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