It's a wrap! Furoshiki, eco-friendly wrapping.

50% off Christmas fabrics!  Hit the fabric stores!  They won't be crowded like the malls 2 days before Christmas.  You'll find good deals on Christmas fabric that you can reuse for many years later.  Just make sure you ask for the wrapping back after the gift is opened :).

A few years back I stocked up on Christmas fabric and real ribbon.  I cut it in generous sizes, and fold it to the appropriate size, as needed.  The first few years I struggled with how to keep the gift secure in its wrapping.  I even used scotch tape which just DOESN'T cling to fabric like it does to paper.  This year, I was inspired by another blogger, Mommy Footprint, who directed me to a youtube link called Furochic.  Mommy Footprint also sells the 2-sided Furochic wrapping in her online store Green Planet Parties.  Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths frequently used to transport clothing, goods and gifts.  

This totally inspiring video taught me a few basic techniques and now, despite my fabric not being double-sided and the edges not hemmed (I'll get to that some day) I finally found ways to wrap my gifts without the need for tape.  Furochic demonstrates methods of folding, tying, and rolling to make fantastic wrapping for any shape.  You can even make handles for your gifts.  I am in love... 

Furoshiki eliminates the need for disposable wrapping paper.  Americans spend billions of dollars a year on wrapping paper, and for what other than beauty?  It is all torn off and thrown away, for the most part.  You can make beautiful wrapping from fabric.  It lasts for years, is much more eco-friendly, and in the long run, is much more economical. 

So, this evening I wrapped it up.  I am (almost) done all my Christmas gifts and wrapping.  The flannelet nightgowns and pjs I made for the nieces, nephews and my own kids, are wrapped in fabric.  Despite the fantastic video, my attempts are very amateur, but pleasing enough to me.  Although unnecessary, I used ribbon as well, and some non-furoshiki methods.   The candy cane sugar scrub for my older nieces and sisters are in glass jars and decorated with fabric, ribbon and candy canes.  A few large items are still needing some attention, but I think the size and excitement involved will require very little wrapping.  We were able to find second hand, excellent condition toys for our three children.  Done, done done!  Merry Christmas everyone!

This post has been linked to Common Sense Homesteading: Living Well Blog Hop and Frugally Sustainable's Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #6.