Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Wrap Star - A Gift Wrapping Tutorial



I've never been a bridesmaid...can you believe it? I blame it on the fact that I'm an only child, so I don't have any sisters or sisters-in-law that might have felt obligated to include me in their ugly-silk-dress-line-up. I'm also a real bitch, so people aren't lining up to have me be part of their day of love, I guess? However, what I lack in social graces, I more than make up for in gift wrapping, and I feel moderately to quite strongly that more than makes up for it. #amirightladies

So when it was time to ask my bridesmaids to help me get married, I figured I ought to pop the question the way I'd like it asked to me: wrapped in pink and gold tulle and tissue paper!
You won't hear me say this often, but while the outside is incredibly important, it's what's on the inside that really counts. Here's what I loaded up my "Be My Bridesmaid" box with:
Custom-made wedding ring cookies, dusted with edible glitter from Pastries by Randolph in Arlington.










And also the matching bridesmaids dress cookies, cus there was a minimum order. 
I can't even FATHOM a "Be My Bridesmaid" box devoid of a copy of the unrated Bridesmaids movie, starring one Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, featuring the most timeless lady-bonding song of all time, "Hold On," by THE Wilson Phillips, which we sang at the top of our lungs at my bridesmaid Laura's bachelorette last summer...so, ya know, that's in there:
I spotted this loud, fun nail polish with the great name and decided all my girlfriends should have it:
And, if you ask me, it would be irresponsible not to include a little of the ol' liquid courage (a prelude to the bachelorette party). I chose Sweet Tea Vodka since it's delicious and Goldschlager cus it has gold in it!!! I have the logic of a 6-year-old.
The final look before it gets all wrapped up:
I was tremendously pleased with the way the packages turned out and ended up emulating the same concept for some of my Christmas presents, so I thought this was as good a time as any to share the secrets of the wrapping.

You'll need:
- 1 box (I chose white since that's one of my colors)
- Tissue paper (I chose pink and gold, since ya know, those are more of my colors)
- Tulle netting (I chose pink, white, and a white with gold dots)
- tape
- scissors
- stuff to shove in the box
*I purchased the box, tissue paper, and tulles from The Container Store.


Step 1:
Start by trimming the tulle to about 4 times the length of your box (ultimately, you'll tie the ends together in a bow). Then, centering the strip of tulle, tape it to the box. Depending on the width of your tulle, you might need two strips to cover the whole box.
Step 2:
Layer your tissue papers on top of each other (if you're using multiple colors). I wanted the gold paper on top, so I laid that on the bottom and the pink on top (which will eventually be the inside of the package). Then, lay the layered tissue papers into the box, perpendicular to the tulle, lining up the edge of the box with the edge of the tissue paper.
Your tissue paper is probably hanging over one side of the box now, yes? No biggie, just fold the section hanging over the box to the edge of the box so it lays flat in the box, with only the top and bottom hanging over--you want that.
Since I used two colors of tissue paper, I tucked the folded gold paper under the folded pink paper, like so:
You're tissue paper should fit neatly into the box, with the tulle hanging over the opposite sides.
Step 3:
Now you can fill your box:
Then, fold over one edge of the tissue paper on top of the filling.
Repeat with the other side of the tissue paper, tucking under any extra paper:
Step 4:
Now, grab the ends of the tulle and tie them into a bow over the tissue paper:

Step 5:
Place the top of the box back on and use the other tulle to tie another bow around the whole box:
{It's like a present within a present!}
Fluff out the tulle to make the bow fun and pretty. Bestow upon the lucky recipient and soak up the gratitude.

My bridesmaids loved their boxes--at least, the told me they did. I mean, the cookies were awful, but they lied and told me they were delicious anyway. It's those lies-from-the-heart that made me want to choose them to be bridesmaids. And, as much as I don't mean to get sappy, because they're also amazing friends and wonderful people and I don't know why they have anything to do with me. I love you Ashlee, Laura, and Jenna!!!!!

How did you ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding? How have you been asked to be a bridesmaid?? Did I do a good job? VALIDATE ME!!

18 comments:

Laura Humphrey said...

Melissa!! You are the best present wrapper presenter EVERRRRR. And such a great friend! I'm so excited to be a part of yours and Kyles special day. And those cookies were good, I dont know what you are talking about. I had glitter stuck to my face for the rest of the day but it was totes worth it. You have one up'd most brides just by being so thoughtful in doing this small but special thing. I loved it and I love you!

Jessica said...

You SO win. I literally have just gotten a phone call and asked "Can you, like, be a bridesmaid?"

Unknown said...

You did SO much better than me. I just called people. Although, my MOH totally took the wind out of my sails cause I called and said "I have something to ask you" and she blurted out "YES I'LL BE YOUR MAID OF HONOR!"

I mean, friends since we were about 6 so she knew it was coming but still...

Jenna | The Eighty Twenty said...

Nothing makes people overlook your bitchiness quite like glitter!! You blind us into friendship!!! Just kidding I'm honored and I love you back. I ate the cookies one morning after not eating sugar for three days and maybe it was my hormones talking but I loved them! I was asked once before this with a card and a photo of me and my childhood best friend at age 5. It was sweet :)

Gayla said...

Love this! You are so creative! Makes me proud all over again!

christin said...

If you have another one of these lying around, I'll take it. Hell, I'll just take that mini goldschlager. Legit.

Erin @ Currently Coveting said...

Cutest thing ever!! I am totally jacking this idea when I (hopefully one day unless I am damned to spinster cat lady status for all eternity) get engaged!

-Erin

Mo (New on U) said...

I called and asked. I must make sure they never see this post so they don't feel unloved.

Maria Larsen said...

I'm only 20, but I've been a bridesmaid twice! Once when I was 16 at my cousins wedding, and once at 18 at one of my co-workers wedding that I am really great friends with (who is 5 years older than me). Your brides maids gifts are absolutely perfectly done!

Kerri @ Holly Muffin said...

This is freakin' adorableeee!

Jamie said...

"Inception Presents." Rock on.

Ashlee W. said...

Love this post and love you! These were the best gifts and I am in love with how you wrapped them and that is why I stole your idea and doing all of my Christmas presents in tulle. =) I'm so honored to be a part of your special day...and life! Love you!

Annalilly said...

Very cute. I hope your wedding planning is going well! If you are getting married on the East Coast, I have a fabulous photographer friend I can suggest.

Anonymous said...

This tutorial comes at a great time because I need to wrap my gifts today. :)

Click here to enter my Shabby Apple 50$ gift card giveaway!

FaceCandy Addicts said...

Great Job!!!Like some of your other followers I have been asked over the phone. The way I asked my friends was very traditional, but I so wish I had of asked your way and presented then with a goodie box. Beacues my bridesmaids were spread out the US, I sent them each a bracelet with charms this fit their personality, and "what looked like an invitation" a short sweet letter of how important they were to me and how it would mean a lot for them to because part of my wedding party.

Elle Johns said...

What great ideas for bridesmaids invites! :) Your blog is absolutely fabulous-just became a member/follower of your blog. I hope you'll follow me back and we can keep in touch. Happy Blogging!!! 

♥ Elle
www.thehighfeather.com 
High Feather Twitter
High Feather Facebook
High Feather Bloglovin

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

VANESSA said...

SUCH a great gift!
Long time to see blog-friend! Hope you're having a happy 2013! Check in with this blog when you get a sec... I'm having a GIVEAWAY with your name on it!!! ;)

xx, Vanessa
http://fashiongalfireman.blogspot.com/

Custom Printed Bags said...

Nice gift wrapping tutorial.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...