Gift Wrap: Birthday Animals (Dinosaurs)

September 26, 2018

Filed Under : Gift Wrap + Packaging

We were heading to a birthday party for one of Henry’s friends, and last minute, I decided that it was high time I took photos for the blog. Originally, I wasn’t perfectly content with how this wrapped gift turned out, but I’m glad that I made myself snap some photos anyways because looking at it now, it definitely has my heart. I’m thinking it’s all in that dinosaur wrapping paper.

I had already purchased the wrapping paper at Home Goods, and used that as the sole inspiration for this. The party animals (dinosaurs in this case) were rocking their party hats and holding balloons—and they were just asking for a balloon topper.

Things to grab:
• The usuals: scissors, glue, double sided tape
• Party animal gift wrap
If you have a second box to wrap like I did, glitter gift wrap was my first choice for a companion.
• Colored cardstock in five different colors
• Sturdy wire
I didn’t have any on hand, so I swapped this out for some small rose gold paper clips and bent them into the shape I needed.
• 1″ wide square piece of rigid foam, about half an inch tall
• Metallic wired tinsel fringe ribbon

To start, get your gift(s) wrapped up, stacked if needed, and tied up with the ribbon. I’m not a huge fan of wired ribbons, but I opted for a wired style this time around to create fun loops to help the balloons look more perky. Set that aside.

I used a laser cutter to make my paper balloons, but if your tool is a pair of scissors, it can be easily done using a template that you pre-make yourself or search for on the internet. Once your balloons are cut out, poke a hole towards the bottom of each one and slip a wire through (or straightened paper clips like I did). Fold the top end of the wire over and then twist around to secure. I had to use pliers for this as I was using stiff paper clips. My balloons flopped over anyways after doing this since I couldn’t successfully twist snugly enough, so I added a dap of glue where the wire and paper met.

Glue your small foam piece under the ribbon bow, then simply poke the balloons into it. The foam keeps the balloons from falling over, but can be unsightly if it’s too big. If it doesn’t tuck away neatly enough, try painting it the same color as the wrapping paper or making it smaller.

Done!

The Hiatus is Over!

September 19, 2018

Filed Under : News

The title of this post says it all. It’s true—I’m coming back to blogging, to social media, and we’re only just beginning. You might have noticed that I dropped it all (*cough cough* massive understatement) and pretty much became invisible unless there was an occasional post on Instagram—and even then that’s dropped off these last months. Anastasia Marie has only been alive in the Shop and that’s because these last years I’ve been pulling myself back in order to be present with my little guys more. There’s so much that I wanted to do, but the thing I wanted to do most was be a mama. I’m not sorry for “slacking off” but I definitely missed it. So now that I’m not doing this solo anymore (more details to come on that later), I will finally have time to do more of this. I certainly hope that the few who lingered in hopes I’d fire up this old blog again are cheering with me (and telling their friends too).

Starting next week, I’ll be publishing posts every week. I’m still playing around with ideas on what types of posts I’m going to continue publishing from my old schedule and which ones I’m going to set aside. If you guys have any ideas, I’d love to hear them!

Our Jack

June 6, 2017

Filed Under : Personal

It’s been super quiet around here, but not without reason. I totally spaced out on updating my blog with the news that our second son arrived on March 1st. I don’t plan on posting too much for another few months; we’ll see how things go with our new addition. In the meantime, take a look at this cutie of ours!

Gift Wrap: Woven Sparkle

December 8, 2016

Filed Under : Gift Wrap + Packaging - Paper Projects

woven glitter gold gift wrap // ANASTASIA MARIE

Weaving ribbon together can create quite the timeless wrapped gift. For todays’ gift wrap idea, it’s perfect for the holidays. Whether it’s a Christmas present or a winter birthday, sparkle can never go wrong this time of year! Here’s what you need to re-create this look (click on the links below to source items):

Gift box
Gold kraft wrapping paper
Open-weave wired ribbon
Gold glitter velvet ribbon
Gold center stripe ribbon
Ivory cotton string

Scissors
Double-sided tape

Start by wrapping your boxed gift with your wrapping paper, using the double-sided tape to secure the flaps. Next, wrap the open-weave ribbon around the box across the longest length. Tie the two ends together in the back using the cotton string.

Then start weaving! Use the gold glitter velvet to weave through the middle portion of the open-weave ribbon. Tie the two ends in the back with a small knot. Repeat with the gold center striper ribbon on the two outer portions of the open-weave ribbon and knot those as well in the back. If you’d like, you can tie on a mini burlap tag to finish it off.

woven glitter gold gift wrap // ANASTASIA MARIEwoven glitter gold gift wrap // ANASTASIA MARIEwoven glitter gold gift wrap // ANASTASIA MARIE