get them out of harm's way.........harm being a 6 lb. canine companion who was a bit too intrigued by the berries we cut while walking this morning. As you know, she also steals ribbon. One of those helpers you really have to watch, possibly probation.

I have been playing around over here, getting ready for the biggest gift wrapping season of them all. Using up wallpaper sample sheets from outdated wallpaper books, bits of shorter ribbon. Getting close to figuring out exactly what this year's gift wrapping theme will be this holiday season. Started hunting for the sparkly bits that will add the festive touch. That decision, that colour direction, that theme is a process, I rarely end up where I started so it likely won't be what is shown today. Though this could certainly be used as inspiration for recycling things you already have and jump starting some ideas of your own. The next month I will focus on gift wrapping of many styles so I hope you will follow along. 

I used a trio of short fringe trim samples to make these pom poms for a male gift sample. More interesting than ribbon. I don't think men care if there is ribbon on their gift but I do think they like to see a presentation effort more than we would guess. It means keeping your eyes open for more unusual embellishments that don't strike men as too feminine. 

I also like the "deer" ribbon used in a flat layered treatment for a guy gift. The plaid background paper is also a wallpaper sheet. Wallpaper sample sheets can't be used for larger gifts but they do work well for smaller gift presentations. Don't be too quick to throw out wallpaper sample books if you are a designer or know one, they are an great gift wrap source for petite gifts at any time of year. And some of the male-based patterns too. The same goes for the trim books as you can see by the pom poms. All kinds of embellishment possibilites for women or male gifts.

Had I been invited to a Thanksgiving feast this year, I would have brought this as a hostess gift, fresh berries and all. So I think more of you should have invited me since I am not a big eater, bring really good gifts, and help with the clean-up too. Remember, here in Canada we celebrate our Thanksgiving in October. We are just a bit envious of Americans this today...............it is such a great start to the festivities ahead. Happy Thanksgiving and have a most wonderful day with your family and friends. 

All photos by Sande Chase

Tulle & Red Wrapping.............de la Renta fun

Every time I see this tulle and red Oscar de la Renta dress, I just go crazy. That divine champagne crush pleated silk tulle draped in crazy directions, pure genius. I want that fabric. I couldn't tell you how I did this modified gift interpretation and chances are pretty good that you wouldn't actually wrap this way anyways. It is just plain crazy gift wrapping.................

.....................but it was de la Renta fun. I will try it out on one of my fashionable friends. After all, nothing wrong with a little crazy fun now and again, especially when it comes to gift wrapping. Right?

Giveaway Reminder

The Besotted Giveaway ends Tuesday evening. 

Winner will be posted this Wednesday.
You still have time to enter.  

photo 1 from Oscar PR Girl/Photo 2, 3, 4 by Sande Chase

Gift wrapping in review...............softly filtered

Just experimenting with a soft and feminine palette in gift wrapping today. I have in mind a petite collection of beautiful gifts. It always means hunting for interesting papers, combining colours and patterns, finding the right ribbon, closet hunting for embellishments, the right background and the correct camera settings. Sometimes my review shots tell me to leave one idea behind and to start over, some say keep going. This one says keep going...............but it still has a ways to go, just a start in the direction I am heading. Thought you might enjoy seeing the process as it evolves. And yes, that is the silk bud that Daisy had stolen in my last post here. Which got me going in this direction in the first place. 

Thank you to readers who left such great comments last week and a warm and wonderful welcome to new followers.

Photos by Sande Chase

Buttoned-Up in Style........... gift wrapping

As you know by now, I am a big believer in hunting around in your own closet for stylish gift embellishments. In my last post seen here, that sparkly bauble was a button if you can believe it! Spare bits of sparkle (single earrings), brooches, bracelets, even pearly and colourful strands which I am working on right now. Next up was the box of random buttons that we all store away so I was delighted when I saw this most lovely of buttoned-up gift packages on this beautiful blog right here. They certainly close a gift parcel up beautifully, don't you think? So special on a gift envelope too. Now go see what buttoned beauties you already have on hand.








Photos from here

Apple Green Velvet Ribbon.............and powder puffs

I happen to like this new ribbon stock. Velvet in 1/2" width.

Apple Green. Black. Mink Taupe. Red. Vintage Gold. Royal Purple. Rich Brown.

This pastel green gift wrap base was used for a post a few weeks back. See here, it looks totally different. Sometimes I take these working samples apart and when I do, I usually like to see if I can quickly re-purpose the look. Use it to illustrate another gift wrap look and in this case show you how easily you can change the look by combining one solid paper with a strip of leftover paper of another style or pattern, just to give it some added impact. You do keep all those end strips don't you?  It isn't so much what patterns you combine as much as how you tie the two together. In this case, the black velvet ribbon does the trick.

