This week starts our once a quarter feature of Dina our gift wrapping guru as a guest writer! She'll be sharing amazing wrapping tips and projects to inspire you year round She is starting with sharing basic tips for getting your wrapping technique down!
Let's start with the basic supplies:
- Sharp scissors (preferably used only for cutting paper)
- Double sided tape (I prefer Scotch brand)
- Good quality wrapping paper, specialty decorative paper, or vintage finds
- Ribbon or twine
- Bone folder
I love to wrap gifts! I love it because it’s another way of showing the recipient how special they are and how meaningful the gift is. I put as much or at times more effort in how I present the gift than finding and purchasing the gift itself. To some it sounds crazy, but to others who feel the same way, we are giddy over the process.
It doesn’t matter how little or extravagant the gift is, I choose my method of wrapping according to the personality of the recipient or what I feel fits the gift. I prefer a “less is more” approach to styling my wrap, choose very special supplies and execute the wrap the cleanest way possible.
Although the supplies are basic, the quality of your supplies will speak volumes when you begin to wrap your gift.
Scissors: I have several types of scissors and keep specific ones for specific projects. It’s important to have sharp scissors so that you don’t tear your paper (some may be delicate and thin) and only keep them for paper cutting. For example, you don’t want to use “household” scissors that have been used to cut wire or tacky tapes because they ruin the blade and can tear your specialty papers.
Tape: The secret is out! Double sided tape is the key to keep the look of your wrap clean and crisp, while showcasing your beautiful paper. I always use Scotch brand tape and keep it in a heavy weighted dispenser.
Paper: Let’s talk paper…I love, love, love paper! For me, this is the best part of wrapping. I love the feel and texture of good quality paper because it creases and folds wonderfully and has a distinct way of “wrapping” around your gift. My first love was the brown “mailer” paper you would find in rolls at the office supply stores. This was many, many years ago before the Kraft paper craze began. I remember coming across this paper and realized that the thickness it has was key to how I wanted it to feel when someone opened my gift versus the thin paper you would normally find. I used this paper for so many years and would adorn it with vintage ribbons and beautiful, natural finds from my backyard garden to use as toppers. Today you can find so many different and unique types of quality papers. You can buy handmade papers by the sheet (this is my favorite) or rolls of solid or decorative papers. My favorite places to find papers are Paper Source, Sugar Paper, Jonathan Wright and Company, Soolip, and Artist and Craftsman Supply.
Ribbon, twines & such: Since I prefer to decorate my wraps more simply I like finding beautiful and natural adornments that stands alone. I search for delicious hand dipped silk ribbons, double sided satin ribbons in rich colors, unique textures and materials from different places. Twines are great to have too. They are simple yet fun and just the right kind of touch depending on the gift and paper choice. My favorite toppers (to name a few) are things such as pinecones, twigs, leaves and branches, and herbs.
Bone folder: This is a must! This tool will help make crisp creases and is a great extension of your fingers when folding the tight corners. Any bone folder will do. You can get the classic shape or a thicker, Teflon bone folder used for bookbinding.
Once you have all the basic supplies you’ll be ready to wrap a gift at any time!
-Dina