Gift Wrapping...............with 18th century romance

When this gorgeous 18th century French engraving print was given as a gift to readers of French Essence, many of us went over and eagerly followed the instructions to download our own printable size file copy. The personal engraving was generously shared by David Terry, a most amicable reader of French Essence and has a wonderful history and story attached which you can read here on his website. It will be absolutely gorgeous when printed out on high-quality paper and framed to enhance it's lovely nature. The pampered pet subject certainly fits in this household and it really does look like Daisy with her little hair pouf and all. I have the perfect spot for it. But in the meantime............I just couldn't help but see it as a most fabulous gift wrap. Do you agree? 

While I was at the printers with my handy flash drive and romantic gift wrapped notions in my head, I had them print out quick working copies of some of my favorite images strictly for personal blog and wrapping use as I am immersed in developing a few gift wrapped "notions" which I hope to share soon. The base paper is a aged image of antique letters which I printed on a larger 11" x 17" sheet, a perfect base for the smaller top image of a faded but most beautiful dress trimmed in the style of the last century, it appears to be on a wooden mannequin. Unfortunately, I do not have the source for this image so if anyone does please pass it along so proper credit can be linked. Isn't it lovely?

Photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Until the snow melts...........and love this embellishment

Just something beautiful and colourful to remind us that snow does eventually melt and go away. Just not this month, but soon.

Take me away from all this snow.

In the meantime............isn't this such a clever gift wrap idea? This sort of ties in to some embellishment and gift wrap ideas I am working on in the background over here (you do have to wait). Go here to see this very creative craft blog where she offers digital downloads such as this lovely feather detail and cameo gift tag. Several stylish feather styles and you can print in any colour of course. There is a free download for Valentines Day but was limited but don't fret if you missed out, I think you can buy the reasonably-priced digital kit here. You can't say I am not looking out for you in a gift wrapped way. Isn't this as cute as can 

be..............clever too. 

I do find this colour helps.

Photo 1 from amybutlerdesign Photo 2 from kitschydigitals

The Summer Camp Gift Wrap Challenge

Since I have been somewhat of a  delinquent blogger this summer I thought I would make it up to readers with a  Summer Camp Gift Wrap Challenge. Here are my self-imposed challenge rules; one neutral base paper, two ribbons, and any of the scrapbook supplies I bought last month at Michaels. I will post one example each day for the next 7 days. Wait a minute........give me 10 days as I am also on a self-imposed cycling challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to prove a point, you can gift wrap in a creative fashion with limited resources all purchased at one spot. This first one shown above is probably my most extravagant example, but it uses one length of black ribbon and a shorter length for the turquoise, both pulled easily through a rhinestone belt clasp. 

In presenting this challenge I am making a quality concession. This 100% polyester single face satin is not of the quality that I use on a daily basis but it is 4" wide and affordable at $14.99 for a 10 yard roll. I used approximately 1 yard of ribbon on this box. A wider ribbon obviously makes more of a statement but in this case I want to point out why I normally use a better quality ribbon. If you look closely you will see threads and a somewhat jagged cut along the ribbon edges, there is no way to prevent this that I could determine as it is simply the ribbon quality. The more expensive the ribbon the smoother the scissor cut when it comes to satin ribbon. The satin ribbons I normally use on this blog are double-faced silk satin and come from Germany. This is not likely an issue for general gift giving, but when you want ribbon perfection (as I need for orders) for a special gift you will need to upgrade the cost. 

The gift paper is a simple ivory paper referred to on the label as Craft Paper. A 30" x 20' roll was $6.69 Canadian which I think is good value. It is available at Michaels in white, ivory, and natural and has a subtle tone-on-tone stripe and a great folding weight. As a generic go-to gift wrap choice to keep handy for a variety of occasions, I think the ivory is elegant and subdued. As you will see in the next week, its subtle palette can shift in many directions. 

A reader recently asked my what type of scissors I use for my ribbon. I purchase dressmaker quality scissors (the type my drapery workroom used) and have them routinely sharpened. That is not the issue on this ribbon, my sharpest scissors couldn't cut a perfect edge. I recognize I am probably the only person in the world who would notice or care about this imperfect cut but I am funny about my smooth ribbon edges.

This heart-shaped rhinestone buckle was $9.99 at Michaels and can be reserved for a special gift where you need a bit of sparkle. This idea can be used with any ribbon or buckle material and it will simply change the nature of the gift wrap presentation. In other words, hold on to those belt buckles or look for sale or vintage finds. In this case I have used the 4" ribbon which is wider than the buckle but you can also do a flat buckle ribbon application which I will show you later this month. In the meantime.........see you tomorrow. 

