Carrying a little journal has been my habit for years. I like to draw pictures and write memos that I don’t want to forget. Though there are many options for both journals and notebooks at the retail stores, I often have a hard time deciding which one to buy. Maybe I like it to be smaller, lighter or more colorful…so I decided to make my own journal using the images of my beloved dog on the front and back covers and I loved it! It’s more fun to carry around the personalized journal than the store-bought one, right? Here is a how-to video if you like to make one for yourself too!
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How to make paper napkin flowers (Lotus flowers)
I like to share my newest tutorial video, “how to make paper napkin flowers.”
I often create this lotus flower while waiting for my food at the restaurant (excuse my dining etiquette…), at the party and to entertain kids (most of the time, they think I’m teaching them a magic trick).
Using just a paper napkin and a cup, you can create this cute lotus flower less than two minutes! Here is how to: (Don’t forget to share the link if you like the tutorial 
)
For those who want to make the flowers float on water, you can use colored cellophane wrap. Cut the cellophane in 13″ square and follow the same steps. Folding a cellophane sheet is a bit harder than folding a paper napkin. And make sure you use battery operated tea light candles if you like to use them as candle holders 
Lotus flower made with cellophane
The video above has been shot with the Samsung HMX-F80,
which was provided by Samsung Electronics. Co., Ltd.
Valentine’s Day Gift Wrapping
Valentine’s day is one of the most exciting holidays for a gift wrapping guru like myself.
I used to create many valentine’s custom gift wrapping packages for my clients in new york city and I enjoyed hearing their stories behind the special gifts!
This year, one of my friends asked me for an idea of gift wrapping the box of homemade cookies. She said, “I want a very valentine’s look on my package…heart, pink and red…”
So I came up with this “very valentine’s look” package design. It’s simple, easy and fun and it’ll put a smile on receiver’s face!
New Holiday Gift Wrapping Video: Newspaper Money Enclosure
It’s hard to believe that 2011 is over less than a month!
This year, I’ve dedicated to introduce a series of holiday gift wrapping videos, and it’s been a lot of fun making them.
My newest video is how to create a cute santa clause suit money enclosure using newspaper. This is also a perfect gift wrapping idea for concert or opera tickets, checks or any other similar items. Hope you enjoy!!
Please subscribe my channel for the future craft videos!
Holiday Gift Wrapping Class
I love having gift wrapping classes during the holiday season. Everyone’s motivation is somewhat higher, and the whole class is filled with the holiday spirit.
For the holiday gift wrapping class at the Nippon Club, I taught 3 different styles:
Kimono Style Gift Wrapping
This fancy folded design resembles Japanese Kimono style. You can insert a message card to the top V-shaped fold.
Ribbon Rose (with Wine Bottle Gift Wrapping)
Wine bottle is one of the most popular holiday gifts, and I was often asked to give a tip to fancy-up the wrapping other than just putting the bottle in a paper bag. This time, we wrapped the bottle with a sheet of cellophane paper. Then using a strip of ribbon, we created a rose for an ornamentation.
Pleating Designs
Popular Japanese gift wrapping style. I introduced 4 different pleating designs.
We used 3M‘s pop-up tape throughout the class. This sleek wristband dispenser makes your holiday wrapping a lot easier. You can free both hands while wrapping and holding the papers. It’s a very convenient tool and all my students loved it.
Thanks for everyone who came to the class! Happy holidays!
Snapshot: Arche’s Window Display at St. Marks
I found a cute dress created with newspaper at Arche’s window in St. Marks. (New York City)
Love it
McNulty’s Holiday Windows 2010
It’s time to decorate the Holiday windows at my favorite store, McNulty’s in west village.
Located in the heart of New York’s west village, McNulty’s is just one and half block walk from the Christopher station (#1 line-red).
Christopher st. station
As their website says, “immediately upon entering the shop, one’s senses are delighted by the many aromas of coffees and teas from around the world.” As an extreme coffee lover myself, it is a great joy to work in their windows (of course!)
Inside the store
Working in the windows, I heard knowledgeable staffs helping customers for every kinds of questions: types of teas from different regions & countries, how to brew coffee, the ways of using a tea press, etc. I was amazed by their willingness to help customers and the great knowledge they have over their products.
Now, back to the windows, we decided to do a red & white color theme this year.
Full window view
View from the top
Gift packages with tea bag ornaments
If you love teas and coffees, this is the store you should definitely visit. From their extended selections of rare teas and coffees, you’ll find your favorite, and don’t forget to ask any questions you might have….you’ll surely get your education on teas & coffees at McNulty’s!
Peacock Color Themed Gift Wrapping
Though it’s rare to receive a request for creating a peacock color themed package, many people seem that they fall in love with its beautiful color combination if they see the sample packages.
Here is a gift wrapping package for my client who wanted a peacock themed design.
Materials used here are: Thai-marble paper, gold wrapping paper, blue sheer ribbon (1.5″), aqua/navy blue sheer ribbon (7/8″) and peacock ornament
Simple & Easy Ideas for B-day Parties!
I used to think…people are crazy when they treat their dogs like babies.
Now that I have one…I’m crazy enough to throw a birthday party for my doggie. My papillon pappy just turn 1 on November 11th.
For the party favors, I wrapped the chocolate bars with blue color letter size papers and tied them with blue ribbon. I then attached tags with my dog’s picture and his thank you message.
This is one of the easiest ways to wrap the gift. Check the following step-by-step instructions:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5 (Finish!)
I also created a center piece for the table.
I collected about 20 pictures of my dog since he was 3 months old. I cut them in different sizes and framed with blue cardstock papers. I then punch a hole at the corner of each photos and hang them from decorative natural branches in a vase with a cotton tread.
Gift basket with a blue bow
For the gift basket, I simply attached a blue bow on the top of the basket. This omit the time and effort to open the package….works for dogs!!
B-day cup cakes…
These are simple and easy ideas that you can personalize your party. (and yes, the ideas can be used for humans!)
Holiday Photoshoot
This was the most fun holiday photo shoot!
Why? I had a great model…..my lovely Papillon puppy! He was surprisingly easy to work with and we got many great shots!
Gift packages match to the colors of my dog’s costume (gift wrap papers with double satin ribbons)
Final shot
After the photoshoot, he was finally allowed to chew the gift wrapped packages!
Photo by: Daniel Barker Photography
