Gear Blogger by Michelle Fama
Paperless Gift-Wrapping
with Japanese Furoshiki
Jun 18, 2008
If you believe in the power of first impressions as much as I do, then you’ll understand why I think wrapping is just as important as the gift itself. I have always sought out creative wrap options. One year I covered all my gifts in metallic paper – the golds, silvers, and coppers underneath the tree resembled the “bling” of say, P. Diddy rather than the festive reds and reindeers of the season. Oh well, it was a memorable one at least. Or consider the time I wrapped all my gifts to resemble a Hershey’s Kiss (easy… use a paper plate, foil, and … oh never mind!)
I was thrilled to discover the Japanese gift wrapping technique called Furoshiki. Similar to origami, it uses eco-friendly wrapping cloth. Not only are you reducing waste and caring for the environment by not using paper, but the reusable fabric is a gift in itself—with a sewing machine on hand, it can be used to make napkins, quilts, aprons or doll clothes. The fabric comes in a variety of sizes and designs and there are books or web sites that illustrate some techniques. You’ll never be searching for the scotch tape again. See furoshiki.com (prices of fabrics vary)
