Statistics indicate that half of the paper consumed in the U.S. is used to wrap presents, and the amount of 'cards sold during the holiday season would fill a football field 10 stories high and require the harvesting of nearly 300,000 trees.' Regardless of the accuracy of the numbers, there's no doubt that, for all the splendor of the holiday season, there is an excessive amount of waste which spikes around the time that people are ripping open envelopes, unwrapping presents, and struggling with the ridiculous packaging that everything comes entombed in these days. For this reason, many sites have emphasized the importance of being 'green' during the holidays, and this year, the internet is overflowing with tips for those who wish to lessen those staggering statistics. Maybe you'll have noticed that, even as early as 1962, Better Homes & Gardens demonstrated the versatility and reusability of items that would otherwise have headed to the landfill. Sure, thriftiness was a major motive behind the inclusion of these handcrafted items, as was the personal satisfaction that comes with using your imagination and creating something. Unfortunately, it seems that these sentiments hold less weight in the modern world. I think that a lot of the ideas in this volume are very timely (and adaptable to anyone's taste), even if you're not particularly attracted to the styles presented.
I'm sure some of you haven't wrapped your presents yet.. Here's a little inspiration for you!
A cute Muppet-nosed Santa and a ballerina in three-dimensional tutu.
The artsy designs using small ornaments are especially nice!
'Everybody likes wrappings smartly done'!
My favorite is the one 'for the gal who has a touch of gypsy in her heart'!
And what's a present without a card?! Pop-up cards you can make yourself (if you can comprehend the instructions).
More pop-up fun!
As a side note, if you love the designs of 1960s wrapping paper (for all occasions), I highly recommend All Wrapped Up!: Groovy Gift Wrap Of The 60s by Kevin Akers. The book certainly doesn't skimp on the visuals!
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