Gift Decorating

Victorian Covered Box

2011-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here is another design I created using the soft color palette. I just love the muted tones. This beautifully decorated paper Mache box would make a great addition to any gift. This box not only serves as stylish gift wrap but also doubles as elegant reusable container. This design would work with any shape box. I created this design for Scotch Brand.

Difficulty – Medium

Materials

Paper Mache Box
Floral patterned scrapbooking paper
Sage scrapbooking paper
1 sage fabric flower
5/8 inch-wide pink grosgrain ribbon
3/8 inch-wide wine grosgrain ribbon
1/8 inch-wide pink satin ribbon
Metal flower accent with pearl (jewelry finding or button)
Scotch® Precision Scissors (for cutting scrapbooking paper and ribbon)
Scotch® Craft Glue Stick (for attaching scrapbooking paper)
Scotch® Quick-Dry Adhesive (for gluing ribbon and accents)

Instructions

Cut a piece of the floral scrapbooking paper with Scotch® Precision Scissors the size of the top of the box plus 1/3 inch for overlap. Cut slits in the overlap edge – this will help the paper form to the side of the box lid. Attach the paper to the top and sides of the box lid with Scotch® Craft Glue Stick.
Cut a piece of the sage paper the height of the box and the length to wrap around the box. Cut a piece of the floral paper the height of the box and about 3 inches wide to create an accent for the front of the box. Attach with Scotch® Quick-Dry Adhesive.
Glue a piece of the pink and wine colored ribbon around the side of the lid and bottom edge of the box. Attach two pieces of 1/8 wide ribbon to the front of the box and interlock and form an X. Finish the edges of the front accent paper with ribbon on each side of the X.
Make a bow with the wine colored ribbon and attach to the top of the box. Wrap 6 loops of the 1/8 wide ribbon together, tie in the center and glue to the top of the box lid. Cut the loops of the 1/8 inch wide ribbon loops to form a fringe.
Glue the flower to the center top of the lid and attach the metal accent and peal to the center of the flower with Scotch® Quick-Dry Adhesive. Let dry.

Muted Tones and Double-Sided Scrapbooking Paper

2011-07-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

I love working with muted tones and subdued colors — they make such elegant designs. I found some double-sided scrapbooking paper in a cardstock weight with a beautiful pattern on one side and a coordinating solid on the other both in soft shades. It is so much easier to create a project when you already have the perfect color combination all on one piece of paper. I always save money when I find a double-sided paper I like because I don’t have to buy additional paper to match the colors. There were a few different designs of scrapbooking paper in the same palette so I purchased them all. The colors just spoke to me as if they were saying “please take home and make something beautiful with me”.

I also bought a stem of soft colored wedding flowers and several vibrant colors of ribbon that I wanted to mix into the design. All of the materials were purchased at a local Michaels craft store.

Here are the mini gift bags I created with these items for my daughter's end-of-the-year teacher gifts. They were so easy to create and looked beautiful! I was very happy with my color choices. I only used one side of the scrapbooking paper for this design. I will post more projects using these materials soon.

Wrapping the Wrap

2011-07-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick way to wrap a pretty gift with things you have on hand. A band of yarn wrapped around the box is a fast way to add interest with texture and dimension. This gift took less than 10 minutes to create and didn’t cost a thing. Look around your house, you will find all sorts of treasures you can used to adorn a gift.

Click here for instructions

Reused Fruit Baskets

2011-04-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Snack cups can be transformed into mini Easter baskets. These cute little containers would dress up Easter table or make great party favors.

To make the handle, poke two holes in the cup and feed wired chenille through the holes. Cut a flower shape out of decorative cardstock and glue it to the bottom of the cup to form the base. Wrap the cup with purple craft paper and create decorative grass with green craft paper (I used leftover party streamers). Decorate the front of the cup with flowers and beads or any decorative items you have on hand.

Decorative Pail

2011-04-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Accent your home with this stylish flower pail created from repurposed and recycle items found around the house. This design has dimension and elegance that could not be achieved from using new items. This decorated pail can be used hold flowers, hold small items, and it can even double as a gift or Easter basket. I entered this project in the Green is Universal reuse contest.

Click here to see the instructions on how to make this project.

Bearing Gifts

2011-03-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

This adorable bear is the perfect way to present a gift. I used a bear with long arms and I added Velcro to the paws so they would lock together to hold on to the gift. I made the gift box reusable by decorating the lid with a pretty bow and a tiny bear to make it even more lovable.

