That's a Wrap

I had to wrap up a little present along with the keepsake birth certificate I posted about earlier this week.  I was running low on some gift wrapping supplies.  So, I had to improvise a little.  Here are a couple suggestions if you're in the same predicament.

Instead of using tissue paper to wrap up the contents of a box, shred some cardstock, magazine pages, or other paper.  Add the shreds to the bottom of the box and let it stick out a little over the contents on top.  It'll make the gift feel like it's popping out at the recipient.

Missing a bow or ribbon?  No problem!  Just grab a magazine and make your own.  You just find a page with the colors you'd like.  (I used one with a fairly monochromatic layout.)

*Cut out nine strips each roughly 3/4" wide.  Cut an inch off two of the strips and two inches off two of the other strips.  The last strip should be cut down to about 4" or so.  

*Lay the side of the strips that you want upside down.  Loop the ends of each strip (except the smallest) by just pulling the end into the middle of the strip and twist it upside down.  Secure it with a staple.  

*After you loop each strip, you can start layering the strips in a star pattern starting with the longest ones on the bottom.  Glue or tape each layer on top of the other.  

*Finish your blow by looping the tiniest strip in the middle and securing with glue.  You could also add a button or an embellishment to make it more interesting.  

Happy gift-giving!