Of course, I can't seem to leave well enough alone especially when it comes to gift presentation. I added this furry hair scrunchie and I liked the effect because it looked like a powder puff. This photo doesn't do the powder puff look justice and I will try another combination for a future post that will highlight the frou frou appearance. These elasticized hair scrunchies (I am sure there is a better name) are a great gift embellishment tool. You might want to stock up when you run across them at the dollar store. 

Another bow of Apple Green Velvet ribbon for added volume...............it's like this, somedays you tease your hair up big and dramatic, somedays it looks better flat and smooth. Weird fashion analogy but hopefully makes my point. Gift wrapping can be done to suit the occasion. 

I am off to play with a pink powder puff. 

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Twirl...............fashionable gift bags re-gifting

Fortunately, if you wish to glam up your gift presentations with magazine images as I showed you in my last post, you don't have to be overly-handy with a pair of scissors. Look for images that require less cutting. When I found this dramatic image in a Vogue editorial, it went right on top of my clipping pile. As you know, I don't often use gift bags but I loved how this most striking image worked to re-gift and re-cycle two of the fashion world's most stylish store bags.

I always think that gifting between friends should be fun. Not only would they delight in the fact that you re-gifted a store gift bag, I always find it inspirational to see how people collage. This technique is strictly that, having fun with images, recycling stylish store bags, and using images that your friend will enjoy. Capturing their personality in the gift presentation. 

Along with photography and illustrations, keep your eyes open for interesting typefaces. Sometimes I cut out the whole heading, sometimes a single word as I did with twirl. I actually took a few images off this set, the image and red typeface on this pattern seemed more than enough. 

As you may remember I used this new style of a Kate Spade bag before for a re-gifting post and that larger, lower corner logo gives me a bit more of a challenge. I used my new wider grosgrain ribbon in hot pink (with red velvet) to cover part of the logo, leaving the embossed New York to add a bit of gold bling.

I did sneak a pink magnolia back in.........happy cutting.

All images by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Fashionista Gift Wrapping............from the source

It is amazing what inspiration you find in those piles of fashion and shelter magazines but I am going to guess that you haven't thought of it as a ready source for gift wrapping. When it comes to gift wrapping for that fashionista friend of yours, I think this idea might just make your gift the very favorite of them all only because it can capture their stylish personality. I always loved playing cut-outs when I was a young  girly-girl and while flipping throught the pages of Vogue the connection came to me, this idea only takes that pleasurable pastime into a slightly more mature direction, all in the interest of novel gift presentation of course. In fact, I am having so much fun recycling my magazines that I am going to stay with this gift wrap concept for the next few weeks and see where it takes me.

All you need is time, magazines, small sharp scissors, a glue stick, some ribbon, and you are ready to play, I mean.......create. Before any magazines are recycled, I do a visual edit and tear the pages that may possibly have an image I can cut and use. I know many of you already do this for inspiration boards but I was never that organized, it took gift wrapping to motivate me. It was this Manolo Blahnik ad (and my fond memories of cut-out attire) that got my gift wrapping wheels turning recently. I hope these clever Blahnik people stay with this illustrated ad campaign and give me more show styles to work with soon (though I am sure they would rather I buy the shoes). If you think you might you fancy this technique and may want to use a favorite image again in your gift wrapping, I would suggest scanning for repeat use and printing out on a heavyweight paper. If the cutting and gluing seems like too much work but you think the image totally suits your friend, then use the scan to print the image as a unique gift tag in any size. 

And though you will see many examples over the next few weeks (as you can see I have some background papers ready), I started with this box that I already used for a re-gift box post last year. The two layers of ribbon were already in position and are simply double-sided taped to the underside of the lid. Your prep is that simple. When I have time, I cut the images (which can be surprisingly calming-who knew?) so I have a stylish variety ready to layer and experiment with at any time. 

Though you might be tempted to go ribbon-less, I think the ribbon base just makes it more finished and gives a gift wrapped base to this idea. I added the black and white grosgrain for more visual impact. I will show you some examples with bows but this image was larger and a bow seemed to interfere with this fabulously fashionable image. 

You can be as precise with the glue stick as you want and glue down every inch, or even use double sided tape (which is tacky enough to lift and re-position) in stategic spots if you think the recipient may want to lift off the image cut-outs and play on her own, I mean...............create. I have a couple other application ideas for you as well, another idea to give this concept more dimension. Stay tuned over the next few weeks, I think this might be fun, kind of taking cut-outs to a more mature level........or so I tell myself. 






