If you’re looking to create some beautiful ornaments that don’t require a lot of work, you’ve come to the right place! This project is super simple and besides buying ornaments, you probably have everything else hanging around your house. I wanted to paint ceramic ornaments last year but couldn’t find them anywhere. I did find a couple of styles that would have been suitable for painting, including frosted white glass and some beautiful mini black glass ones, but I really love the heavy, slightly uneven look of the ceramic. And I’m a sucker for the gold tops. I scored a set of four at Hobby Lobby at 50% off recently and was super excited to get to work.
Since I’m obsessed with mint and gold, I had to do that. And I really love how they turned out!
This is the fifth post of an eight post series called “It’s a Wrap, Yo!” that includes ideas, wrapping tips and tricks, and inspiration for your holiday wrapping. Check out the introduction, Part 1, Part 2,Part 3, and Part 4.
Christmas is next week! Eek! I’m scrambling to get gifts wrapped and sent to the out-of-towners, there are just not enough hours in the day! I recently received a sneak peek of a limited edition gift wrap kit that’s a collaboration between Darby Smart and Gap and was challenged to create something fun, easy, and pretty! Game on. It’s a great set of supplies to create a whole bunch of pretty gifts! Your can get your own free with a $50 purchase at 350 Gap stores nationwide, or head to Darby Smart and pick up a kit there (they’re offering free shipping right now)! Here’s what I came up with:
Gift Wrap Kit Materials
Kraft paper
Baker’s Twine
Silver marker
Silver glitter adhesive tape
Gift tags, paper and wooden
#1 Glittery and Modern
Use glitter tape as ribbon and create a pattern on your package. Use any of the tags for a pretty and modern feel.
#2 Design Your Own Paper!
Use the silver pen to create your own wrapping paper design!
I practiced a few easy phrases on scrap paper before writing it on my wrapping paper.
Finish off with twine wrapped around the box 5-6 times and a tag.
#3 Wooden Tags and Glitter
Decorate the wooden tag with wash tape and the silver marker to create some pretty and festive. I finished this off package off with some velvet ribbon from my stash for a dash of sophistication.
I’d love to see how you style your gift wrap kits! Tag #gapxdarbysmart on social media to share your ideas and inspire others this season!
Want more gift wrap ideas? Check out my blog series, “It’s a Wrap, Yo!” where you’ll find lots of wrapping tips, tricks, and inspiration!
*This post was created in partnership with Darby Smart. All opinions are always my own and I never write about items I don’t love! Thanks for supporting GSW’s sponsors–they help me keep this little blog going!
I was looking for a quick and easy DIY Christmas project around my house today and came up with this. It’s so easy and only takes 10 minutes. Easy is the name of the game around here lately. Apparently, I like to make things as complicated as possible sometimes, and it’s maddening sometimes.
This is the fourth post of an eight post series called “It’s a Wrap, Yo!” that includes ideas, wrapping tips and tricks, and inspiration for your holiday wrapping. Check out the introduction, Part 1, Part 2,and Part 3.
Welcome to Part 4 of the series! It’s been so fun to put together! It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. There are five essential supplies that you need to wrap a pretty gift. I’ll give you a quick rundown of each, and offer some ideas or examples of where you can find them!
#1 Most Important Supply: Tape
Tape is important. If you have sucky tape, your package won’t stay together and you’ll fight wrapping the whole time. No fun. If there’s one thing you take away from reading this post, this blog, my About page, anything, know this: if you want your package to look presentable, use DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE. I’m not messin’ with you. This is especially true if you are a small business owner that sells products and sends items to customers. It’s the #1 supply that will make your packages look professional, high quality, and beautiful. Is it expensive? Yes,but it’s worth it.
Here’s a reminder: DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE. Buy it, use it, love it.
It requires one of those ugly tape dispensers which is also not cheap. But if you wrap a lot, it’s a good investment. Santa gave it to me for Christmas one year and it’s one of the best presents I’ve ever received. Fo shizzle.
