In the little spare time I’ve got at this crazy time of year, I’ve been pawing through this wonderful book by Jane Means called Giftwrapped. A beautifully presented book, full of colours and instructions on how to wrap gifts with a special touch that turns each one in to a rather fabulous display. With wonderful ideas on different types of gifts, such as bottles, plants and bags; and ideas for each occasion. I was given the book to review and was pleasantly surprised.
What a perfect book to read just before Christmas, with the daunting task ahead of me to wrap the Christmas presents. Something I usually end up doing last minute and in somewhat of a hurry. My usual presents end up looking something like this.
Tidy, Christmassy and will be appreciated all the same, but I would love to be able to add a little more special.
I love the scene in Love Actually film, when the shop assistant character played by Rowan Atkinson is gift wrapping the pendant. Paying so much detail to the presentation, including sweet smelling dried flowers and beautiful ribbon. Some of the ideas in Giftwrapped are very similar to this.
So, I found some time, and decided to have a go. Took some ideas from the book and started by making a tissue paper flower. Simply cutting some circles out, layering them together, pinching them together at the bottom and threading some ribbon through the middle. Held together with trusty sticky tape.
Next, I wrapped said gift in some silver paper and added some ribbon.
I made some bows, tied in some scented sticks and added the paper tissue flower.
A satisfactory finish, certainly looks slightly more eye catching than the usual. but by no means as beautiful as the creations in Giftwrapping. That would take practice.
My only issue with this is that this example took over half an hour to do. I have over one hundred presents to wrap. Thus on this occasion of Christmas, I doubt I will be wrapping every individual present in such fashion. I simply don’t have the time. I may well do some of the more significant presents this way.
I really do intend to try more out in time, as there are birthdays, or presents to teachers and suchlike. The book has given me inspiration and exciting ideas. 
Here is a lovely idea on how to wrap a bottle. I usually end up buying a bog standard bottle bag and tie some metallic ribbon on. Wouldn’t this is much more appealing?
Making your own gift bag, which would mean it could be customised both in size and with décor.
I love the idea of using accessories, such as brooches, beads, ribbons and flowers. You could use artificial flowers or dried flowers. Imagine getting the scent of lavender on your birthday present. How wonderful.
If you’re anything like me, or indeed my Mother, you will have tins or boxes with pretty things in. Things you kept because you liked them, but haven’t really got a use for them yet. I was always fascinated by a tin my Mother had of buttons. Now I have my own collection of buttons, beads, broken jewellery, even belt buckles. All these pretties could easily be used as décor on gifts.
How about adding a couple of chocolate hearts. Or raffia tied round your gift instead of ribbon. Willow twigs, beading, feathers. An almost endless list of ideas you may not have even thought of.
Have you ever thought of using fabric for wrapping? You could reuse any fabric item, add some decoration and voila! You would have yourself a rather splendidly wrapped gift. In my eyes more sustainable than going off and buying yet more gift paper.
This book is both full of ideas and inspiration, and a pleasure to look through. The photos are wonderful, and each example is set in an easy to follow method.
FUSS FREE LIVING RATINGS
Appearance 10/10
Beautifully presented with easy to read instructions.
Convenience 10/10
A wonderful idea to help give inspiration for adding something special to gift wrapping. With sections in the book to help with materials, how to tie, tools and stockists, it’s a useful and delightful book.
Value 9/10
Giftwrapped costs £20 in hardback. Published by Jacqui Small. A good value book packed with loads of enjoyment.
Thank you to Quarto publishing group for sending me the book to review. All options are our own and we were not required to write a positive review.
When I first set up my business I seriously looked into doing a Jane Means course, I didn’t know she’s written a book, looks fantastic!
I’m always envious of someone who can gift wrap well. The gift wrap idea for wrapping a bottle looks very effective. I may just try that one out!