All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Slim Paley.......gift wrap all sparkly and vintage

Between the two of us, we almost didn't get this final Gift Wrapping Holiday 2010 post out. The stylish blogger Slim Paley was caught with a flu bug, then I was caught with a computer bug. But here it is in all it's gift wrapped beauty and I know you are going to love what Slim has to say about gorgeous gift wrapping. Like everything she does, the stylish blogger Slim Paley wraps the most beautiful presentations............I wasn't the least surprised. This girl can wrap! Enjoy. And I will see you next week with my gorgeous new puppy named Daisy who is wrapped and ready in pink ribbons to come home. Happy Holidays!

Slim Paley photo ~ Vintage ribbon and sparkly paper

Is presentation a big part of gift giving to you Slim?

Oh absolutely! Presentation has always played a large part in the pleasure of gift giving for me. I love that friends will usually know which is my gift by the way it is wrapped.

Slim Paley photo ~ vintage ribbons, many from Bell' Ochio San Francisco

If you were limited to one ribbon, would it be silk, satin, taffeta, grosgrain, or organza?

OMG Sande! What don't you just ask me to pick a favorite child?!!

Are you a tissue paper or gift wrap paper kind of gal?

I like both. I'm not too crazy about primary coloured tissue, but layering several layers of soft hues creates a very pretty effect. Black & Gold tissue is also very rich together and I like this script tissue paper I found recently. 

What is the best gift wrap paper you have ever used?

I'd have to say the paper I have brought back from Venice and Tokyo would be the best paper I have ever used. The Italians have such a rich history of paper-making and who does gift wrapping or presentation better than the Japanese? 

Slim Paley photo ~ Magazine photos I've saved throughout the year.

Any gift wrap tips you want to share Slim?

Keep your gift wrapping antenna up all year round and have a couple of boxes set aside to store gift embellishments as you find them. Whether you are on a hike, a walk on the beach or in a dinky little antique shop, you'll find things that will turn your gifts into something extra special. As the season draws closer, pull beautiful photos from magazines to use with your wrapping.

Slim Paley photo ~ Various vintage gift embellishments

If you are able to pop outside and add something from Mother Nature to your gift all the better. Keep in mind that even the lowliest leaf, stone or twig can become a thing of beauty if gathered in a charming or unusual way. Stock up on those tiny clear plastic test-tubes with rubber tops for adding fresh flowers.

Are you all wrapped and ready Slim? Or do you wrap last minute like many of us? 

NO!!! SO NOT READY!! I am forever wrapping at the very last second, forget minute! I'm a pathological procrastinator and this holiday season is no exception. Add coming down with the flu to the equation and I might even break my own record for last minute scrambling this year. I'm not proud of it by any means, but that's the truth. I've said this on my blog before - I so admire people who are well-prepared long before the holiday starts (notice how I didn't use "jealous" there?!). I think I just have to accept this is the way I roll and stop beating myself up over it!

Slim Paley photo

I'll share the craziest, most labour intensive wrapping I ever attempted. One year I decided to hand paint flowers, mistletoe and holly on to old sheet music for gift wrapping. Naturally I thought "Oh, how genius is this going to be?!! Unfortunately, I didn't realize until after I had painted it that the sheet music was so old it started to crack and break apart whenever I tried to fold it over the edges of the boxes. Yikes, it makes me want to have a glass of wine just reliving the memory...........although I still think sheet music is a charming idea for Christmas wrapping, just not vintage sheet music!

Your gift wrapped signature? The one thing that says this gift is from Slim Paley?

Definitely beautiful ribbon, often vintage, with something from my garden, usually roses, attached. 

All photos by Slim Paley 

Vicente Wolf............gift wraps in full color

I tell this story all the time, or at least whenever the subject of great interior designers comes up. My design partner and I met Vicente Wolf at a High Point, NC showroom years ago and it was the inspirational highlight of our trip. It was the end of a long market day and I am sure everyone wanted us out the showroom doors but Vicente Wolf spent a good twenty minutes leisurely chatting to us about the world of design. We pretended to be savvy and cool but all the long way home to Canada we kept saying" OMG, we met the Vicente Wolf, how can someone so talented and famous be so humble and nice too?" Then we worried that we had sounded like a pair of country bumpkins, and I am quite sure we did. When Vicente Wolf joined the blogging world, it really didn't surprise me. Nor does it surprise me that he shares his vast knowledge and experience with blog readers, many of them young designers starting out ................he has a sincere passion for interior design and is evident in every room he creates, every book he writes, every conversation he has, even the short ones. His newest release Lifting The Curtain On Design is certain to inspire me once again. And I love how he cleverly wraps his book gift with the title showing. Twenty years later, he was kind enough again to respond to my gift wrapping request for Gift Wrapping Holidays 2010 as he was rushing out the door for an extended trip. Somehow I assumed his gift wrapping would be executed in the layered, neutral palette that he does so perfectly.............surprise, surprise. When it comes to gift wrapping, Vicente Wolf goes for full colour. And lots of it. 

