The art of wrapping gifts

I’m so ingit with Mommy Smiley's Christmas tree… to think that Unique Novelties & Toys Corporation is just two blocks away from my mom's house. =( Unfortunately, we haven't started with our Christmas tree yet because for the past two months, we have been squatting with the in-laws. The on-going renovation in our building is such a Grinch in disguise. Boooo!!! But to psych myself into the Christmas spirit, I wrap gifts. I always look forward to wrapping gifts. I love it so much that I have become the designated gift wrapping girl in our whole family. I'm so matiaga in wrapping gifts even for my sisters’ inaanaks. I usually get mad at my sisters if they don't send the gifts to be wrapped early. I also get furious if they don't send me coordinated wrappers and ribbons. Yes, I take gift wrapping seriously! Hahaha!

This year, our motif was Damask. I got gift wrappers from BellaCarta and ordered personalized Christmas gift tags from Adworks (I love Mye Cruz of Adworks. She has a very fine taste) with the same damask pattern in red. For ribbons, I've decided to go green. This year, we’re using recycled gift ribbons.

Ribbons from our wedding gifts (2009).

From left: flat ribbon, loose ribbons, and damask gift wrapper.

Some gift wrapping tips:

1.       Iron loose ribbons. Since these are fabric ribbons, you can iron them out to look brand new. =) 

2.       Separate ribbons following these categories:

· Width or thickness. Make it seamless.

· Color or shade. You don't want to use two different shades of silver, for example.

· Length. See below.

3. Use the shorter ribbons to cover the width. Do not cut the ends yet.

4. Use the longer ribbons to cover the length part. Intertwine the first knot with the second knot. This will create a seamless illusion of a full ribbon.

5. Get the bow that you wish to use and look for its fold. Put the bow on top of the knot and use the shorter ribbon to tie it in place. Do a double knot then cut it shorter than the loops.

Since we're using used and flat bows, invert them to give them life.

Handwritten Christmas message makes any gift extra special. =)

Writing this post just made me realize how creative I could get. Hahaha! I just wish I can learn how to sew like mommy Smiley. Happy wrapping! =)

Hugs and kisses,
Mommy Raquel