newspaper wrapping fairies

Sometimes the thought of wrapping in newspaper may have some people running screaming through the aisles of Paperchase with horror.  Done badly it suggests, well y'know I couldn't even be bothered so I just reached down the side of my armchair and got you this!  With a bit of thought and intent it can look great.  Especially if it is a magazine page or newspaper in a foreign language.  The words and letters become more like shapes and patterns rather than featuring the latest bad news!

When I proposed doing this advent event Carolyn at Willowhouse got in touch to say she has eco-wrapped for years - check out her wonderful post showing how she used her newspapers to very stylish effect.  It just goes to show that each person can individualise and personalise the gift they are giving, which is so appreciated by the recipient.  

What (may be) a little stranger, is that yesterday I emailed Carolyn just to check it would be ok with her if I linked to her post in this one, and she emailed me to say she was planning to go to the Chinese supermarket to look for chinese newspapers... now I hadn't even mentioned that this was the gift (already done 2 weeks ago) that I was intending to show!  So there is the answer to your question - where would I find a chinese newspaper?  I had found this at work, but the person who got it said you often get free 'flyer' type things there which would do the trick.  And imagine what some of the Indian or Arabic papers could also look like.

I loved the coincidence with Carolyn - it just felt so positive, and I was just ruminating as I switched on the computer - maybe we are under the influence of an eco-wrapping fairy, when I visited her website this morning and saw all her wonderful tree fairies for sale!  They are great, so check them out.

I initially tried stamping the tag with a chinese symbot, but it looked too much and actually the snowflake works better because it contrasts and ties back to the other presents - keeping the black/monochrome theme with a twist.  The ribbon was a double effort of bakers twine and reclaimed velour ribbon (from the bargain bin at VV Rouleaux) and the wee house button was just tied onto the card - a gift from another generous blogger, Sally-Anne.

Comments

[carolyn]

The Chinese lettering does look wonderful and how brilliant that you've chosen red ribbon - a lucky colour for the Chinese. I'm wondering what you're going to come up with next?
Thanks for mentioning the fairies.

[ginny]

Hi Caireen,
the parcel looks great... what a good idea. We used the free artists papers last year from the guardian. Supplements are good too. Have asked R to look out at work.. He also has said he has old sheet music that i can cut up!... lucky me.
xx

[susan]

So lovely to have you back blogging. A Sunday morning treat! Great gift wrapping ideas. See you in Kilearn. love x