{ via }

I so want to recreate this on the chalkboard in our kitchen. But Todd doesn’t like the idea. Because he’s lame.

{ via }

Photo: Rie Elise Larsen { via Decor8 }

We all use wrapping and tissue paper for the obvious, but with so much beautiful, reasonably-priced paper available, there are many more options than simple gifting.

To be perfectly honest, I do not like crafts all that much, but I LOVE wrapping paper.  I am known for my overenthusiastic gift wrapping.  My philosophy?  Make the wrap beautiful and special and the trim simple (I usually opt for silk ribbon from Paper Source).  For this reason, I have an overage of amazing sheet wrap.  Lately, I’ve been thinking about how one might use this relatively cheap item for something other than gift wrapping.

I’ve shared my thoughts, from simple ideas to more involved projects.  My goal is to spark your creativity and utilize what could only be considered as dirt-cheap art.  I have also included a short list of resources at the end of the post.

Enjoy!

Idea No. 1 | Framed

Greeting cards, postcards and wrap are an inexpensive, highly accessible and beautiful option for framed art.  I’ve already shared how I sometimes frame cards, and wrap can be utilized in much the same manner, while affording you even more options.  And, given your individual style, the possibilities are endless.  Wrap can be framed in a series, a cluster or a knockout over-sized piece.

Another great idea is to locate a tiered easel display for showcasing wrap.  My boss has done this in his office, using all red to orange tones.  It’s beautiful!

Photo: Darling Darleen

Photo: Rang Decor

Photo: Madison Magazine

Photo: Penny

Photo: Craft Stylish

Photo: Another Shade Of Grey

Photo: Apartment Therapy Los Angeles

Idea No. 2 | Rolled In A Vase

I do this quite a bit, actually, I have a large pot filled with rolled wrap behind my monitor at work, and a tall skinny vase at my home desk showcasing a few pieces of brightly-colored handmade wrap.  It looks dramatic and lasts longer than flowers!

Photo: Penny

Photo: Penny

Photo: Rie Elise Larsen { via Decor8 }

Idea No. 3 | Pinned To A Bulletin Board

Wrap adds a lovely design element to a basic bulletin board when pinned on as a backdrop.  Also?  If you’re stuck in a cubicle for 8 hours a day, hanging some pretty sheets of wrap in your workspace will cheer you up instantly.

Photos: Penny

Ideal No. 4 | Book Covers

Take a cue from your 8 year-old self and cover your books with wrap.  This is also an excellent idea for gifting, especially if the recipient is embarking on a voyage.  Just add ribbon!

Another idea?  Wrap basic matchboxes and give them as gifts along with a great candle.

Photo: Penny

Idea No. 5 | Modified As Ribbon

I often use wrap to create mock-ribbon when I am either out of ribbon or feel like wrapping a gift to look more graphic.  Don’t be concerned with creating perfectly symmetrical strips; cut a long piece of wrap, fold either side inward and allow it to lay unevenly.  It will look more compelling.

Photos: Penny

Idea No. 6 | Line Your Drawers, Cart Or Tray

An excellent option for drawers housing clothing or to spruce up a drinks or appetizer tray.

Another idea? Line a shoddy looking cocktail tray with wrap to give it a shock of color.

Photo: Crafty Nest

Photo: Apartment Therapy Los Angeles

Idea No. 7 | Place Mats & Table Runners

Use these Jardin Japonais and Fruits Deguises paper placemats as inspiration for creating your own.  Great for fun summer parties!

Photos: Bunny Maxwell

Idea No. 8 | Paper Flowers

The possibilities are endless here; you can affix them to large branches for a spring centerpiece, use them as cupcake toppers or pin them to your lapel.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Idea No. 9 | Handmade Greeting Cards

Card-makers (notably Papyrus) already do this, so why don’t you?

Card: ThePoint

Card: Blue Cake & Buttercup

Photo: Penny

Photo: Penny

Idea No. 10 | Light It Up

“Reupholster” a simple lamp.  Choose a non-embellished wrap.  I covered the lamp (from IKEA) below at my office.

Another idea?  Wrap strips of paper around plain candles.

Photo: Penny

Other Ideas

• Tissue Paper Eggs { via Martha Stewart }
• Paper Luminaries { via Martha Stewart }
• Can Planters { via Apartment Therapy Los Angeles }
• Paper Cones { create funnel cone shapes using wrap, fill them up with crackers, popcorn or favors and feature them at your next party }

Favorite Resources

• Flax { if you’re ever in SF you must stop in and check out their awesome selection of sheeted wrap }
• Papyrus { they carry some lovely handmade wraps sourced from South Asia and a nice selection of Cavallini sheeted wrap }
• Paper Mojo { a great online assortment, which you can search for by color }
• Paper Source
• Kate’s Paperie

Too bad I don’t wear my jewelry more often…

I finally grew tired of this.  Even though I don’t wear jewelry that often, I have a fair amount, and trying to manipulate a necklace out of a knot during my rush out in the morning was getting annoying.

As I said in my very first post, I have a bit of an obsession with bulletin boards.  I tear a LOT of stuff out of magazines and often sketch, and these items tend to accumulate on my boards.  I have three at my office and two at home.  I decided to hang my jewelry on a board, using wooden thumb-pins and sewing pins.  I simply layered them over all the crap I had thrown up on the board in our bedroom.

Image: Penny

I’ve LOVED this.  Nothing gets tangled, I can find things easily, and I love the way it looks.  Although, it might be too “messy” for some.

I was planning on sending in my Bright Idea to the folks at Apartment Therapy, but discovered that they had already covered this issue.  Scooped!  Check out their posts on jewelry for other great ideas.  My personal favorite?  The display using a simple, wooden lattice coat  hanger.

Image: Penny

Image: Solaana’s Flickr via Apartment Therapy

Note: Please forgive my awful photography.  I am trying to learn how to use our camera to produce quality photographs, but it’s been a challange.

I stumbled upon a great idea from reader Leigh over at The Kitchn (Apartment Therapy), who suggested using cheesecloth to create small bags of mulling spices for cider and wine. She topped each bag with a wine cork (Charles Shaw….cheap!) and included instructions for mulling.

I absolutely love this idea for friends, coworkers or a hostess gift.

Image: Leigh of Kumquat Connection