wrap it up

Sweet Lori asked us all about how we wrap our gifts and showed us some of her gorgeous creations (how lucky am I that three of those lovelies are headed to my house?!).  So I wanted to show you a bit of what is happening this year at my house...

Once upon a time, I lovingly hand-painted brown kraft paper and white butchers paper for gifts for my friends and family only to see them ripped to shreds in seconds...I searched for beautiful ribbons to adorn packages only to see them tossed into the trash... now I hate to say, I have become much more selective with who receives the extra special wrapping service.  Of course everyone deserves it but will they appreciate it?  I have to ask myself if they will see the wrap itself as I intend it - truly as part of the gift.   Will they love the vintage seam binding?  the millinery flower?  the handmade gift tag?  Not everyone sees beauty in those things and that is okay - I'll just wrap those gifts accordingly :)  Although, I do put my foot down about NO stick on bows - under any circumstances.

I love that my 5-year-old likes to save all of her ribbons from her "prizes" - that's my girl!

Traveling during the holidays makes my wrapping much more streamlined than I would like.  My husband is not impressed when I have a suitcase filled with wrapping paraphernalia so I can't get as fancy as I once did.  One year I glued googly eyes to all of the childrens packages, another year it was white pompoms, and another was black and white photos of the children so that they could all "find their faces to find thier prize". 

This year, this gift is my favorite so far.  It is an old doll trunk that I partially covered in vintage wallpaper.  It's tied with millinery tulle and holds a gorgeous vintage bride doll....

What do your presents look like this year?

Comments

[Sarah]

Haha, I haven't even finished buying them, and the ones we do have are fashionably wrapped in plastic bags in the closet. Better get busy, eh? LOL

[Veronica]

That is exactly what I do now. Pick and choose who and what get my best efforts wrapping-wise. No point in wasting our fun time on those who don't appreciate it. They will be just as happy with gift bags and "stuff" they can rip open. actually I have even gone that step further. Those that don't or haven't acknowledged gifts get struck from the list. Yep...I have become a choosy Scrooge. Those that appreciate things...still get them. Hahahha...

I have some wrapping ideas on my blog...and they do include your brown paper ideas...(aren't they beautiful?) Most of the pages are from long ago mags.

[Heather ~ Pretty Petals]

Hi Dawn! What a great idea with the trunk! It is SO beautiful!!!!

[Flea Market Queen]

I adore the doll trunk!
What a fabulous gift within a gift...
Priscilla

[Dolly~From my CHERRY heart]

OMG Dawn I am the same way....only those that truely apreciate the pretty package get that reward!
My youngest saves the flowers and lavender pieces and all the special pretties I add to her packages, she truely treasures them!

The doll case is beautiful...I love it!

Merry Christmas,
Hugz, Dolly

[Rosemary]

You are very creative with the wrapping.
Mine are just normal this year. Nothing too fancy. I was so busy making things for my friend's shop, that I barely had time to wrap. I like the butcher paper idea, I may have to do that next year.
Rosemary

[tammyCA]

I love to receive beautifully wrapped gifts, but never really do. I do have a tendency to save pretty or cute wrapping paper & trims from gifts...besides, I hate the thought of landfills filling up needlessly - it can be reused or for crafting.
No, I wouldn't waste the special wrapping on those who don't get it. I also have a terrible habit of buying pretty wrapping paper/gift bags & not parting with them! lol. In fact, I keep the pretties within my own family so I can see them over & over.

[Victoria]

My word your wrapping is amazing, I've posted some images of my gift wrap this year over at my blog.

I was the one this christmas running around picking up stray bits of ribbons claiming "I can still use that"! I'm sure you are the same.

Best Wishes

Victoria

[Edi]

I know what you mean about wrapping being part of the gift itself.

I'm not terribly crafty but a few times I think I've come up with something cleverly packaged and yet there isn't much appreciation for it.

I know we don't give in order to receive...but all the same - if someone it's no fun to go the extra mile, and not have it appreciated.

I would have LOVED to receive one of your beautiful packages.