Wood Veneer Bow Gift Topper from Pretty Packages



A DIY excerpt from the new book Pretty Packages by Sally Shim 

Today we're thrilled to be showcasing a DIY from Sally Shim's new book,  Pretty Packages from Chronicle Books.  We are also giving away two books to two lucky readers.  Just leave a comment in the comments section at this post or on our post on instagram and we will pick two winners Wednesday morning.  Good luck and check out this cool wood veneer project from the book!




Wood veneer is a fun material to work with and provides texture and visual interest to any gift. You can find wood veneer at woodworking suppliers or at some paper stores. To bend the wood veneer without cracking it, you can either use steam or place it in water. The wood veneer bow takes a bit of time to make because of the drying time, but it is worth the effort. You can make several wood bows at one time and store them for future gift-wrapping projects.
Makes 1 bow

MATERIALS
Two pieces of wood veneer; one 1 by 6 in/2.5 by 15 cm, one ½ by 2 in/12 mm by 5 cm
Wood glue
Wrapped gift

TOOLS
Bowl of hot water
Towel
Clothespins

Bright Ideas
Use wool felt instead of wood veneer to make a bow. After you make your bow, use a paint pen to write a message on the wood veneer.



How To
1 Place the two wood veneer pieces in the bowl of hot water. Let them soak for 2 to 3 minutes. Use the towel to pat them dry. Bend the ends of the larger wood piece under to form the main bow shape, so that the ends meet in the middle of the bow.
2 Bend the smaller piece of wood veneer so that it wraps around the larger wood piece and overlaps the middle of the bow.
3 Use the clothespin to hold the wood veneer pieces in this shape. Let the wooden bow dry for 24 hours.
4 Remove the clothespins and place a dab of wood glue on the inside of the bow to reinforce it. Put a dab of wood glue on the smaller piece of wood veneer to secure where it overlaps the bow. Put clothespins on the wooden bow again to hold it in place. Let the glue dry for 24 hours.
5 Remove the clothespins and attach the wood veneer bow topper to your wrapped gift using wood glue. Let dry for 1 hour.

Background information on Sally's book in her own words:

As a designer and mother of two boys I am always seeking creative inspiration in my everyday life. And as a long-time lover of pretty packaging, I was inspired to write a book about simple yet thoughtful gift-wrapping. Since giving gifts is a part of our everyday life, the inspiration for Pretty Packages was to foster creativity through gift-wrapping. The book gives the reader the creative inspiration to package gifts with a personal touch by teaching the techniques to make handmade gift-wrap, gift tags, toppers, and more.

Pretty Packages contains 45 step-by-step gift-wrapping and packaging projects perfect for beginner and advanced crafters. The book walks you through how to turn a simple package into a creative and personalized gift that the recipient will be excited to receive. The projects in the book will not only inspire you to create pretty packages for gift giving, but will also give you ideas about packaging party and wedding favors as well as branding for your business.

Pretty Packages is divided into three sections: 1) Wrapping Paper, 2) Gift Boxes, Bags, & Toppers and 3) Gift Tags & Ribbon. The book also covers essential materials and tools needed to create your own pretty packages as well as various gift-wrapping and ribbon tying techniques. Each project includes two “bright ideas”-- variations to further customize your package.

You can find more information about the book and the range of projects here.

Update:  Congrats to @silvershedgirl (on instagram) and Veronica Roman! You are the winners! Please email us with your address at poppytalkblog@yahoo.ca


Jan Halvarson

38 comments:

Jess said...

eee I want this book!! So lovely!

Dale said...

Seems like a great book, I'd absolutely love to win a copy of it!

diorinspired said...

Lovely ideas great giveaway!

Ashtynne said...

How adorable!

chelsea said...

Such a fun idea! Might be fun to try this a wood print vinyl so you could wear the bows too!

Imaginary Confetti Club said...

That book looks lovely!

lazyexplorers(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Such a cute way to spruce up old wrapping paper! I would love to win the book!

Unknown said...

Such a pretty usefull book. This days (and since i love shopping) the best way to diy a present and make it feel unique is packaging, it takes a lot to make it pretty too! So, congrats to that!!

Just Sew Jana said...

Would love this book, it looks like so much fun!!

Julie said...

Ooh I love this tutorial! Must try. :) I've got Pretty Packages on my Christmas list. Fingers crossed Christmas comes early! :)

Bo said...

i lovvveeeeee it

Sarah M said...

Yes, please! :)
Sarah M

Unknown said...

Je suis une fan des jolies packages ^_^
Merci pour tout tes partages !
J'adore

Kate @ Busy Bee Kate said...

Would love to win… looks like a fun book to learn from!

Alyssa Stepien said...

perfect since the holidays are approaching!

Julie Wood said...

This book looks gorgeous! I'd be absolutely thrilled to win :)

Unknown said...

Such a sweet idea! I am getting married this December (eeeeek) and I can see this book coming in handy. Thanks for sharing!

63 grader nord said...

Love to win this, keep my finger crossed :)

Lili said...

Just lovely! Looks like a great book!

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

I'd la la LOVE to win this!

Unknown said...

Looks awesome! I would love to win this! :)

Colleen said...

Love this bow! And there's nothing better than a gift given some DIY love so this book would be amazing to win!

Unknown said...

Would love to win this book, it looks awesome!

BRENDA BIT said...

Love the idea of bringing wood into a "non-wood working" situation. Lovely + outside the box!

Pick me please :-)

BoyanaBoneva said...

Looks great and full of beautiful ideas!!!!
Would love to have it:)))

Unknown said...

Would love to win this!! Love it :)

Unknown said...

Would love to win this!! Love it :)

Jenne said...

Oh I would love the book!

Jenni said...

What an awesome book! I love cutely wrapped packages but feel like mine are always lame! I can't wait to check it out and hope I win it!! :)

Unknown said...

Oh wow! So cute! I just love it! Have to have one of those books!! :-)

marisa said...

This bow is so clever! Sally always has such great wrapping ideas.

Unknown said...

Oh wow! Sooo cute! Love this book, i have to have one! :-)

Kerry Grbich said...

Looks like a fabulous book with lots of fun ideas! I would love to own a copy of this book.
Best wishes

Unknown said...

Looks super cute! Would love to win and have some new creative ways to give gifts! Thanks!

nannydino said...

I would love to own this book, I'm always looking for new ideas for packaging.

Lucy said...

Would love to win this and try all the amazing ideas!

sdp said...

What a wonderful book, just in time to start planning unique holiday wrapping!

Jan Halvarson said...

Congrats to @silvershedgirl (on instagram) and Veronica Roman! You are the winners! Please email us with your address at poppytalkblog@yahoo.ca