Pour Vous

I know I can be over the top with gift wrapping. So here is a lovely petite gift wrapped quite simply just Pour Vous. Just to prove I can do it. Isn't this solid coral gift wrap just divine? And that narrow Papaya ribbon? Pretty gift tags can make the gift and these are pretty, pretty with a bit of glitter.

My friend was here the other day using the Wrap Room to wrap some personal gifts and used these Sweet Treats tags on orange. I hadn't gotten around to playing with these new gift tags yet, but her clever instincts were right, the pastel confections show well on a stronger colour. See that tan gift wrap in the background? Remember last weeks post on the Burberry re-gift? I found the perfect Burberry-toned gift wrap and will spend the weekend getting my version ready for the website. I can tell it's going to be a favorite.

Another handy little gift in the Small Gifts collection. This Gift Organizer is actually a practical gift. I wish I had kept track over the years, I do tend to forget my gifting these days so I'm going to grab one for myself.

~ Have a lovely weekend ~

Photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Gorgeous Red Coral

Anything with a sea coral pattern catches my eye. I love this natural image and quite possibly it is because it is red and I always find coral illustrations to be so bold and delicate at the same time. It's quite sophisticated as a gift wrap pattern and one of the coordinating patterns in this collection had a wonderful surprise.

In planning my Wrap Room ensembles I assumed that most people would be wrapping multiple gifts of different sizes as they made their way through the gift wrap supplies. If you have the supplies on hand, you can also have a bit of creative fun in varying the papers and ribbons. In other words, no two gifts have to look alike and why should they? I think this method works it's best when you are giving one person a few gifts (a book and bookmark) , each one is wrapped differently, still coordinated but much more interesting. With this Natural wonder ensemble I added in two solids, a metallic red and matte black so you can extend the use of these papers with all sorts of coordinating embellishments available within this Natural Wonder Collection.

Though the top gift wrap paper features a larger sea coral pattern it works well with larger or smaller gifts. This isn't true with every large scale pattern but there is enough background calligraphy detail that it's works on either size of gift. The bottom paper with it's grid-based pattern is where you can have that fun I was talking about above. Those lovely images can be cut and then glued to the solid red or black paper. The images are so visual, it's can be all that is needed on smaller gifts. Another use for those leftover gift wrap strips.

My friends and I love this Natural Wonder Rubber Stamp Set. Great for scrap booking, making last minute gift cards, or adding to blank note cards and envelopes. It's all in the details. It can also work for making a gift wrap but that's another post (one I just figured out as I was writing this). The set includes 11 wood-block rubber stamps and a black ink pad. I think a red or chocolate brown ink pad would be perfect too. $29.00

I don't scrapbook, but I know these decorative self-adhesive labels would be fabulous for it. I have a couple friends who can't mail a letter unless it's sealed with one of these gorgeous stickers. I think they truly shine when used for gift wrapping as you can tell. As seen above, they can be used to great effect on solid papers with small lengths of ribbon. I like putting them right over a flat ribbon. Over 100 labels $17.00.

Another of our new website products that are themed to match the Wrap Room ensembles. These gorgeous linen Guest Towels are embroidered with exquisite detail and the 100% linen quality is incredible. I love giving these very special towels are a hostess gift, something they may not buy for themselves but will enjoy forever.

Powder rooms always look fabulous with a touch of red. Set of 2 towels for $60.00.

I'm almost there.......the website is finally starting to come together. While I do my Annie Liebovitz thing with all the photos, my webmaster is doing his design thing and plugging in all the copy. It's a tandem process that requires extreme multi-tasking as you all know so we are close......very close to launching A Gift Wrapped Life. And when I am done, I am going for the biggest grape ice cream cone they make. For sure.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Brillant Greek Key

I was dying to play with my new Blue Greek key gift wrap and as soon as today's order were out the door, I got right to it. It's certainly enough of a gift wrap statement to use on it's own but my ensemble concept is a way to stretch your gift wrap supplies. At least that's my intent. The gloss black paper acts as a base to the leftover Greek Key strips that are part of cutting and wrapping various gift sizes. If you look to the top gift you will see I've used a narrow strip right over the gloss black and then tied it up with the brighter pink saddle stitch ribbon. This ensemble will include three colours and widths of ribbon, white, blue and the narrow hot pink saddle stitch.

This Greek Key gift wrap is part of a whole series of coordinated stationery products. I love this boxed set of stationery that will be added to our new product line. Sheets, foldovers, and flat cards all fold into the one-size envelope along with a pad and sticky notes. Priced at $59.00, I think it makes for a lovely and practical gift and it's box is beautiful.

