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The Gift Wrapping Book: Over 150 Ideas for All Occasions
Provides ideas and techniques for wrapping simple and difficult gifts, including accommodating awkward shapes and choosing the right finishing touches.
- GenresNonfictionCrafts
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 10, 2015
The Gift Wrapping Book is a really great book to look at especially right now with Christmas coming up in a couple of weeks! The thing about this book is that it shows you how to wrap a package in an easy simple way, but still make the job look good, to the more detailed job, and there are some really great ideas here. I never knew that tissue paper can be used as an outer cover for a gift without getting torn, but this book shows you how to add paper to the tissue paper to make it sturdy enough to do so.
The book has step by step directions that are easy to follow, and when you are through, I know in my case anyway, it looked so good that I did not want to unwrap the gift- the wrapping was too perfect. The book shows you different was to make a bow, and I do not mean just a regular bow, I mean fancy bows. There was a section that showed how to make your own gift tags, by either painting, or gluing on different decorations, just totally cool stuff. There are so many tips you will never go back to just folding the paper and taping it in place again-at least I know I won't! Here is an example-"If your chosen paper is too lightweight, line it with another paper while still flat, using spray adhesive. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Even a delicate tissue paper can be extremely strong if used together with wall lining paper".
Another tip is to always fold on a hard surface and take care the paper is aligned. Accurate folding is particularly important, especially in the early folds. So no matter what you use or how you use it, if you follow a few guidelines you will have the best looking wrapped gifts in town! The sky is the limit!
I really liked and learned a lot of useful information from this book, and plan to buy it in print form, so I will always be able to go back and use this book as a reference to start from.
I gave this book 4****stars and strongly recommend it to everyone!
The book has step by step directions that are easy to follow, and when you are through, I know in my case anyway, it looked so good that I did not want to unwrap the gift- the wrapping was too perfect. The book shows you different was to make a bow, and I do not mean just a regular bow, I mean fancy bows. There was a section that showed how to make your own gift tags, by either painting, or gluing on different decorations, just totally cool stuff. There are so many tips you will never go back to just folding the paper and taping it in place again-at least I know I won't! Here is an example-"If your chosen paper is too lightweight, line it with another paper while still flat, using spray adhesive. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Even a delicate tissue paper can be extremely strong if used together with wall lining paper".
Another tip is to always fold on a hard surface and take care the paper is aligned. Accurate folding is particularly important, especially in the early folds. So no matter what you use or how you use it, if you follow a few guidelines you will have the best looking wrapped gifts in town! The sky is the limit!
I really liked and learned a lot of useful information from this book, and plan to buy it in print form, so I will always be able to go back and use this book as a reference to start from.
I gave this book 4****stars and strongly recommend it to everyone!
November 11, 2015
SUMMARY: This book gives an overview of wrapping styles, instructions on making your own boxes and bags as well as tags and embellishments. There are several pages on how to make your own ribbons and pictures of the types of ribbons you could choose.
ILLUSTRATIONS: This book was first published in 2002 and has not been updated. This shows strongly in the photography. The color schemes are outdated and the photography is mediocre at best. What you see on the front cover is an example of what you will find throughout the book.
THE GOOD: Once you get past the first third of the book there are some good pages that teach you how to make your own interesting boxes and bags from scratch as well as how to wrap unusually shaped presents. For those who do not know how to make ribbons and bows, there are instructions for that as well. There are also templates in the back.
THE NOT SO GOOD: The color schemes and techniques are very outdated. When republishing this book, the publishers would have done better to take new photographs with more modern colors and layouts. The font of the text is tiny and on many pages the text goes in a circle or snakes along the page. I gave up reading the text about half way through the book because I wasn't interested in turning the book this way and that to read it. The first third of the book is an introduction to the types of wrapping styles you could choose. This could have been left out entirely and more instruction put in its place. There is some good instruction here, but not for adults. This book is suited better for the younger crowd as young as fourth grade through junior high who can impress friends and family by making their own special bags and boxes.