Your interiors are designed with a restrained aesthetic but always with an element of surprise Vicente. Do you gift wrap with the same refined style? Or do you incorporate an element of surprise?

When choosing my wrapping I prefer an unusual blending of colors. I also like to wrap up several items so there is a sense of discovery, but usually my gifts have a theme.

As an interior designer, so you think gift presentation is an extension of a designer's personal style?

I think anyone's gifts speak of who they are - how much energy they put into it and what their sensibility is.

Your interiors are influenced by your global clientele and travels. do you use any of these influences in your gifting or gift wrapping?

Yes, I do. Two years ago I was in the Sunday market in Bangkok and I bought gifts to put in my next gift basket. It was a lot of work but people loved the fact that it had such a strong Thai flavor literally and visually.

Your client Clive Davis invites you for dinner. Your favorite hostess gift?

He is a hard person to find a gift for, but I would say a book or one of the artists he collects, although he is someone who prefers to give than receive. This makes him even more special.

Do you have a gift wrap signature? Something that says this is a Vicente Wolf gift?

Yes it does, my gifts are like a string of wild pearls, all individual and unique objects strung together in a big gift package.

Vicente Wolf Links

New Book Lifting the Curtain On Design

Design Website

Blog

Photos provided by Vicente Wolf

British designer Nicky Haslam.........gift wrapping live from London

Not only do I greatly admire the exquisitely-detailed design work of Britain's talented design star Nicky Haslam.................but he is also an incredibly good sport to say nothing about providing the most gorgeous gift wrapping backdrop. No wonder he gets invited to all the best parties (and is know to give smashing parties too), in my book he is a wonderfully gracious man. When his fabulous team suggested a gift wrapping video to go along with my Q & A interview for the Gift Wrapping Holiday 2010 series, I was honoured, thrilled, and intrigued to say the least. I would suggest you read the interview below before viewing both videos to see  why Nicky wraps the way he does, a few tricks, a simple but exquisite signature touch, and Voilá..............his new book Redeeming Features stylishly wrapped up in Nicky Haslam style.

Nicky provides a surprise gift wrapped finale and wraps it up with a disarming smile. A personal request for my readers, please head over to his NH-Design blog and tell him what jolly good fun his gift wrapped video was to view, showing you how to do two things that will help you this season. How to do a quick ribbon measure and an proper technique for easily tying a simple bow. Multiple links for Nicky Haslam are listed at the bottom of this post so you can read more about the designer life of Nicky Haslam who really does do his own gift wrapping. 

The Interview

Nicky, you are the rock star of the interior design world, you party with the who's who around the globe, design for the rock stars, pal around with Mick Jagger, and hang out with Kate Moss, so the big question would be "what will you give Kate Moss for Christmas this year?"

As well as a huge kiss, a jeweled frog as she admired one I have.

The Evening Standard recently named you as one of London's most influential people because "he gets invited everywhere because he's the best company". Besides your good company, what do you consider a fabulous hostess gift?

Well, you can't go wrong with "fois gras!

Your creative lifestyle is evident in everything you do, design, and wear. Does gifting and it's presentation demand the same attention to detail?

Yes! Either wrap up well (or warm) or not at all!

What would you consider to be the best gift wrap paper style? Are you big on ribbon and bows? Or do you have another way to add your own gift wrapped style?

I like gold or white paper and a simple ribbon, and I always use tissue paper before wrapping. It is very luxurious to add tissue paper. 

You have to be the person to ask "What should someone give Prince William and Kate Middleton as a wedding gift?"

Even a princess can never have too many hurricane lamps and candles!

If Oprah called and had you on her show to plug your juicy new memoir Redeeming Features what would you send her as a thank you gift?

I'd send her the recording of my recent cabaret act at The Savoy (to help launch their new bar ~ The Beaufort Bar).

How would someone recognize a gift from Nicky Haslam? What is your gift wrapped signature?

Their initials on a white card which I tuck into the bow. 

~

My many thanks to Nicky Haslam, creative director Colette Van Den Thillart and Susan Moolman - PR

Links for Nicky Haslam

Nicky Haslam Blog 

Nicky Haslam Design Portfolio

Beaufort Bar ~ The Savoy

Financial Times-Diary of a Somebody

Redeeming Features by Nicky Haslam

YouTube videos provided by NH Design for A Gift Wrapped Life

Photo also via NH-Design.co.uk/