#2 Scissors
Scissors come in a close second for gift wrap supplies. You should have two pair: one for paper and one strictly for ribbon. They don’t have to be expensive. All of the pretty Instagram and magazine pics show beautiful metal scissors with gold handles. There are some lovely ones out there (like these Nate Berkus beauties) but they’re also expensive. I say buy light, but sturdy pairs with plastic handles. You want them light and easy to hold, and they should fit your hand well. The reason I don’t recommend metal scissors is because they can be heavy. Who wants to cut paper for 42 presents on Christmas Eve with a wrist cramp? Not you. Not me. Not anyone.
Tip: To differentiate your ribbon scissors, tie a piece of ribbon on the handle. Boom.
#3 Good Quality Paper
Paper is the first thing people see when they receive a gift, whether it’s from your own hands, or out of a shipping box. It should be tear-free. You don’t have to spend a fortune on paper, but you do need to be mindful of the quality. And speaking of quality, quality over quantity is most important. It’s absolutely the worst when you’re folding corners and you pull a side tight, and it RIPS. What’s worse is when you’re too tired to fix it. No bueno.
GSW Recommendations: read tips on how to find the good wrapping paper here, and find 15 pretty holiday wrapping paper picks here and here to get you started. You’ll find tips to stretch that good paper if you’re on a budget, too!
#4 Ribbon
Ribbon!! It can make or break your package. There’s a lot of good ribbon out there, but my go to’s are usually sheer, grosgrain, double-sided satin in all widths, and baker’s twine. I’m a ribbon lover/hoarder. My craft closet is bursting with ribbon. I keep every little scrap because you never know.
GSW Recommendations: Paper Source for satin ribbon and The Twinery or Knot and Bow for baker’s twine. Paper Mart offers great deals on all types of ribbons by the roll which is the best value.
Tip: try to avoid single sided satin ribbon. If you’re going to take the time to wrap a pretty gift, single-sided satin should be your last option. Try baker’s twine, yarn, or cotton grosgrain first. PS: yarn makes beautiful ribbon!
#5 Gift Tags
Generally, follow this rule: if you’re using patterned paper, choose a simple tag that won’t overwhelm or clash; if using a solid color paper or kraft paper, a decorative gift tag can add a lot! You can find great ones anywhere and they’re usually always affordable.
Sugar Paper for Target (image via Target website)
GSW Recommendations: Target, Paper Source, Home Goods
#6 Embellishments
This one is optional—it all depends on your style. If you like simple gifts, stick to a minimalist Scandinavian style and forego any extras. I usually find myself in the middle. I’ll try some bells, mini ornaments, or other little things I have lying about and usually it feels like it’s too much, unless it’s a solid colored or kraft package. But if your package needs a little pick-me-up, you probably have lots of little things in your craft stash. Look at your stash from a different perspective and see if there’s anything that stands out. Spray paint some plastic animals, use bits of ribbon, or go outside and find some pinecones, pine boughs, holly, anything pretty that grows outside in your region.
Sugar Paper for Target
GSW Recommendations: Target, Home Goods, DIY! Look in your craft stash or use some mini ornaments from last year’s decorations.
You guys, I’m so excited to wrap my gifts this year! Well, I’m excited every year, soo……yay! I hope you found some good tips to help you with your holiday (and every day!) wrapping. Let me know if you have any questions, I’d love to help! For lots of fun, creative, and pretty packaging ideas, follow my Gift Wrap Pinterest board!
Next time, I’ll have a video for you (I hope, I’m still working on it and it’s my first one)!! I’ll give you a few hands on tips to wrap a beautiful gift. Thanks for reading! xo
Check out the entire It’s a Wrap, Yo! wrapping serieshere.
Hey guys! I’m here today to share a gift guide for those crazy DIYers in your life. They range from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy, but they would all be appreciated by that faithful, I-could-make-that kind of gal.
1. Coloring book
Fantastic Cities, Paper Source
Coloring books for adults are really popular right now and they’ve been proven to reduce stress. Plus, it’s just fun to color. Don’t forget to include colored pencils or pens.
Give them the supplies so they can make their own terrarium! Buy a pre-made kit or collect your own supplies and make a customized kit just for them. If you need some guidance, check out this post–it’s full of pretty DIY copper and gold terrarium ideas! Tip: are you crafty yourself? Make a terrarium for your DIYer–they’ll appreciate it! Or if you’re short on time, buy a pre-made terrarium that will match their decor! Growing Home makes beautiful modern terrariums you can find at places like Lowe’s and Safeway.