Reused Items Gift Wrap

2011-03-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is my newest project I created for Scotch Brand for their website. A fun spring gift wrap design can be made with items found around the house. I cut the flowers from pieces of reused greeting cards — they have such beautiful designs it seems a shame to not reuse them. I also used spare buttons, a strand of yarn and leftover party streamers to decorate this gift.

Click here for instructions to create this design

Party Hat Gift Wrap

2011-03-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

I always try and use something recycled when wrapping a gift. When a repurposed piece is added to a gift, it gives the present special character that you can’t get from using all new items.

This is a gift I wrapped for a friend’s 40th birthday. I like to incorporate part of the recipient’s interests into my gift wrap to give it that personal touch. The birthday guy loves music so I used a fun musical note scrapbooking paper to set the tone of the wrap. I reused a birthday hat and pieces of ribbon leftover from the holidays to accent the gift. It has a 3D effect that may not be apparent in the picture.

Click here to learn how I made this design

Spring Flower

2011-03-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest gift wrap design I created for 3M Scotch Brand. Spring almost here and I wanted share this charming flower gift wrap that was inspired by the much anticipated season. To create this look, I layered paper flowers cut from scrapbooking paper, a fabric daisy and a butterfly to add dimension to this design. I love combining different types of materials to my designs for texture and to create the unexpected.

Click here to see step-by-step instructions for this design

Recycled Magazine Gift Wrap

2011-01-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

Before you toss your magazines into the recycled bin, cut out thoughtful words to create a custom message attached to your gift wrap. Hand torn strips of paper create an artistic touch to the gift. Strips of paper are cut to make a paper ribbon strip and bow. I glued extra buttons onto the center of the bow for an extra touch. This gift is wrapped with a white shopping bag leftover from the holidays but the white back side of reused wrapping paper can also be used.

Not only will this gift wrap WOW your recipient – it can be created with items you have on hand.

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Extra Buttons and Yarn Gift Wrap

2010-12-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

Use those extra buttons you have laying around the house to create a fun, whimsical gift wrap design. I wrapped the gift in double-layered crinkled tissue, threaded the buttons onto textured yarn and wound the yarn around the box in a random pattern. I tied the yarn in a double knot on the back of the box to secure. You can also attach the buttons onto the gift with craft glue.

Pillow Boxes

2010-12-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Reused wrapping paper or paper towel tubes are used to make pillow boxes accented with household items. Small items or candy can be placed in these adorable and easy to make treasures. Make sure to tape the ends after they are filled so the goodies don't fall out.

Snowflakes

2010-12-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

Snow flakes shapes are cut from a plastic bag to create an icy look. Apply glue only to the center of the flake and attach it to a box wrapped in double layer crinkled tissue paper. Accent the snowflakes with glitter glue to complete the winter theme.

Recycled Envelope Wrap

2010-12-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

A colored plastic bag and recycled paper are used to create stylish envelope wraps. Yarn is wrapped around the gift to secure -- extra buttons and small river rocks accent the gift. This eco friendly gift wrap is perfect for small items and gift cards.

Recycled Gift Wrap Using Plastic Bags

2010-12-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Plastic bags are used to create unique gift wrap that is sure to be a conversation piece as well as an economical solution for gift wrapping.

Reused red tissue and a white plastic bag is used to wrap the gift. The gift is accented with twine made from twisted strips a red and white Target bag. Candy is taped around the gift for an extra treat.

Holiday Photo Gifts

2010-12-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

A photo gift makes a great alternative to a bow. You can attach a holiday picture to the top of the gift to show the recipient. Not only will it become part of the gift but it will be easy to distinguish who each gift is for. This is especially nice if you have a tree surrounded with lots of presents.

Wrapping Large Items

2010-12-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

For large items, don't use an entire roll of paper to wrap the gift. Save your paper -- print out the picture of the gift on nice cardstock along with the gift’s secret location. Place the card in a small box and wrap it as if it is the gift.

Paper Towel Tubes

2010-12-03T09:01:00.001-08:00

Reused paper towel tubes are used to make pillow boxes accented with household items. Small items or candy can be placed in these adorable and easy to make treasures.

Cut the size of the tube desired and press in the ends to create a pillow box. Use yarn, buttons, fabric and anything else of interest to wrap around the tube and glue. Insert the gift and use tape to seal each end to secure.

