One of my favorite things about the holidays is getting creative with gift wrapping. I love the idea of working with unique and unexpected materials to personalize an offering. Don’t be afraid to explore less traditional colors or unusual components to wrap your gifts, even incorporating luxe textiles, cigar boxes, and craft paper while embellishing with whimsical elements that you might already have around your home such as leather, zippers, buttons, painted bolts and washers, chains, twine, live leaves and florals. It’s never bad to upcycle. I hope this gives you all a little inspiration as you begin your gift wrapping adventures this holiday!
When working with more traditional holiday colors, find a way to create a fresh spin. I found this zipper during a fabric store run and loved how it played with the modern paper texture. Don’t be afraid to be a little cheeky or whimsical in your holiday wrappings and decor.
I used really inexpensive translucent paper in order to still be able to see the pattern of the deco paper, which adds something more tactile to the presentation. By layering the metallic satin ribbon and small hand-made velvet ribbon bows down the center, additional dimension is created while staying within the color palette.
I’m big on recycling; smooth out wrinkles and kinks with a hair straightener to re-use old ribbon. For this one I used the matte side of the ribbon to create a richer texture, and secured the beads and waved ribbon with tiny dots of hot glue.
As an alternative to wrapping paper, repurpose vessels such as a wooden cigar box. I chose to layer multiple textures including ribbon, leather, and twine for an off-centered belly band, finished with an old wooden button I found to create a masculine look.
Have old dish rags or fabric scraps lying around? Put them to good use this year by using them as gift wrap! Incorporating these materials creates an unexpected and organic quality to your gift wrap. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to up-cycle.
Another alternative to wrapping paper; use old fabric covered boxes such as jewelry boxes or hat boxes. It’s also easy to re-upholster your own using fabric from an old dress, curtains, or sweater – cut and use spray adhesive to secure to the exterior of the box. I added a hand dyed silk ribbon paired with a velvet strap, thrift store broach and an old curtain tassel for a vintage quality.
Try layering textures for a luxe feel, while adding small embellishments for dimension. You’d be surprised at how an inexpensive trinket from a thrift store or even Michael’s can look high end when paired with the right elements.
#WrapItUp
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