Wrap It Up!

I have always loved wrapping Christmas packages with wrapping paper. Mom would use bags and tissue with beautiful bows, but I remember learning how to wrap gifts just right with paper... there was a sense of accomplishment when the finished present was under the tree. All of those folds are probably what made Mom like using bags so much. I love the challenge of wrapping the gifts; sometimes they aren't quite perfect, but it doesn't really matter. If I wanted all of them to be perfect I would make sure each was in a box before I started wrapping, then I wouldn't have an excuse. All of that brings me to tell you that this year I am making my own wrapping paper! I love what you can buy in stores and a select few offer discounts up to 50%, but I haven't made it to those places yet. The homemade wrapping paper gives the gift even more of a personal touch and lets people know that you care. I would suggest doing something that represents you or the holiday and if possible both!
If any of you know me very well you will know that I love books, so much so that I make them and have a huge love for poppies as well. I like the tread instead of ribbon (although either will do) since it was more convenient at the time plus I do a little sewing on occasion... usually in a painting. And the typewriter was not only perfect for the tags but I love them just as much as the other elements in the paper. Of course I didn't exactly thing through what I was going to use before I started, each piece came to me as I went along but all for good reason.
I used pages from and old book and glued them together. It helps if the gift is near by so you can measure what size the paper will need to be. I then stamped poppies all over the paper with red paint (or ink will do) to add more texture. Made a bow with a pieces of red thread and added a tag. The tags are left over paper from a book I made so they are tea stained, and I have used the typewriter to add names. After cutting a small hole in the tag I tied it onto the bow and set them under the Christmas Tree to await Christmas morning! I hope I have inspired someone out there to do a little more hand-made work for the Holiday Season!