This close-up shows the beauty of my new paper flowers. They have a pin so they are wearable or usable after the gift is opened. I'll tell you more about these flowers coming up, they are simply incredible to use in gift wrapping. They were going out the door on all the orders today. Another use of leftover strips on this particular pattern, cut the motif into squares, punch a hole and and you have a matching gift card.

I have been a paper pad mouse pad gal for quite a while and think they make such a clever and useful gift. They have gained in popularity since their introduction a few years back and most stationery companies are adding them to their lines. They are the most functional of items for keeping computer notes. My mouse pads are so full of references, links, and notes that I file them when finished. This Greek Key one is $14.00 so fits nicely into the small gift category. It has a matching pencil case and boxed notes (top right of 1st photo) as well. We're going to offer these products as a complete gift ensemble for shipping or as single items. The tube of fun-word pencils too.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Vintage pink Rose with Zebra?

Here's another gift wrap ensemble prep that started one way and ended another. I was using the Vintage Pink Floral and I always suggest that a solid is added should you want to mix it up and make it more interesting. For the most part, the ensembles are being planned (planned being the operative word!) and then a little surprise sneaks in that captures my attention. I've already used the black polka dot and taffeta stripe, so that dramatic Zebra pattern seemed to add an interesting look, especially with the bright pink ribbon and that adorable Vintage Pink Floral. There's a few "pink products" ( this one from Cote Bastide in France) in this prep shot as we will be coordinating our small gifts to theme with the gift wrap ensemble. Then should you need a gift as well, you will have lots of options to add in to your order. We are keeping our fully-wrapped gift ensembles that can be shipped as gifts ( in fact it was a busy order week) but re-styling them as well. And some lovely new products.

The largest box in bottle middle is simply surrounded with a bold black with white polka dot ribbon. The effect of the soft floral with something more bold gives it a more fashionable look. It can be that simple. There's the 3 papers for this Vintage Pink Collection rolled and ready for their gorgeous presentation, which I am saving until the website reveal. You will have enough ribbon to change them all up into any variation of these samples. Feel free to tell me what you think of the Zebra addition?????

If you look in the top left you will see a close-up of one of the Ephemera decorative labels that you will be able to purchase separately. These come in so handy, I don't know how I lived without them! Not only are they fabulous on note cards, envelopes, they will be the staple in your gift wrapping corner. I had a very narrow strip of paper left so I did an open-ended wrap , folded the end into a envelope flap then sealed with a smaller Eiffel label. Good use for leftover paper strips (even the ones you think are so small they are useless).

I want to thank everyone who is offering comment support, you have no idea how it helps and keeps me going. It is a grueling (though creative) process with plenty of "Am I completely crazy" type moments. You do know I am 55 yr.old, don't you? And I miss my regular blogging and blogger ladies.

Also welcome, welcome to the followers who are joining in, rest assured it will be worth it soon when I get back to more regular posting(or I hope so!). And I will catch up to your blogs and comments as soon as possible. Back to work.......only 24 more collections to wrap and photograph, lots of web copy, ordering product, and ongoing website design.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Italian Fashion

I've been chatting with a lovely company in Florence, Italy that has been in business since 1031. They have the most interesting gift wrapping papers. They use archival images with state-of-the-art printing techniques to manufacture their European style papers. I thought this vintage fashion pattern was a fun theme I could build on so I think I will order it.......what do you think? Is this a fun paper or what?

This series has a repeat of vintage postcards from Venice, Paris, Rome, and New York. The base colours are the same, so a nice collection would include a paper from each city and a ribbon choice that goes with all four. Something for the men as I haven't totally forgotten that we sometimes wrap gifts for them too.
Something about the soft colour tones of this Hot Air Balloon pattern captures my attention and tells me this would be gorgeous with the right ribbon colour. Something in a wide taffeta stripe. They will be airborne to my Wrap Room soon. Isn't it lovely? It would be fabulous as a Book Cover as well, beautifully lined up in a bookcase. You didn't think these papers could only be used for gift wrapping did you? We'll talk about covering your books soon in an upcoming post.

All images ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Vintage Glam and a Wrapping Technique for Guy Gifts

I love how these rust and pink tones are used together in this Vintage Glam setting found at Southern Accents. I kept returning to this photo and wondered how I could combine these tones in a gift presentation. It intrigued me and you know how I love these gift wrap challenges I set up for myself. I don't have every paper and ribbon at my disposal so sometimes I do have to improvise. Perfection would have been a gold and matte silver flocked type of paper (which I do not have) but as I worked with this matte burnished gold gift wrap I saw that it needed a bit more glam and it worked into a good little gift wrap tip, something to do with those leftover paper strips left over from wrapping smaller boxes. Do not be throwing those away.




