Pages

Thursday 13 October 2011

How to ... wrap the perfect GIFT!

Since we've talked in ur previous post about how to ... buy the perfect gift. It's time for gift wrapping!
In Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the receiver's name and the giver's name.
In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck.
In Japanese culture, wrapping paper and boxes are common. However, the traditional cloth wrapping called furoshiki is increasing in popularity, particularly as an ecologically friendly alternative to wrapping paper.
In Korean culture, bojagi are sometimes used for gift wrapping. A yedanbo is a ceremonial gift bojagi used to wrap wedding gifts from the bride's family to the members of the groom's.

Nowadays, people are more interested in Green gift wrapping ideas, especially the 'do-it-yourself' gift wrap ideas. Christmas is in 2 months time, here is a Do-It-Yourself Christmas gift wrap idea:


Tin Foil- Not Just For Sandwiches and TV AntennasThis material is the perfect fix for those odd-shaped presents, since it can be manipulated to hug whatever item you cover in it. Or even wrap your boxed gifts with this reflective foil for an eye-catching shine reminscent of Christmas tree tinsel.
What You’ll Need: 1 sheet of tin foil, ribbon or paper strip
How It’s Done: Set the gift on center of the sheet of tin foil and draw the sides up and pull the ends together at the top. Using the ribbon, make a bow to tie the ends together.

references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_wrapping
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/handmade-christmas-gift-wrap-ideas/

See here for a detailed demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wp2dxIAocI
Now you know how to wrap a present, here are some ideas of things to wrap your present with!
Tissue paper is often cheaper than regular tissue paper, and come in a variety of colours. A sheet of white tissue paper underneath a sheet of bright coloured tissue paper, teamed with some ribbons looks great!

Why not share your laughs from the Sunday paper with the recipient of the gift? Save the comics section of the Sunday paper and use the paper to wrap your gift.

Is your recipient a big music fan? Why not wrap their present in sheets of music? Or how about pictures of their favourite singer/band?

Plain paper can be used to wrap presents, and can provide a great backdrop for a unique ribbon or bow.

Keep it simple by wrapping a present in brown paper. Draw pictures, use stamps, write messages and other creative artwork to add a personal touch and tie with a piece of string to finish!
Fabric is a great alternative idea to wrap your presents. Fabric comes in different colours, sizes, textures and patterns. Fabric can be bought at many shops, and buying a wide variety of fabrics can be as cheap as buying wrapping paper.
Other ideas include maps, alluminium foil, tape, layering with different materials, as well as using children's artworks and buttons, bells and beads to decorate your gift.
And if you really want to make the recipient laugh, why not try something unconventional?For Example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm3dm5J5r0A&feature=grec_index Happy Giftwrapping :)

Tuesday 4 October 2011

How To… Buy the perfect gift

In this post, we're talking how to give a gift that will be well recieved.

1.     Set yourself a budget

·        By doing this you will relieve the stress many people suffer when trying to find a good present because they have no idea how much to spend, which makes present selection incredibly difficult.



2.     What sort of reaction are you trying to gain from the recipient?

·        Do you want them to find the gift funny, or is it something you wish them to cherish and keep for a long time?



3.     What type of person is your recipient?

·        For example, practical people tend to prefer something they can use, whereas other types of people prefer decorative things.



4.     What colours do they like or usually wear?

·        This will give insight into what you may look for if you choose to buy them accessories or clothing (however, buying them clothing may be a poor choice if you do not know their exact size, as giving someone clothing that does not fit can cause many a headache getting the problem fixed)



5.     Does the person have a particular hobby or special interest (i.e. reading books, playing computer games, fishing, etc.)

·        Gifts that complement the interests of your recipient (bookstore gift cards for example) will guarantee that it will be well received.



6.     Think about the things that have happened to your recipient recently.

·        If someone has moved house, then presents they can use to fill the house are a good starting point in your search.



7.     Give a gift that can be personalised or even make them a gift yourself.

·        Things like photo frames can be personalised with pictures and the frames can be decorated, and gifts that have been made rather than bought both save the budget, and are more greatly appreciated, as this shows that you have really made an effort to try and please them.



8.     If all else fails, flowers are always a safe bet, especially with a nice card J



images sourced:
http://www.kiamacricketclub.com/pageitem.aspx?id=34330
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Why-Laughter-is-Contagious-43779.shtml
http://www.homedecorativeitems.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_37&products_id=384
http://whenisthebesttimetoshop.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/accessories-for-women/
http://www.princesswarriorlessons.com/2011/06/five-books-that-changed-who-i-am.html
http://www.landscapingideasdecorating.net/living-room-ideas/
http://www.free-photo-frames.com/
http://www.flowerbouquetdesign.net/flowers/

Sunday 2 October 2011

How to ... make an Origami Crane

As Origami Crane is the most well known of all the origami models because it symbolises world peace, we've chosen to show you how to make an Origami Crane :) One may wonder, why does origami crane symbolises world peace. Well, an ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The Thousand Origami Cranes has become a symbol of world peace through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who tried to stave off her death from leukaemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during WWII by making one thousand origami cranes, having folded only 644 before her death, and that her friends completed and buried them all with her.


As we all know, an 8.9 earthquake struck Japan on March 11th, triggering tsunami tidal waves on the northeast part of Japan. Let us pray for all those victims and also for the souls who departed us. By folding one origami crane will sure send our love to those victims and their families.


1. Start with a square piece of paper, coloured side up.
Fold the top corner of the paper down to the bottom corner. Crease and open again. Then fold the paper in half sideways.



2. Turn the paper over to the white side.
Fold the paper in half, crease well and open, and then fold again in the other direction.



3. Using the creases you have made, Bring the top 3 corners of the model down to the bottom corner. Flatten model.

4. Fold top triangular flaps into the centre and unfold

5. Fold top of model downwards, crease well and unfold


6. Open the uppermost flap of the model, bringing it upwards and pressing the sides of the model inwards at the same time.
Flatten down, creasing well.

7. Turn model over and repeat Steps 4-6 on the other side.

8. Fold top flaps into the centre.

9. Repeat on other side, so your model looks like this.

10. Fold both ‘legs’ of model up, crease very well, then unfold.


11. Inside Reverse Fold the “legs” along the creases you just made.



12. Inside Reverse Fold one side to make a head, then fold down the wings



Finished Crane!!! ^-^






References: 
http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-crane.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_origami_cranes