Holiday 2016 Gift Wrapping!

Gift wrapping projects are my favorite crafting projects! I so enjoy picking out gifts for loved ones and wrapping them up to make them all the more special. I think this year's holiday present recipients will get a kick of the gifts they're getting and the beautiful packaging.

The Stuffed Animal

There aren't too many ways to wrap up a stuffed animal, but I think a festive bow can really create a thoughtful presentation moment. I made a large bow around this little kitty's neck with some metallic fabric ribbon. 

If you can tie a shoe, you can tie a bow like this. Tie a large bow and tighten the knot so the bow is secure. Then make another bow using the first one as a guide for how to properly shape the loops of the bow. Once you've completed the bows, take the longer side of the tail and wrap it around the knots to hide them. Secure the tail with a single tie (not a knot) and the bow will be perfectly secure until it's time to remove the bow, which can be done in a single pull of a tail.

Gift Box #1

I wanted to play on the traditional Christmas theme without using wrapping paper that was specific to the holiday. Some glittery paper and die cutters helped achieve the look. 

I started by wrapping the box in some red-on-red polka dot wrapping paper. I used a mustache and bow tie die cutter and saved the bow ties to the box could still have a "bow" on it even if it's not made of ribbon. I also used a Christmas tree die cutter to make some glittery tree trim.

To make the "Merry Christmas" sign, I used one of my favorite edging scissors to give the glitter paper and card stock a little extra flourish. A text stamper and black stamp pad gave the perfect personal touch with little effort. I secured the sign to the box and layered in the bows and Christmas trees finish the project.

Gift Box #2

Once again, I wanted to create a Christmas look that wasn't on the nose. This is also for a little girl who loves sparkle, so I wanted it to be completely girly and fun - just like she is.

First, I started by wrapping the box in flat finish red wrapping paper with white polka dots. I then used my mustache/bow tie die cutter to create some additional bows out of red and white glitter paper. This time, I saved the knot of the bows that I cut out so mix and match the bows and knots (white bows with red knots, and red bows with white knots). I used white glitter paper and an edge die cutter to create a scalloped edge perfect for inserting red card stock. I grabbed my trusty "Merry Christmas" stamp to personalize the card and secured it to the center of the box. I then layered the bows around the card to create the end result.

I hope you'll find some gift wrapping inspiration to take your presents to the next level!