prett-ify the package

I recently read an article in Somerset Life about being 'unnecessarily practical'. This pertains to packages that are too pretty to open. I have been questioned before, why it is I go to a certain level of 'trouble' to make a birthday party favor, or decoration, or 'prett-ify' a package that is just going to be ripped open. More recently I have taken to going to the trouble to make a wrapped gift just as important as the gift inside, to show the recipient that I think they are important. Everything is so instant these days. Why should I not want to take some extra time and planning to make something extra special? It allows me to give some of myself to the receiver along with the gift itself.

Today I just wanted to share with you how I did just that recently for my daughter's 12th birthday. What's extra funny, is that my daughter walked in on me while I was in the midst of creating her package. She knew immediately she was not wanted and exited the room. But I think it added to her anticipation her knowing I was working on something just for her.

As always my go to wrapping friend is kraft. You can find rolls of it at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. It's a great go to for packages and provide a wonderful canvas for guy or gal packaging that only needs your creativity and love.

The award ribbon centerpiece on her main gift was inspired by a tutorial over here. I went very girly with the colors and ribbons. I used mostly scraps of paper and gathered whatever ribbons I thought matched the mood of the papers.

This little extra gift is a bag I made from the kraft roll of paper. I made the little ribbon and banner with the same papers and stamped the sentiment with an old, retired stamin up stamp set.

It did not take alot of extra effort, really. It did not take going out to buy new stash for the created pieces. It just took some thought, time, and love, to add to my daughters gifts on her special day.

Hope you enjoy.