Thursday, October 14, 2010

Crazy Gift Wrap...........but I kind of like it


It is a crazy kind of gift wrap presentation isn't it? When it comes to wrapping up birthday gifts for my friends I tend to go a little crazy and mix it up a bit. Something I have been wanting to do, layer up some crazy patterns, mix it up, have a little gift wrap fun. I kind of like it and I think she will too.




If it looks a bit too crazy and over-the-top than I think you would be right, that was exactly the effect I was going for, something a bit outrageous. I am actually being somewhat efficient, using up bits and pieces I keep here in my studio. The bottom red layer is gift wrap of course, but the second layer with the folded edges is a Schumacher sample page from an old wallpaper book. Designers take note, purge those outdated wallpaper books of good patterns, they come in handy for small gift wrapping and layering patterns, something us designers love to do. It reminds me of my designer days.



That top layer is a short piece of black flocked ribbon that is quite wide, a short leftover piece that had no hope of being used in any other way. The Paris label and double-sided tape is holding all the layers in position. They all fold across the back too which is where the double-sided tape comes in handy.


My point in showing you this presentation effect is to encourage you to do something I always go on and on about in this blog, use up your leftover pieces of gift wrap, put them together, create something that will have a special effect. Experiment a bit when gift wrapping. You might not want an effect this dramatic but the technique can twist in many directions. I am guessing that you have gift wrap choices that can be mixed up this way too.


I was looking to give this gift a french feel, something to capture the nature of the gift, a copy of My French Life by Vicki Archer. Do you think it worked?


Remember my summer gift wrap camp? This red crystal flower was one of the scrapbook embellishments that I was going to try. You could also use a vintage brooch for this type of gift presentation and it would be truly fabulous.


We try to spoil the birthday girl with multiple gifts, prolong the gift opening pleasure, make her feel special. Four friends celebrate each of our birthdays which happen to be nicely-spaced throughout the year. One of them once mentioned dispensing with the gifts and just doing dinner................we all laughed. No gifts once a year, no spoiling the birthday girl? Now that would be crazy.


All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

35 comments:

  1. Loving it. Use what you have! You've created a unique and special gift. I'm sure what's inside is great too! :)

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  2. So pretty for the season Sande.
    Warm Hug to you today!
    XO

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  3. Ooo, I love it. You could hang that on a wall.

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  4. Oh I love it Sande....the black ribbon is the perfect contrast to the orange and gold.....but, anyway, anythig with PARIS written on it is just perfect !! XXXX

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  5. It definitely has some french flair! Beautiful as always, Sande!

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  6. Love it, Sande!
    That paper from Paris is gorgeous.
    Teresa

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  7. Dearest Sande,

    Looks very mysterious with this kind of wrapping! What can it all reveal? Ooh - la - la!

    Sunny greetings from Georgia,

    MariettesBacktoBasics

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  8. Love it Sande, orange is great for fall/winter, and the Paris makes it a little Moulin Rouge kind of crazy....have a wonderful day~

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  9. It's as sexy and outrageous as a can-can girl, Sande! I love it. xo Gigi

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  10. Dear Sande,
    I absolutely love this idea of gift wrapping - the wrapping itself becomes the gift. So special. The colours have that gorgeous Moulin Rouge feeling.
    Thank you for sharing this with us - I am sure that your friend will LOVE the wrapping and the gift.
    x Suzi

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  11. Great way to recycle left over pieces of paper!

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  12. Give up the presents and just have dinner? No way!
    Love the layering and the use of different patterning...

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  13. I love it...the orange and black...so lovely this time of the year.I like your idea of using a vintage brooch.
    Cheers:)
    Debbie ( in Victoria B.C.)

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  14. My favorite way of wrapping...layered, like a work of art; opulent, looks like you really thought about the gift. How lucky to receive something so magical!
    --Lee Ann

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  15. I think this is absolutely gorgeous and I want to be one of your friends. HaHa! You are so talented when it comes to mixing patterns. Love it and Love You!
    Hugs,
    Amada

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  16. really lovely....I love the mix, it feels so handcrafted and looks SO French!

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  17. WONDERFUL! Thanks so much for posting gift wrap photos again. Hooray! There are dozens of blogs about clothes and travel and store windows but yours is the only one I've seen that has lovely gift wraps.

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  18. Sande,

    Thank you for sharing this idea. I always keep pieces of special wrapping paper or other vintage papers around, and this is the perfect use for them. The wrapping itself is a piece of art! And that gold and black ribbon in the background of the last picture is GORGEOUS!
    And, yes, this wrapped gift does have a French Essence about it!
    Mandy

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  19. sande... i have been away...so i look forward to catching up on all of my favorite blogs... yours being one of them! this is lovely... xx pam

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  20. You are so interesting! Love your blog, especially your trip to PARIS. Thank you so much for introducing me to Ryuichi Sakomoto. I purchased his CD and play his music constantly, at home, in my car........love it. You take me to places of beauty I care to go. Bobbie

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  21. Looks beautiful, Sandi! So rich and luxurious --

    I hope you have a fabulous weekend,
    xoxo

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  22. Absolutely fabulous! The fall colors and the way you worked it just gorgeous! Who cares what's inside?

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  23. oh my is that for me?! pretty pretty...PS been chatting with you cutie pie son online héhé

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  24. I'm loving this 'crazy' wrap! You never cease to amaze ....
    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  25. I wouldn't care what was in this package...it is one of my favorites!!! Love it, Sande!
    Catherine

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  26. I love this! It's nowhere near too much - just simply gorgeous! Who wouldn't like a gift like this? I am glad you and your friends decided to keep on with the gift giving - sometimes I hate practicality!

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  27. Oh so vibrant Sande, hey you cracked me up with your comment at theparisapartment today...you are so funny!

    big hug
    xoxo
    ps remember, let me know sweets if you want a hand.

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  28. This is gorgeous - simply gorgeous!

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  29. I am not an orange girl but I loooove the mix of patterns and the way you tied the ribbon!! Kathysue

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  30. Oo la la I feel like doing the Can Can so chic!! :))

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Your comments are such a lovely addition to my day. Thank you.

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