NOTE: I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
ILLUSTRATIONS: This book was first published in 2002 and has not been updated. This shows strongly in the photography. The color schemes are outdated and the photography is mediocre at best. What you see on the front cover is an example of what you will find throughout the book.
THE GOOD: Once you get past the first third of the book there are some good pages that teach you how to make your own interesting boxes and bags from scratch as well as how to wrap unusually shaped presents. For those who do not know how to make ribbons and bows, there are instructions for that as well. There are also templates in the back.
THE NOT SO GOOD: The color schemes and techniques are very outdated. When republishing this book, the publishers would have done better to take new photographs with more modern colors and layouts. The font of the text is tiny and on many pages the text goes in a circle or snakes along the page. I gave up reading the text about half way through the book because I wasn't interested in turning the book this way and that to read it. The first third of the book is an introduction to the types of wrapping styles you could choose. This could have been left out entirely and more instruction put in its place. There is some good instruction here, but not for adults. This book is suited better for the younger crowd as young as fourth grade through junior high who can impress friends and family by making their own special bags and boxes.
NOTE: I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
INITIAL THOUGHTS
So like most people (if they're being 100% honest) I believe we can all use a little help with how to wrap gifts, especially if they are an awkward size, or shape! So I was looking forward to reading this one. I did actually read it when I was about half way through my Christmas Gift wrapping, I just didn't have time to write the review until now.
MY REVIEW
I received a free e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The cover features some brightly, beautifully wrapped gifts. . . just waiting to be handed out to the recipients! So I was eager to learn how I could make my gifts look as good as the ones on the cover.
So would the cover make me pick this book up from the shelf? Yes, it would, the gifts on the cover are rather impressively wrapped.
There are quite a few pictures within the book, as well as small boxes with extra tips within them. There are also some "How To Do" photographs that walk you through the whole process step by step.
I love an attractively wrapped gift with perhaps a striking bow or other ornamentation on it too. I readily admit to getting all tangled and usually stuck up with the tape when I am wrapping and as for putting ribbons and fancy bows on, I've normally had enough of the whole wrapping process by the time the last piece of tape has finally been wrestled into place!
I found the book quite inspirational and I enjoyed the step by step photographs showing how to do things. Maybe it's because I was reviewing an e-copy but I feel I must say I was disappointed by how the book appeared on my tablet and kindle. Having pointed that out I think having the paperback would obviously solve this problem! I think it is a book you would probably purchase for yourself though I'm not sure I would pay very expensive for such a book myself, though I think if you want really prettily wrapped gifts you would probably find the book a useful book to keep going back to, especially for a gift that was an awkward shape!
Did I enjoy the book? It was informative, just not as much as I had hoped, and in my opinion the formatting of the e-copy seriously let the book down and spoilt the experience for me.
Would I recommend the book? I would yes, but to be bought as a physical book!
FINAL THOUGHTS
This book would be a bit of a luxury purchase for me, though it would sit on my book shelves and probably be referred to regularly.
Includes how to make pretty bows from ribbons or paper. Plenty of step by step pics to follow, good job as very little text descriptions. Some useful parts in Tips sections. Sadly format was pretty poor as I attempted to read via kindle app on my tablet. This would probably work much better as a glossy paperback!
So like most people (if they're being 100% honest) I believe we can all use a little help with how to wrap gifts, especially if they are an awkward size, or shape! So I was looking forward to reading this one. I did actually read it when I was about half way through my Christmas Gift wrapping, I just didn't have time to write the review until now.
MY REVIEW
I received a free e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The cover features some brightly, beautifully wrapped gifts. . . just waiting to be handed out to the recipients! So I was eager to learn how I could make my gifts look as good as the ones on the cover.
So would the cover make me pick this book up from the shelf? Yes, it would, the gifts on the cover are rather impressively wrapped.
