A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to attend a gift wrapping workshop conducted by the renowned Jane Means. I was really excited as I'm really big on crafting and this would value add to my diapercake business (rhapNroll). If you haven't already known Jane, she is an author, a presenter and a designer who in her early days, made bespoke cards and wedding stationery which became very successful. She was commissioned to make a card for the Queen (which later went on display in Buckingham Palace Mews). By the late 90's, she decided to start her own gift wrapping training academy. I've never knew that there's a training academy for gift wrapping and to learn from the "Gift Wrap Guru" is indeed such an honour. Jane not only trains staff for Harrods, provided a luxury gift wrapping service for Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel just to name a few, she has also designed a signature style for YSL and has appeared live in the windows of Liberty London. Clients travel worldwide to attend her workshops in UK and Singapore. Clients travel worldwide to attend her workshops in the UK and Singapore.
Here's sharing some of the stuff I learnt at the workshop:
This simple gift wrap was done with cellophane paper bought from Diaso! Economical yet so pretty!
I've always battled with wrapping odd shaped items but Jane showed how easy it actually is. The trick is to use tension. Also, if you need to hide the design of your tin, wrap a dark colour tissue inside and a light coloured out. And look how a duo-tone pom pom added life to the entire piece. Pretty isn't it?
This was a fabric rose made using a wired ribbon. I didn't even know such things existed! She even prepared tutorial cards! How thoughtful! You can find the tutorial here.
The beautiful flower added such a nice touch to the wrapping. It adds an instant luxury decoration to your gifts. A great alternative to bows. Tip: you could even spray on some fragrance to give it a special touch.
Dying to decorate your home or next party with some pom poms? did you know you could actually do it yourself!
A simple envelope created just with a few folds.
I've always encountered much difficulty when tying the perfect bow. Jane suggested that we place a little rose bud made of ric rac ribbon to cover up any unsightly knots. It instantly brightens the present don't you think? Back to tying the perfect bow. You can find a tutorial here, but Jane's advice is to pause and look and arrange before you tighten things. It's that easy!
At the end of it, I even received a certificate of completion! Talent unlocked!
The entire workshop was conducted with this as our backdrop. What a fabulous way to spend my Saturday! A real treat!
Was delighted to have made new friends:
Front : Jane Means
The wrapping expert has a dedicated team and now designs her own ribbon collections. This is such an inspiration for all crafters! Her well recognised ribbons can be found online. She also has a team of experienced Ribbon Bloggers who regularly post DIY tutorials and craft ideas using the company's ribbons and craft products.
Jane Means recently also launched her global book ' 'Giftwrapped' and has produced her DVD 'The Art of Gift Wrapping' . Psst: If you want a peak to her book, you can check it out here.
So if you are inspired to start dressing up your gifts and creating a neatly swathed gift that looks stylish and presentable, get in touch with Jane and her team for the dates on her workshops or connect with her via the following social platforms: Pinterest, Twitter @janemeans; Jane Mean's blog and Instagram!
Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the above workshop. No monetary compensation is involved. All opinions are of my own.
