{di-zahyn}: Wrap it up B!

With so many birthdays and weddings popping up left and right, I thought I'd drop some knowledge on rapping...well, gift wrapping ;)

My first job in high school was in the Rich's gift wrapping department (side note: Rich's was a big department store in Atlanta that I think got bought out by Macy's...surprise, surprise). Anywho, as someone that slaved in a tiny closet of a space, frantically wrapping gifts during 2 Christmas seasons, I think its safe to call me an expert (or "The Master"...whichever you're more comfortable with).

Here's some tips for making your gift stand out (and for making it look like you spent a good penny on whatever's inside) Its all in the packaging, m'dear ;)

Find paper with either a unique pattern or cool color in a glossy finish. Don't be afraid to add a satin ribbon in a completely different color. (Do use some judgement tho with what colors go well with eachother) You don't have to be super duper talented to just tie the ribbon across the box and put it in a knot or a bow. The fact that you're using a satin ribbon as opposed to some cheap looking paper bow that probably came out of a bag of 20 for $5.99 says enough ;) Plus the receiver can use the ribbon for something else (Reuse, ppl! The Earth is counting on you)

You can find cheap paper in cool colors and finishes at places like Ikea or even the dollar store. The thicker the paper, the better. Thin paper tears easily and it just looks cheapy.

Nice concept for a wedding gift. Use a textured white paper...something like rice paper would be great. And then mix it with a silk ribbon. Very sleek and chic.

Really cute idea for Valentine's Day. Take a couple cards (all hearts of course). I'd probably go with the Queen, Ace, and King (in that order). Wrap the gift in a deep red paper and tie with a skinny ribbon. Wah-la!

If you spent all your money on the actual item and can't afford to go all out on the paper, you can still get creative.

Is it a light-hearted gift?? Why not wrap it up in the Funnies section. All you need is newspaper. Flatten it out so that there aren't any creases and wrap the gift with your favorite cartoon. Then just add a bow and tada!

Or get some regular white paper and add stickers to it to make your own pattern.

Brown paper can make a green statement. Use recycled paper and twine with vintage stamps.

Or use things that you otherwise might have thrown out...i.e. a measuring tape, shoestring or a safety pin. Make these simple items look interesting by making a cool bow or tying an intricate knot.

If you can afford to splurge on some extras, go eu naturale. Try adding fresh or silk flowers or even seashells. The cool thing about using these items is that you can combine them with ribbon or use solo dolo.

Check out this link to Martha Stuart Crafts for instructions on how to create these cute

wrappings. Not that I plan on getting married anytime this year, but how cute would it be to have little gifts like this for each of your guest?? I can just picture the little tags on mine...Thanks for sharing in our special day ~ Paris & Justin Timberlake ;) (tee hee)

Now...the most super-dee-duper gift wrapping idea is all the way from Japan. Furoshiki! Furoshiki is a type of Japanese wrapping cloth. Dated back as far as the Nara period (AD 710-794), it was used for gift wrapping and for transporting goods. Check out these videos on how to wrap it up Furoshiki style. Sayonara, darlings!