There are quite a few pictures within the book, as well as small boxes with extra tips within them. There are also some "How To Do" photographs that walk you through the whole process step by step.
I love an attractively wrapped gift with perhaps a striking bow or other ornamentation on it too. I readily admit to getting all tangled and usually stuck up with the tape when I am wrapping and as for putting ribbons and fancy bows on, I've normally had enough of the whole wrapping process by the time the last piece of tape has finally been wrestled into place!
I found the book quite inspirational and I enjoyed the step by step photographs showing how to do things. Maybe it's because I was reviewing an e-copy but I feel I must say I was disappointed by how the book appeared on my tablet and kindle. Having pointed that out I think having the paperback would obviously solve this problem! I think it is a book you would probably purchase for yourself though I'm not sure I would pay very expensive for such a book myself, though I think if you want really prettily wrapped gifts you would probably find the book a useful book to keep going back to, especially for a gift that was an awkward shape!
Did I enjoy the book? It was informative, just not as much as I had hoped, and in my opinion the formatting of the e-copy seriously let the book down and spoilt the experience for me.
Would I recommend the book? I would yes, but to be bought as a physical book!
FINAL THOUGHTS
This book would be a bit of a luxury purchase for me, though it would sit on my book shelves and probably be referred to regularly.
Includes how to make pretty bows from ribbons or paper. Plenty of step by step pics to follow, good job as very little text descriptions. Some useful parts in Tips sections. Sadly format was pretty poor as I attempted to read via kindle app on my tablet. This would probably work much better as a glossy paperback!
December 22, 2015
This close to Christmas, I couldn't help myself when I saw this book available on NetGalley. Wrapping presents is a favorite pastime when I actually have time to manage it (and not just stick everything in dollar-store bags Christmas Eve, which...happens more than I should probably admit), so anything that offers to be useful on that front wasn't going to be passed by.
The book was quite useful in that regard. I enjoyed the different suggestions on how to wrap differently shaped objects (stupid round things have always gotten me!) as well as the more generalized tips, some of which seem like common sense (Wrap on a hard surface to get crisp lines!) once you hear them. I've spent my entire life wrapping presents on the floor. It really explains a lot.
There are a crop of interesting ideas here, so if you're interested in stepping up your wrapping game, this is a nice selection of thoughts on the process. I'll probably be making a few of my own boxes and trying out some of the other suggestions from this for my Christmas presents this year. It'll add a special touch to make the wrapping paper I wrap something I made in, I feel.
This is a good resource for those of us who kind of want our presents to be pretty under the tree, and yet never quite manage it.
This book was provided to me for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book was quite useful in that regard. I enjoyed the different suggestions on how to wrap differently shaped objects (stupid round things have always gotten me!) as well as the more generalized tips, some of which seem like common sense (Wrap on a hard surface to get crisp lines!) once you hear them. I've spent my entire life wrapping presents on the floor. It really explains a lot.
There are a crop of interesting ideas here, so if you're interested in stepping up your wrapping game, this is a nice selection of thoughts on the process. I'll probably be making a few of my own boxes and trying out some of the other suggestions from this for my Christmas presents this year. It'll add a special touch to make the wrapping paper I wrap something I made in, I feel.
This is a good resource for those of us who kind of want our presents to be pretty under the tree, and yet never quite manage it.
This book was provided to me for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2015
This is a great book for non-creative people like me, and also for more creative people who can probably take these designs to a higher level. It's definitely a great, basic book for beginner wrappers and anyone who wants to put some extra effort into their gifts.
It gives the very basics of wrapping, even for round boxes. Some basic ideas of how to create and design your own paper, and a great section on all different types of bows and ties. There are many examples for recycling materials, and using items such as corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap and newspaper.
My favorite section was on creating your own gift boxes, and I really loved the design of the self-closing box. There are templates for the boxes in the back of the book as well as several of the stencil designs to copy.
