Scrap Cloth Gift Wrap

This is oh so easy and uses up the extras you have on hand. DON'T, I repeat, DON'T go out an spend lots 'o money on this. That's the whole point- to make it pretty without the cost.

This is my dwindling box of ribbons. I usually have much, much more but after making many tassels and little girls making "crafts", my stash is low. Below are some of the fabrics I save after projects. I don't throw away fabric scraps unless they are just teeny tiny. One day several years ago while at the local fabric store, my 2 youngest girls were picking their favorite fabrics and making sure they each took a swatch. I'll admit that I was not paying attention (yes, terrible mom) because they were following me very quietly and obediently everywhere I went. It wasn't until we got home that I discovered the hundreds of little squares (well, not really hundreds but LOTS) stuffed in pockets. Thank goodness they have good taste. Those swatches have proved useful many times over.

First, pick a color scheme and gather your fabrics.

Next, cut strips about 6 inches long or so. They can be 1/2 - 1 inch thick...or whatever you like!

These packages were wrapped in simple white tissue paper. I'm not a big fan of the generic shirt box and like my gifts to be a bit more unique looking. After wrapping in the paper of your choice, tie a pretty ribbon in a knot around your gift. Next, layer a few strips of fabric on the knot and tie again. Repeat until you have used all fabric strips. Because you are only tying a few fabric pieces at a time, they will naturally spread out after tying the knot with ribbon. Notice the fraying ribbon? I like to think that makes the gift look better- don't you think? At least that's what I tell myself so I don't have to cut them all off.

On this gift I tied one of my "so famous" tassels. Yes, I and my tassels are famous around these parts.....or at least I like to pretend I am.:)

And voila- finished gifts!! Now, go gather all your scraps and begin!

In Him,

E