Green Horned Unicorn

Gift Wrapping with GHU Felt Blooms

As I work to finish up my long overdue shop updates, I have also been working on projects for a GHU Ideas section I plan on adding to my blog. It will feature different project ideas, using my Felt Blooms. I used Nate's recent birthday as an opportunity to showcase the blooms as gift wrap accents, as well as how flowers can still be manly. 

I wrapped the first package with kraft paper and used some pom-pom trim, a DC-3 (the airplane) printed on fabric paper, some tickets, washi tape and two of the smaller blooms from my GHU Boys Rugby Club Blooms.

I wrapped the trim in an asymmetrical fashion. The aircraft is clipped down and the Blooms are simply tucked into the trim. I really love the look and dimension all the layers add to the simple background. 

On the second package, I used a doilie, scrap of trim, manila tag, Thickers, baker's twine and a large bloom from my Tropics Blooms. 

For this package, I quickly layered up the embellishments and tied them off with the baker's twine. The Bloom is attached with a glue dot. I ended up saving all the elements from this package to create a birthday page for my scrapbook. An easy way to get twice the use out of the Bloom and other items!

So what did Nate think of his gifts adorned with flowers and other frills that usually lend themselves to girlishness? Well, they got a passing grade from him; although, I think he prefered the airplane and Boy's Rugby Club Blooms over the doilie and pink Tropics Bloom :)

What a Girl Loves - Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas

So the presents are bought (or let's pretend they are...ha), the guests are on their way, and you're out of wrapping paper and creative ideas to add a festive touch to your gift giving. What's a girl to do?! Instead of running out to a busy store, here are a few handy ideas to aid you in your time of despair, all using items you can find around the house!!  

The first two ideas come from Real Simple. Should your wrapping paper roll come to an end before the gift wrapping does, grab some pretty printed papers from around the house. Pages from the newspaper, old maps, magazine pages or even scrapbooking paper can all be converted into pretty gift wrap. Top it with a festive bow, and there you have it!

And what to do with that wine bottle you forgot to grab a gift bag for? Wrap it in a pretty towel and tie it off with a bow. Of course!

Similar to the Real Simple wrap idea, but a little more dressy - upcycled gift wrap as seen on the Craftzine blog. They have a handy little tutorial to guide you through the process.

And what if you don't have ANY pretty papers lying around the house? Then use these free printable papers and tags from the Creature Comforts blog. Adorable!

Also from the Creature Comforts blog, a cute set of printable cards! How perfect for a last minute greeting or a way to dress up a gift card.

 Another cute upcycle idea...old patterns! Image found here. 

 

Yet another cute look, this one using kraft paper (or paper shopping bags) and some pretty paper punched with and edge puncher. As seen on Write. Click. Scrapbook.

To add a luxurious look, tie fabric (or a scarf or bandena) around a small package (from the Etsy Storque).

If you're in need of a cute little box, just find a pretty piece of paper and make your own. While the one in the photo here is a little bland, think of how lovely these would be with a festive pattern. Check out the tutorial over at Instructables.

That's it for this week! I hope everyone has a magical Christmas weekend! See you next week :)