I often use my leftover gift wrap strips to do this layered effect. One I like to use them up wherever I can and in this case it added a bit more gilt. I also think layering paper adds some dimension to the presentation. Paper strip edges are neatly folded and then simply taped at the bottom with double sided tape. You don't have to be precise in measuring the strips, it could even work if they were of dissimilar width. This technique would also work well with bright colours such as Kelly green and hot pink, look around, bet you have some sheet paper and strips that can be used together.




While I was in the layering mood, I knew the only way I was going to get these two unlikely colour tones together was to layer the rust and pink ribbons and work within the existing paper strips. It was either going to work or look positively awful, I found I liked the combination and kept going. Again, ribbon is simply double-sided taped to the bottom, just keep all the edges lined up nice and neat. The gift could be complete at this point, it certainly could go out the door at this point. This is a great gift wrapping technique for a male-gender gift, minus the pink ribbon of course. Change the pink to a chocolate brown or black and it turns it's feminine direction real quick. Guys get funny when they open a gift with a bow, they actually blush if you ever noticed.




Ok, we're done with the guy wrapping (that was quick!) and there is a pale pink flower in the photo so on goes a silk peony. I have this crinkle ribbon that I have been wanting to play with so I wrapped a continuous length around the flower, almost making a ribboned nest. Again, just to give it a bit more dimension. Sometimes I go too far with my experimenting and have to remove something, today it was a large bow to the rear of the flower, it was simply too overdone with all those ribbon layers.

Here is another pale pink leaf ribbon that I adore. It doesn't take to tying well as the little leaves get tangled and break but it does look good laying flat or used as a dangling length. Check in next week......I'm actually going to do some "Guy Wrapping" for Father's Day. No promises, but I will try some blush-free techniques.

Top photo from Southern Accents/Remaining photos from Sande Chase ~ Oooh la la Cadeau

Mix Those Colours

One blogger sent her other blogger friend a lovely little birthday surprise. Nice for me that I can do a bit of blogger research and "gather" the personality of the recipient before I wrap. I could see this artist blogger loved colour so the brighter the better. This is the photo that I send to the gifter so she can share in the fun of her long-distance gift and it got me thinking of something to think about the next time you wrap. Not every little gift has to match. In fact, the more you mix it up with paper patterns and ribbon, the more fun the presentation. I have four blue ribbons (turquoise, royal, and checks) and three different green ribbons (chartreuse, kelly, and forest green). I've used two different gift wrap papers that you wouldn't put side-by-side and think they match, but it distinquishes each gift. Even if you do use the same gift wrap paper, consider changing the ribbons around so that each gift has it's own presentation personality. Just makes it more fun to open.

A gorgeous soap gets ribbon-wrapped in two colours of hand-dyed silk.

I have come to love this Blue Bird gift wrap paper the more I work with it. That is often the case, like many things it just takes time to reveal it's better nature. This soft green background can handle any colour direction of ribbon and as I write this I see another colour I want to try..........right now. This is one of the Wrap Room papers you'll be able to buy. You'll have lovely ribbon choices and embellishments too. Like little bird nests.

I found a little teal bird all dressed up in velvet last weekend when I was cleaning my storage room and it chirped to my attention today. I had intended on trying a brown ribbon but it looked a bit dull to tell you the truth, so teal it became along with a teal sheer ribbon working as it's nest. I think this bird is a little overdressed for the paper, but this type of experimenting tells me that the embellishment will work, it just needs to dress down a bit...... perhaps a little brown bird sitting in a nest? Yes, that's it.

This lovely gift wrap paper image is also available as a File Folder Set and a Notebook.

Such a pretty pattern to make desk chores more uplifting.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ Oooh la la Cadeau

Glam Monday ~ Juicy Cantaloupe & Sweet Peaches

I would consider this youthful glam, someone has a juicy vibe going on here in this little desk corner photo I found at Domino on Flickr. No source but whoever it is, they have a really good eye for combining vibrant and luscious colour. I think I adore this cosy spot. I must....... I keep staring at it.

Sweet peaches, is there anything more summertime juicy? As soon as peach season starts, I get out my mom's pie crust recipe. It was always one of the easiest pies to make. I used to sit in the driveway while my son was playing and peel quarts of peaches for pie-making while keeping an eye on his antics. My neighbor would come over and keep me company. Those were the good old days for a lot of reasons, mostly because I could bake a pie and actually enjoy a couple guilt-free slices. Slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.....OMG. Image from Foodland Ontario.