I would give this to anyone from a creative child to a crafty adult. It is definitely a pretty comprehensive book about wrapping and has quite a lot of great examples and ideas. I am only giving it four stars though because I wasn't really blown away by any of the designs. However for a beginner - medium level wrapper this is 100% a great book to have.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dover Publications for allowing me an advance copy for review.
It gives the very basics of wrapping, even for round boxes. Some basic ideas of how to create and design your own paper, and a great section on all different types of bows and ties. There are many examples for recycling materials, and using items such as corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap and newspaper.
My favorite section was on creating your own gift boxes, and I really loved the design of the self-closing box. There are templates for the boxes in the back of the book as well as several of the stencil designs to copy.
I would give this to anyone from a creative child to a crafty adult. It is definitely a pretty comprehensive book about wrapping and has quite a lot of great examples and ideas. I am only giving it four stars though because I wasn't really blown away by any of the designs. However for a beginner - medium level wrapper this is 100% a great book to have.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dover Publications for allowing me an advance copy for review.
November 9, 2015
I read this book for NetGalley.
I have always been intimidated by wrapping gifts. My sister had an innate talent for gift wrapping and I always felt inferior around Christmas time!
Ms. Birkett offers the cure for a complete gift wrapping klutz such as myself. With this well written, approachable and clearly illustrated book, I finally think I can wrap gifts, even attempt making a gift box, with confidence and competence. What a lifesaver with winter holidays around the corner.
I enjoyed reading the book and learned a lot. If you're a total bomb at gift wrapping as I am (I love matching gift bags, tissue paper and the tags!) this book is a godsend. And if you can gift wrap with some competence, this book still works for its many original, creative and beautiful gift wrapping ideas!
Great book!
I have always been intimidated by wrapping gifts. My sister had an innate talent for gift wrapping and I always felt inferior around Christmas time!
Ms. Birkett offers the cure for a complete gift wrapping klutz such as myself. With this well written, approachable and clearly illustrated book, I finally think I can wrap gifts, even attempt making a gift box, with confidence and competence. What a lifesaver with winter holidays around the corner.
I enjoyed reading the book and learned a lot. If you're a total bomb at gift wrapping as I am (I love matching gift bags, tissue paper and the tags!) this book is a godsend. And if you can gift wrap with some competence, this book still works for its many original, creative and beautiful gift wrapping ideas!
Great book!
November 12, 2015
What a great little find just before the holidays!
With chapters ranging from packaging incorporating natural wraps to Hi-tech wraps to romantic wraps, how to make boxes or repurpose old boxes to even making the bows, this is a great guide to overall wrapping. Included is a suggestion of tools and materials which is always helpful.
The colour photos are beautiful and the instructions and tips easily understandable. Using bubble wrap as a stamp or to cover items instead of protecting them was a new one for me! The more experienced crafter will have dealt with most of the advice, but for those looking for a little inspiration, there are some great ideas. I would have loved the book to be a little longer with perhaps more projects but felt that the inclusion of box templates as well as advice on creating the decoration on the paper itself was a fantastic idea.
With chapters ranging from packaging incorporating natural wraps to Hi-tech wraps to romantic wraps, how to make boxes or repurpose old boxes to even making the bows, this is a great guide to overall wrapping. Included is a suggestion of tools and materials which is always helpful.
The colour photos are beautiful and the instructions and tips easily understandable. Using bubble wrap as a stamp or to cover items instead of protecting them was a new one for me! The more experienced crafter will have dealt with most of the advice, but for those looking for a little inspiration, there are some great ideas. I would have loved the book to be a little longer with perhaps more projects but felt that the inclusion of box templates as well as advice on creating the decoration on the paper itself was a fantastic idea.
December 28, 2015
Despite my love of buying and wrapping presents, the sad, undeniable fact is that I am unable to wrap them. No matter how hard I try, my patience wears thin at my imperfection, lack of ability to cut in a straight line, and difficulty in getting a piece of tape down flat.
