Gift wrapping is not just paper bags and adhesive bows. It can be a real art, from the Japanese craft of furoshiki to the homespun embellishments of fabric bows and washi tape. This season, LA-based paper and ribbon company Midori Ribbon shows a few techniques (with videos!) for wrapping commonly shaped items.
Learn how to shape pleats for a round present, make a stylish floppy bow out of leftover gift wrap, create Japanese seamless wrapping and more, all on the LA Times' site.
MORE GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Brown Paper Gift Wrapping
• Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap from Chewing the Cud
• Wrap It Up: Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas
(Image: Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times)


Shaw's Original Fir...
I think it's fun to wrap things beautifully, but sometimes just plopping a gift into a commercial gift bag (which is reusable, after all) is the most sensible solution!
I have excess fabric from when I thought I was going to become a great seamstress. So because of that, I like wrapping kid's gifts in a piece of fabric as they can use it in craft projects.
As the article says, "It's the thought -- and the effort -- that will count."
i like to wrap presents with old newspaper so it's not so much waste with wrapping paper =)