Valentine wrap

We couldn’t let the occasion go by without a few wrapping suggestions. Hope you like em. White paper is a natural for Valentine wrap but has a bad feature of being a little transparent. One simply fix for this is just cut an extra square the same size as the top, this way you have opacity without doing a double wrap.

Beyond the red and white wrapping papers there are other possibilities as well as embellishments. Before you start, lay out your wrapping materials and get a feel for what goes together. Pink and light blue work together. So does metallic silver and purple. Even dark metallic green and silver. The trick is to work with three, perhaps four colors. That way you avoid the stark contrast and create a warmer, more “friendly” look. There are many possibilities and once you take up the scissors chances you will create a wrap that expresses your sentiments exactly.

Valentine's Day just around the corner

Where does the time go? Here we are rushing headlong into Valentine’s Day. So much for good intentions. It’s not an occasion we can let pass unnoticed, so it’s time to get moving on this gift wrapping stuff. Time for red and white wrapping paper and pink and red bows, if you are into tradition. There are other color possibilities like purple and gold that can work very nicely. If you want push the envelope a bit you could use black paper with gold stamping and ribbon. Or you could save it for a surprise and use black tissue paper inside. Sprinkle in some brightly colored confetti and a few little red hearts. before you close the box.

Those little candy hearts with the “I love you” on them can be fun also. They would work well for a wrapping decoration. Either white or dark colored wrapping paper will work. Glue the hearts on an overall pattern or arrange them to make a larger heart shape. Here’s another idea that will make a splash: Make a large red crepe paper flower. Glue these little candy hearts on short lengths of wire and insert into the center of the flower.

Gift bags revisited

Well, a quick look back, since we talked about the growing trend in gift bags - a development in gift wrapping, it seems like a good idea to revisit this. Yes, it was hard not to notice the display of gift bags near the checkout at many retailers. Either they subscribe to the same newsletter or they were being very optimistic. Since we are a convenience searching society there may be something to it, but personally I didn’t see much evidence of it except in the usual ways.

For bottles and other hard-to-wrap gifts, bags are an easy way to go. For other types of gift wraps the fact that you made the effort says a lot about what your feeling are for the other person. But just as important, I think, it’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a little creative fun. It’s an easy way to be expressive and bring a little extra something to a gift giving occasion.

For those of you who are interested in personalizing your own bags we will add some samples that may inspire you to create your own ideas.