Save Money and Reduce Waste with Recycled Gift Wrap!

2010-12-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

You can save money and give back to the environment by using recycled and household items to wrap and accent your gifts. Packages decorating with natural elements and on hand materials will not only create beautiful one-of-a kind gifts but will also save money and reduce waste during the Holidays. Here are some of my designs. I will be updated this section daily so check back often to see my new ideas.

Popping Fire Crackers

2010-07-02T05:18:00.001-07:00

These safe firecracker favors are made from paper towel rolls and filled with bubble wrap. They are decorated with red, white and blue scrapbooking paper and ribbon. The fuse is made from a silver pipe cleaner and a red star is glued to the end of the fuse to make it look like it has been lit. The bottom of the tube is left open so you can pop the bubble wrap to make a firecracker sound.

Click here for instruction to make Popping Fire Crackers

American Flag Masks

2010-07-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

American flag masks make great favors and are fun to create with your kids. Inexpensive plastic masks can be found at a local craft store. They are painted with acrylic red and blue craft paint. Small stars are cut from scrapbooking cardstock with a star craft punch and glued onto to the blue part of the mask. The blue and red areas are then outlined with glitter glue to add a sparkly look.

Click here for instructions to make the American Flag Masks

Patriotic Napkin Rings

2010-07-02T05:08:00.001-07:00

Patriotic napkin rings can be used for a place setting or displayed on the buffet table. They are created from tubes cut from paper towel rolls and covered with ribbon and star buttons. They are accented with red white and blue flowers, made from ribbon loops.

Click here for instructions to create the Patriotic Napkin Rings

Star Dessert Display

2010-07-02T05:05:00.001-07:00

A Fourth of July themed dessert or appetizer display is accented with hand-crafted decorative stars. These patriotic stars can be used an accent for cupcakes or appetizers or placed around a table to dress up a plain table cloth. Small American flags placed in the center of the display add to the charm.

Click here for instructions to create the Star Dessert Display

Safe Sparklers

2010-07-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Sparklers are a fun way to celebrate Fourth of July but these are a safe alternative for your kids. They are created from BBQ Skewers, multi-color star garland and silver duct tape. The white stars are painted with glow in the dark paint so they come alive after dark.

Click here for instructions to create Safe Sparklers

Fireworks Centerpiece

2010-07-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

A fireworks centerpiece adds a festive touch to the celebration and serves as a great conversation piece. The fireworks are created from BBQ Skewers, star garland, foil tissue and silver duct tape. A flower vase is filled with red, white and blue floral beads to complete the patriot theme.

Click here for instructions on how to make the Fireworks Centerpiece.

Creative Gift Wrap

2010-05-07T07:45:00.001-07:00

Tissue Box Wrap

Rather than tossing a tissue box into the recycle bin, cover it with reused wrapping and tissue paper to create a fun, reusable gift box. The top opening is cut larger to accommodate a gift and reused tissue inserted into the opening creates a playful display. Attach small pieces of reused ribbon and accents you have on hand add to add to the box's charm.

Decorative Planter

Pull out a plain terracotta planter from the garage and sponge paint it and decorate with natural elements such as small stones, twine or leftover glass floral beads. Add soil to the pot, plant a pretty flower and you have a perfect Mother's Day gift from the heart.

The same planter can also be used as a decorative gift container. Cut out a flower from recycled gift wrap or a magazine that has been glued to reused cardstock. Insert reused tissue and the flower inside the planter for a creative alternative to a gift bag that is sure to bring a smile.

Hand-Made Cards

2010-05-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is the third biggest card giving holiday of the year, behind only the winter holidays and Valentine's Day. Rather than purchase a card, try creating a hand-made card from recycled materials. Here are a few of my ideas.

Brown Paper Bag Card

A great way to recycle a brown paper bag is to create a beautiful card. The brown paper is sponge painted with metallic bronze and gold tones. Reused tissue is used to create the flowers and accented with beads recycled from an old piece of costume jewelry. Leftover yarn is wrapped around the card for finishing touch. This card was created from 100% reused and recycled materials.

Reycled Gift Wrap Card

A floral card design can be created from reused pieces of wrapping or tissue paper. The card shape is cut from a white shirt box and decorated with shapes cut from decorative tissue paper. The stems are created from leftover embroidery floss and the flowers are accented with extra buttons. This card was created from 100% reused and recycled materials.

