How to wrap presents like a pro
Do all the gifts you hand out look like you wrapped them with your eyes closed and one arm tied behind your back?
Never fear — Alisun Abbott and Katie Driver, the duo behind Your Creative DIY Workshops, are here to help you make the outside of your presents look just as special as what's inside.
"It's something that your receiver will look at and really take note that you spent that time," said Driver. "There's something about a wrapped present that's perfectly embellished to the best of your abilities ... the person receiving the gift really feels the love and genuine care that you took in creating it."
Before you do, make sure you have some essential tools of the trade: a small pair of scissors (big ones can be too bulky for those snips and trims you'll need to make) and two kinds of tape: clear and double-sided, to help hide those seams and all traces of adhesive.
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Also, gift-wrap on a sturdy surface and in an area you don't mind getting a little dirty.
Finally, make sure the workspace is at a comfortable height — you don't want to be awkwardly hunched over the entire time.
Gift-wrapping 101
Do this...
• Start with a proper box. Wrapping has a snowball effect and any compromises in the box will affect how the finished product looks. Driver likes to get hers from The Container Store.
• Consider Stone Wrap paper or kraft paper. Stone Wrap paper is made out of limestone and is much more forgiving than other kinds of wrapping paper.
• Hit up craft stores, dollar stores and Mother Nature for supplies (the latter especially for embellishments). "I think that you can take more risks when you purchase things that are inexpensive or secondhand, and that way you can really be creative," Abbott said. "I feel challenged when I purchase things that are really expensive. I don't let my creativity shine."
• Tight corners are your friends.
...Not that
• Never wrap a present without a box — or without a lid. It's hard to get the clean folds and lines you need.
• Metallic paper can be really difficult for inexperienced wrappers. It can be harder to get rid of creases if you make mistakes.
• White or transparent paper may not wrap as well either, because you can see the contents.
• Don't compare yourself to others. Don't get discouraged if your finished product doesn't resemble something a pro does. Abbott said that when they teach workshops, they "encourage people to take chances, make mistakes and do things over again."