Christmas Bows

     I think it's been long enough that we can begin feeling nostalgic for Christmas again, right? One of my VERY favorite things is wrapping the presents. My mom and I are obsessed with picking the right paper, the most deceiving box shape, the perfect ribbon to complement the paper tied into supple bows. My dad and Brad say it's because we're crazy. We say we're honoring the arts of our Japanese heritage. You can decide for yourself.

     This year, I didn't buy any gifts that weren't shipped directly to their recipients. So, I did not get to wrap any gifts. But I did receive a lot of gifts that were wrapped but did not have any bow! So I looked through my meager collection from last year, and from  my other craft sources to come up with the perfect way to jazz up each package; illuminating it's potential!

Such beautiful, traditional paper! I used a cord from last year , that I simply braided from yarn and had attached some regal tassels on the end. I feel like the tassels reflect the regal style of the paper and the navy is a nice, complimentary, contrasting color to the cream and gold. 

This is the third ribbon (and final) I put on this gift.  It was hard to get this one just right!  I'm very happy with  end result of this "gift from my puppy"! Like him, it embodies all the fun parts of Christmas! I'm just in love with the Santa hat! 

It was hard to find the right gift for this rather short piece of red and neon green ribbon,  but I wasn't daunted. I straightened my posture, said, "challenge accepted" and wrapped up this little guy.   

I loved this old-fashioned, rustic paper from Brad's grand parents. I decided to go with an equally rustic and old fashioned bow.

I love how the white ribbon "pops" on the red paper. Also, the bow is cute! 

When I saw this package I knew exactly which ribbon I  was going to use! So elegant! 

The same with this package, which was uncharacteristically bow-less from my mom! Such over the top, almost Seussian paper covered this tiny box and I had the perfect amount of ribbon this glittery, polka-dotted ribbon to give it an adorable tuxedo bow-tie. Definitely one of my favorites. 

I love the juxtaposition of the "fancy" paper with the rustic bow. It really brings out the  outdoorsy subject of the paper: birds and trees. A very balance package.

This is more of the paper from Brad's grandparents. I kept the plaid fabric strip from last year. I love the "Christmas plaid", and the rough edges. It feels resourceful, and I imagine the people that live in the cabin (pictured just to the left of the bow) would have tied up their gifts similarly.  The end result feels very "heritage".

I think this was my favorite bow, although it was close, this year. This package positively glowed , under the tree. Traditional red and green,; beautiful, supple ribbon. Just a treat for the eyes! 

Looking back, I should have also photographed my mom's masterful wrapping, but that will have to wait for next year...