Fireworks Bottle Design

2009-12-30T08:11:00.001-08:00

Here is a playful bottle design that is perfect for New Year's Eve. Whether you are going to toast the new year with Champagne or sparkling cider, this bottle of bubbly is sure to be a great conversation piece and add a festive touch to any New Year's celebration.

This design, except for the fireworks, was created with leftover scraps of wrapping paper and reused ribbon.

Click here for step-by-step instructions and photos

Create a Time Capsule

2009-12-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

This New Year's Eve, consider making a time capsule. Create a list that includes current events in your life, your state of mind and resolutions for the upcoming year. Gather photos and items of interest along with your list put it in a box wrapped in newspaper from New Year's Eve. Label it "Don't open until 2011". It will be fun to open the box next year to see everything you put in the box. You will be amazed at how much has changed in just one year and also how much has stayed the same.

Charity Gift Wrap

2009-12-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

When I was recently in New York serving as a judge for the Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest, I also had the privilege to work with some amazing and talented people at the Felissimo Design House for a charity wrapping event. I used recycled and reused materials to create the gifts for this event.

When people had gifts for me to wrap, I would ask them about the person I was wrapping for so I could customize the gift. I also had them get involved by having them choose the colors and buttons for the gifts. I loved watching their reaction as I created each design just for the recipient. They loved the final result and each person was so happy to be giving such a unique and personalized gift. The final words that were said to me by almost every person was “Thank you so much, I can’t wait to see their face when they see this gift! It’s like a piece of art.”

Gifts created with reused and recycled materials have so much character and each one tells a different story.

This gift was created for a man who was described as fun loving and colorful person. I had the person I was wrapping for pick all of the buttons. I threaded them on blue yarn that I randomly wound around the gift wrapped in white, textured paper.

This design was created for a lady whose favorite color is red, very artsy and loves to read. I used strips of book pages, red file folders, yarn and a button to create this gift.

This recycled look was created for a lady who is a librarian. I layered linen fabric over brown paper wrapping and accented it with a fringe I made from old dictionary pages. I finished the design with red string and a button. I think it has an old style book appearance.

Give Cards from the Heart

2009-12-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

How many times have your received duplicate holiday cards or a card repeated from the previous year? Rather than purchasing mass produced holiday cards, why not try your hand at creating a designer original? Not only will it come from the heart, it will be more thoughtful and unique than any card you could buy. You will see a noticeable difference in the reaction when you give a handmade card. It will also more likely be saved as a keepsake rather than tossed into the recycling bin.

These cards were made entirely out of recycled materials. I maded ruffled strips of colorwashed paper from a magazine to make the tree. I used magazine pages to make the snowman body and braided yarn for the scarf and plastic twigs from silk flowers for the arms.

Here are some cardmaking tips:

Attach shapes cut out of recycled gift wrap and fabric to create holiday pictures such as ornaments, snowmen and Christmas trees. The texture and patterns of the reused paper add interest to the card.

Enlist your own budding artist. Children’s art has such innocence and endearing qualities it is sure to warm anyone’s heart. The only challenge will be parting with the little masterpieces.

Give edible cards. Make a batch of your favorite holiday cookies and write your message on the cookie with icing.

Just have fun. Create cards make from recycled and found materials to personalize it for each recipient.

Scotch Brand Gifted Wrapper Contest

2009-12-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

I just got back from New York. I was honored to serve as a judge again this year for the 13th annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest at Rockefeller Center. Eight contestants, four amateurs and four professionals, competed in a timed gift wrap challenge. We judged the contestants on technique, appearance and speed. The two finalists had to compete by wrapping a mini sailboat for final round. The winner went home with a $10,000 check! Not bad considering they had also had an all expense paid trip for them and their families to New York during the holidays.

Here is a picture of me with my fellow judges - Me (Gina Tepper), Mark Ski and Wanda Wen.

New York in December

2009-12-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! It was 60 degrees at night and clear. Fellow judge Wanda Wen and I went sightseeing the night before the competition.

Times Square from a taxi cab window. I took this picture on my way to the train station.

My favorite visual displays were the window dressings at Bergdorf Goodman. The designs and art created in these windows was like unlike anything I have ever seen. As people walked by, they were compelled to stop. The windows literally left them speechless as they gazed into the dream world that had been created behind glass. My pictures do not do them justice but I still wanted to share.