Happy Advent to you! Over the next few days I'm going to do a bit of a rerun of the demo I did at the Country Living Fair, which was based on alternative ideas for wrapping gifts using recycled or wherever possible, existing materials. The whole idea was influenced by a book I have on the Japanese idea of Omiyage - and the ceremony of gift giving. Although not a direct translation, the emphasis was on personalising and creating ways to present the whole gift, not just the contents.
Just before the talk, I was in some local High Street & charity shops and was shocked to see the number of foil, plastic and metallic wrapping papers, ribbons and tags on offer. Even with the emphasis to recycle, I'm fairly sure most of these would be unbiodegradable for several years!
This gift was wrapped in secondhand sheet music and tied with baker's twine (which I was very kindly sent by Diana last year - so thanks, Diana - your string got a lot of comments! You can do an internet search to find sources for it, but I also found it here in the UK).
Leaving the string long like that made it look more vintage, like an old delivery parcel - it could be hung from a tree, for example. The double tags are really just for show, but I liked doing this it sort of feels like a double message.. the top tag was cut down from a vintage card bought for 50p in a curio shop (and yes it is hard to cut into something that has lasted this long, but I like to think it is doing its initial job again through second use). The holly/mistletoe tag is made from a magazine image stuck to recycled card - one of my own Patchworkdress Eco-tags (6 handmade and themed tags in a pack) which I hope to feature here soon! - or you could make easily yourself.
Ah, so Christmassy! Lovely presentation, thanks for the mention!
Lynnex
Posted by: my baboo | December 01, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I was just looking at the pic thinking I recognise that string! Thank you for the mention. I have loads left if anyone would like any. Another source is your local butcher - some butchers use cotton red/white or blue/white string. Worth a try!
I LOVE wrapping things up....re-using and re-purposing. Can't wait for the rest of this little series!
Diana x
Ps good to see you back here a bit more frequently too!
Posted by: Diana | December 01, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Happy Advent Caireen.
great first eco wrap post and i am sure there are lots more to follow. i wonder if Rod would mind me cutting up some of his piano sheet music?
xx
Posted by: ginny | December 01, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Great start to Advent, Happy Advent.
Posted by: carolyn | December 01, 2008 at 02:48 PM
That is very good, motivating and inspiring and I'm looking forward to seeing more. I would like some Baker's Twine so would you let me know how to contact Diana please. liZZie x
Posted by: liZZie | December 01, 2008 at 04:16 PM
beautiful wrapping! thank you for sharing your ideas- i'm going to use them for sure. i've seen quite a bit of baker's twine up for sale on etsy, actually.
p.s. i ADORE the belt in your previous post- i can see why you had to have it!!
Posted by: melissa | December 01, 2008 at 08:46 PM
It's lovely to re-use things - I'm all for it! I've just been gift wrapping with used vintage wrapping paper.
Posted by: Jayne | December 03, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Oh, so good to see! I just wrapped some present in sheet music too and I kept thinking I should tell someone to try it because it was sooooo pretty. I also love to use left over strands of yarn instead of ribbon--especially two yarns twisted together!
Posted by: Traci | December 14, 2008 at 05:42 AM