Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Beaded wire gift wrap from the beautiful book The Art of Gift Wrapping by Wanda Wen

If you make jewelry you probably have a huge stash of beads and wire. This is just one of the great ideas from the book The Art of Gift Wrapping to use interesting and somewhat unconventional materials to gift wrap a package.

It was really simple. The gift in the book used crystals but I had this fun bright mod polka dot paper so I went to the bead stash and used some light blue beads about the same size as the dots on the paper.

Ss I bet you could do just about any combination of beads and paper that suited your fancy!

All you do is take lengths of thin gauge wire and slide a bead to the middle. Thread one end of the wire through the bead again to form a loop around the bead to secure it in place. Repeat working out toward each end of the wire randomly spacing the beads.

Then wrap the wire lengths around the package.

Like this idea and want more unusual and beautiful ways to wrap gifts? Grab a copy of:

The Art of Gift Wrapping: 50 Innovative Ideas Using Organic, Unique, and Uncommon Materials
By
Wanda Wen
More about the book from the publisher, Potter Craft:

"From organic and eco-friendly wraps to lush and romantic presentations, the more than 50 projects and ideas contained in The Art of Gift Wrapping will remind you that it is as much fun to wrap as it is to receive. Gift wrap and paper expert Wanda Wen knows what it means to give thoughtfully wrapped presents—a talent that has made her and her store, Soolip, a favorite among celebrities and tastemakers. With her expert tips and techniques—and creative vision—she invites you to use natural, luxurious, and everyday materials to perfectly dress any present for its occasion. Whether nestling your gift in a bed of all-natural moss, creating custom packing tape, cascading fresh flowers down a tower of boxes, or simply matching a festive paper with just the right ribbon tie—your thoughtful packages will leave lasting impressions long after the gifts have been opened.

Wanda Wen is the founder and creative force behind Soolip, the Los Angeles paper and lifestyle boutique that is a favorite among Hollywood celebrities and tastemakers and corporate clients. Wen has successfully combined her passions for paper and nature with her background in fashion, launching the unique brand Soolip with multiple extensions and satellite businesses. Wen and Soolip have been featured in numerous publications, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Town & Country, Vogue, InStyle, Elegant Bride, Travel + Leisure, People, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Wen has also appeared on Today, HGTV, the Style Network, E!, and the Fine Living Channel. She is also an expert gift wrapper for Scotch brand and a judge for the annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest. Wen resides in Los Angeles with her three children, a dog, two birds, and a guinea pig. Visit her online at
www.soolip.com, www.asoolipwedding.com, and www.soolip.blogspot.com."

2 comments:

Tammy said...

Excellent idea to add the beads, I've always enjoyed making gift wrapping special when I have the time. My very first job was working in a tiny gift shop & I learned a few tricks of the trade there.

Charissa said...

Love the texture and dimension that the beads add! Great color choice, too. I found you while doing research for my blog about gift wrapping (www.thegiftedblog.com). Thanks for sharing!

Charissa

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