Farin Madelene - Pretty packages : 45 creative gift-wrapping projects

for
SANG, JEREMIAH, and JUDAH

Text and how-to photographs copyright 2014 by Sally J Shim.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available.

ISBN 978-1-4521-2599-2 (hc)
ISBN 978-1-4521-3054-5 (epub, mobi)

Designed by Hillary Caudle
Photographs by Madelene Farin

3M Scotch Adhesive Transfer Tape, 3M Scotch Adhesive Transfer Tape ATG 700 Dispenser, and 3M Scotch Tape are registered trademarks of 3M Co. Speedball Lino Cutter Handle and Cutters are registered trademarks of Speedball Art Products Co., LLC. X-ACTO knife is a registered trademark of Elmers Products, Inc. Xyron Sticker Machine is a registered trademark of Xyron Inc.

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Making things and being inventive was a part of my upbringing. My father was an academic by day and a self-taught architect, carpenter, and handyman by night. My mother sewed our clothes when we were younger, and my sister and I have the photographs of all our matching outfits to prove it. Little did I know that several decades later I would be doing the same thing with my two sons.

While living as an academic, I started to share my creative endeavors on my personal blog. Blogging for me was a creative outlet, and much to my surprise, I became part of an extensive online community of creative women. Through my blog, I began to realize my creative hobbies could become a business, and I soon found great pleasure in making one-of-a-kind items by hand and selling them to people and to retail stores. One of my favorite things about selling my handmade goods, many of which were paper items, was finding creative ways to package the orders. Fueled by my love of distinctive packaging and thoughtful branding, I spent hours thinking of ways to package each product. Several years later, I started teaching packaging classes with fellow designer Joke Vande Gaer of Tokketok. Though Ive taken a break from selling my own goods, I continue to blog and work on creative projects in my home studio in Busan, South Korea.

In a time when we rely on instant communication via e-mails, text messages, and tweets, it is good to slow down and put meaning into our actions. I admit I have a slight obsession when it comes to packagingI love pretty packages and believe the packaging of a gift is an extension of the gift itself. What you see on the outside is a prelude to what is inside. I have been known to buy a product based on the packaging alone, and I always take note of how products or gifts are packaged. In almost everything in life, I believe presentation is important.

This book is filled with simple projects that can easily be completed no matter your skill level. Many take just a few minutes to complete! Each project also includes additional bright ideassmall variations for further customization or using alternate materials you may already have on hand. As you go through the book, feel free to mix and match projects and bright ideas to create the perfect package for any occasiontheres no need to wrap them as Ive done in the photos. Try adding a clay gift tag to your watercolor gift wrap or a simple wood veneer bow to stitched gift wrap. You can hand-stamp fabric and use hand-dyed twill tape to make a custom drawstring bag. The combinations are endless.

I dont believe gift wrapping has to be fancy; in fact, I prefer simple packaging. But techniques and ideas also depend on how much time you have. For most of the projects in this book, you dont have to spend a lot of time wrapping your gift, but with a few simple steps, a gift can go from plain to special. If I have a little more time, I might opt to sew a personalized drawstring bag or pouch that becomes part of the gift.

I favor minimal and modern packaging and often try to make use of materials I have in my studio. Theres no need to buy fancy tools and materials youll only use once. Having a stash of supplies on hand will make it easier for you to create a compelling package. In my studio, I have a wide array of paper and craft supplies that I can use to wrap a gift. Visit your local craft or art supply shop for basic packaging items, but for inspiration, also drop by fabric, yarn, party supply, floral supply, office, or paper stores. I love to visit hardware and woodworking stores as well as restaurant and baking supply stores to find interesting and unexpected materials perfect for wrapping gifts. And if you dont live close to any of these stores, dont fret, because a wide selection of gift-wrapping supplies is available online. (Ive shared my favorite shops and sources in the Resources section at the back of the book.)

And remember, you can find inspiration all around you. I discover ideas in many places, from the natural environment to my sons artwork to images in magazines. I dont believe you have to live in the most beautiful city or visit museums to find inspiration (although it doesnt hurt). Take a walk outside, visit your library, go to a caf and people-watch, or go online and peruse some intriguing websites. I am inspired every day.

Whether youre wrapping up a gift for a friend or packaging a custom order of your handmade goods, I hope this book provides you with packaging inspiration and also inspires you to play with simple materials in new ways.

The best thing about making pretty packages is that you probably already have a lot of the materials you need! If you have a stash of papers, fabric, ribbons, and basic gift-wrapping supplies, you will find that creating pretty packages is enjoyable and easy. I recommend having the following basic materials in your crafting closet.

Bags can come in a variety of fabrics and materials, such as muslin, paper, burlap, and glassine (thin, translucent paper). Depending on the size and shape of your gift, as well as how youd like the overall gift wrap to look, you can choose to work with any of these types of bags. You can also make your own bags from fabric .

Boxes are perfect for packaging gifts. In this book, youll learn how to make your own cardstock boxes .

Decorative materials add a special element to the gift. Apply them directly on gift wrap or use them on a gift tag.

PAINT: Acrylic, watercolor, and fabric paints come in a wide range of colors. You can purchase them in tubes or containers as well as pen form. Use paint to make patterns on gift wrap or twill tape, write a personal message or recipients initials on a wood gift tag, or personalize a drawstring bag.

PENS: Pens come in a huge variety of colors and types (gel, ballpoint, paint, metallic, glitter). You can use them to write on gift tags or to create patterns on paper.

RUBBER STAMPS and STAMP PADS: You can find a wide variety of rubber stamps at arts and crafts stores and stationers. A creative alternative to a store-bought . Make sure to use archival quality ink stamp pads for paper craft projects.

WASHI TAPE: Washi tape is a decorative paper tape from Japan, and is one of the most versatile craft supplies. It can be ordered online in a variety of colors, patterns, and widths. Use it to embellish wrapping paper, gift tags, cards, and boxes.