These Louboutoin Dillian Flower Pumps were what started me on this melon and peach colour post. Look at the colour of this leather with his signature red soles! Melon, what some would also call peach or apricot looks fabulous with touches of coral or red. It's not an easy colour to find in fashion or interiors. Why is that? It is certainly a most luscious colour. It should make a comeback. Photo by Daniel Farmer at Flickr.

Cantaloupe , also generally referred to as musk melon (not to go into the botany of it all) has only 53 calories per cup and your full daily requirement of vitamin C. It's also an excellent source of Vitamin A and beta carotene. I grew up eating musk melon every summer. Truthfully, I ignore the winter imports, bland and tasteless by the time they get here to us. But in the summer season, I love thick juicy slices wrapped in proscuitto, that delicious combination of musk and salt. Can't wait.

I found this melon coloured bedroom over at Style Redux where she always captures the best interiors. Note the coral accent (again), nature has a way of telling us what will work when it comes to design. The colbalt blue gives it a unexpected and sassy jolt.

A gorgeous petal image from Flickr

A pink or peach tint gives all women a lovely glow, it's an old designer trick. I always use pink lightbulbs in my vanity area, I like to think it makes me look younger, at least while I'm putting on my makeup. Some day soon I will tell you about Pink Glow, my pink lightbulb charity idea for Women's Mental Health that got stopped in it's well-intentioned tracks. It was a great idea until the Canadian goverment banned incandescent bulbs. I still have the pink light bulbs and their very pretty box covers I spent a fortune designing and printing. An idea just sitting there. And it's driving me crazy. Photo from My Vintage Paris via Paris Atelier.

Look how melon just makes this room so warm and inviting. Now, picture this room with ivory or white slouchy sofas. Which do you prefer? Sometimes a fabulous colour will make all the difference. Image from Domino Files on Flickr.

Doesn't this just take your breath away? This densely packed bouquet by Rosenow is one of the loveliest I have ever seen. Beautiful Things To Share opened my eyes to this talented floral designer and I can't get enough of her incredible style. Or Charamine's beautiful blog.

By now you know I always borrow a dress or two from Judith at Paris Atelier for Glam Mondays. It's a habit I just can't break. It's like having a hip sister with really good taste and the coolest clothes. And she lets me borrow them every weekend.

A Chevron gilded gift wrap paper in a gorgeous melon tone that I found over at Carolyne Roehm. One of the few papers left on her website. When I tried to order what was left, the shopping cart kept closing. I know she is gone on to bigger and better things and is closing her website, but boy will I miss her presentation style. She is the "wrap goddess" and the only reason I haven't posted about her in-depth is that I knew there was a transition going on and not sure where it was leading. I would like to find out what she is up to these days. That level of creativity just can't quit, so she must have something very clever up her stylish sleeve. I should call her and catch up. Dare me?

Remember this Carolyne Roehm giftwrap image? The first time I saw this years ago in her book Presentations, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. My heaven is obviously filled with ribbons, boxes, and bows. And couture, lots and lots of it, everywhere I look. I bet there is lots of gift-giving up there. Or at least I hope so.

If I was being really picky, I would call this gorgeous wall colour apricot.
The table and chairs aren't doing it for me, but look at that ceiling height and mouldings.

A table setting by Carolyn Roehme. No one does it better.

I think everyone should have an outdoor tent, especially when it has these melon coloured drapes blowing in the wind. I know everyone has already seen this Domino image, but it was too perfect not to include in this post about all things melon. Note those little touches of coral again. I really want this tent.

I would want to hang these Pom Pom somewhere in or around my outdoor tent.

They just make everybody party-mood happy, don't they?

Everyone is Pom Pom crazy these days, so pretty and fun.

~ Creamsicles made with Cantaloupe ~

I remembered "O' magazine had a melon feature a summer ago so I went online hunting. Not too often you find recipes with cantaloupe, why is that? Click here to see the recipe for these low-cal summer treats.

~ Linquine with Cantaloupe, Cherry tomatoes, and Mint ~

I really had to hunt online for a main course melon recipe, but look at the yummy dish I found for you. As soon as our local cantaloupe season starts, I will be in the kitchen making this. I have a feeling it will be an incredible taste combination.This looks so good, I might even have company over to share it. Click here for the creamy recipe.

~ Peach and Mascarpone Cheesecake with Balsamic Syrup ~

I think this might be a good one too. I found it at Bon Appetit.

Click here for the recipe and file it for peach season.

I think that Balsamic syrup will be heavenly with peaches.

All photo sources with images.