When I saw The Gift Wrapping Book, I knew that it was for me and it didn’t disappoint. It not only gave templates, it gave ideas on choosing the right paper, how to wrap the most seemingly difficult presents and also ideas on wrapping ‘outside of the box’ (insert guffaw here).
I’m not sure if this would be a good gift book (might insinuate your helplessness at wrapping) but it’s definitely a good resource book and one that I’ll revisit time and time again, whether I’m stuck on ideas or just flat out irritated at my lack of gift wrapping abilities.
When I saw The Gift Wrapping Book, I knew that it was for me and it didn’t disappoint. It not only gave templates, it gave ideas on choosing the right paper, how to wrap the most seemingly difficult presents and also ideas on wrapping ‘outside of the box’ (insert guffaw here).
I’m not sure if this would be a good gift book (might insinuate your helplessness at wrapping) but it’s definitely a good resource book and one that I’ll revisit time and time again, whether I’m stuck on ideas or just flat out irritated at my lack of gift wrapping abilities.
November 12, 2015
This is a reprint of a classic. We have had three copies in our library system for years, and they circulate well and the content is still very relevant.
This is an approachable, thorough guide to both the basic, intermediate and advance forms of gift wrapping. No previous experience is necessary to begin using these techniques to improve your wrapping skills.
After reading this book, you should be able to successfully wrap oddly shaped packages, make your own bows, boxes, cards and bags, and up-cycle materials around your house to make gorgeous and original wrapped gifts.
This is a valuable reference to have around the house. The only downside is that there were no new additions to the original edition.
**eARC netgalley**
This is an approachable, thorough guide to both the basic, intermediate and advance forms of gift wrapping. No previous experience is necessary to begin using these techniques to improve your wrapping skills.
After reading this book, you should be able to successfully wrap oddly shaped packages, make your own bows, boxes, cards and bags, and up-cycle materials around your house to make gorgeous and original wrapped gifts.
This is a valuable reference to have around the house. The only downside is that there were no new additions to the original edition.
**eARC netgalley**
November 30, 2015
I have been provided an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All the opinions are my own.
This book has lots of interesting ideas on creating your own wrapping paper, bows, it also has picture instructions for wrapping the most conventional shapes of boxes and also folding your own boxes.
What this book lacks is examples of creative wrappings, different unusual shape wrapping but all the information in this book will definitely be sufficient to make your gifts as festive as they come.
This book has lots of interesting ideas on creating your own wrapping paper, bows, it also has picture instructions for wrapping the most conventional shapes of boxes and also folding your own boxes.
What this book lacks is examples of creative wrappings, different unusual shape wrapping but all the information in this book will definitely be sufficient to make your gifts as festive as they come.
October 14, 2014
This book has it all and the diffenrent suggestions for gift wrapping had me already thinking ahead as to how I will incorporate some of these ideas for Christmas. I like how she uses everyday items to make these wonderful designs. With Christmas coming why not add some adventure to your wrapping.
November 30, 2015
150 ways to decorate and wrap your presents from the simple to the more intricate. Ideal for all types of gifts any time of the year.
The illustrations are straightforward. They show clearly what to do, step by step.
A modt timely book for the coming Christmas celebrations.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
The illustrations are straightforward. They show clearly what to do, step by step.
A modt timely book for the coming Christmas celebrations.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
November 6, 2015
This had quite a few excellent ideas and some that I will definitely be looking to do this Christmas. The images are clear and easy to follow. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2009
I really liked this book and got several great ideas from it.
December 15, 2015
A very nice book with some great instructions on not only the wrapping of your presents but also paper types and ribbons and how to make boxes and bags
December 28, 2015
A great book of ideas and tips for those interested in wrapping gifts with more than a simple bow.
April 18, 2019
very informative and creative gives one added joy when giving a present
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews