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!

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!

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!

Love it

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!

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

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!)

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

Chopsticks NY, only English magazine in the east coast to provide the best information on “all about Japanese culture”, asked me to join this month’s issue for an article, “Freshen Up Your Gift Giving.”  The article talks about gift choices, manners for gift giving, the ways to boost the value of the gift. I contributed the ideas to wrap your gift in simple, easy and fun way using recycled materials.

If you’re in NYC, Chopsticks NY magazine is distributed to 420 locations in the city, including many Japanese/Asian restaurants and grocery stores.

Chopsticks NY November 2010: Freshen Up Your Gift-Giving