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The Soul of Gift Wrapping: Creative Techniques for Expressing Gratitude, Inspired by the Japanese Art of Giving
With a combination of inventive wrapping designs, inspiring personal essays, and step-by-step techniques, Megumi Inouye invites readers to transform the act of wrapping into a gratitude practice. Drawing on the gift-giving traditions of her Japanese heritage, Inouye explores how the act of giving a thoughtfully wrapped gift can be a creative, caring act for both the giver and the receiver. Using recycled and repurposed materials, Inouye’s approach inspires readers to think intentionally about the presentation of every gift, whether it's a tip for an unseen hotel housekeeper, a simple gift of fresh fruit for a neighbor, or a special birthday gift for a beloved family member. Detailed step-by-step photos teach Inouye's artful approach to every aspect of wrapping—including tape-free folding, paper and fabric bows, clever message tags, and one-of-a-kind approaches for odd-shaped items—and guide readers in creating their own unique gift presentations.
- GenresNonfictionArtCrafts
208 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
3 people are currently reading
2438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 22, 2024
With the holidays around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to spotlight this beautiful book in case anybody wants to do some special gift wrapping.
🎁I loved how The Soul of Gift Wrapping elevated a simple act into an art form. Megumi Inouye's passion for the craft shines through, turning each wrapped gift into a personal expression of love.
🎁I also enjoyed how the book emphasized the cultural significance and traditions behind gift wrapping.
🎁Promoting recycled and repurposed materials was a brilliant aspect of the book that I throughly enjoyed and will be able to incorporate during this holiday season.
🎁I never considered that gift wrapping could be considered a mindful activity, but this book presents a beautiful approach that encourages mindfulness and connection in each wrapped gift.
🎁I loved how The Soul of Gift Wrapping elevated a simple act into an art form. Megumi Inouye's passion for the craft shines through, turning each wrapped gift into a personal expression of love.
🎁I also enjoyed how the book emphasized the cultural significance and traditions behind gift wrapping.
🎁Promoting recycled and repurposed materials was a brilliant aspect of the book that I throughly enjoyed and will be able to incorporate during this holiday season.
🎁I never considered that gift wrapping could be considered a mindful activity, but this book presents a beautiful approach that encourages mindfulness and connection in each wrapped gift.
November 7, 2023
This book reminded me of my childhood time when we used to wrap gifts at home for occasions. Specially somebody's birthday. Megumi explained so many ways to wrap so many things, here, in this book. But one thing that I seek less here is the proper steps for many wrapping techniques which makes it bit tiresome while doing any such SOP as to have no clue on where to fold and unfold the paper to get mentioned design.
Overall, this is a great book and meant to be kept to take ideas from, when gifting someone with our own work.
Overall, this is a great book and meant to be kept to take ideas from, when gifting someone with our own work.
February 9, 2024
5 ⭐️
What a beautiful book. Beautiful imagery and a poetic writing style. Crafters and those passionate for gifting will appreciate this artistic practice of intentional wrapping as a reflection of the gift’s meaning, offering the highest symbol of gratitude.
The author’s 30+ years of practice and passion for her culture’s tradition is so romantic that I can feel her heart melting through the pages. This is no longer about a gift, it’s about a way of life and love ❤️
These words capture the essence of the practice:
-Simplistic
-Intentional
-Sustainable
-Wabi Sabi
-Furoshiki
-Eco-friendly
-Kintsugi
-Gratitude
“Repurposing unlocks beauty and transformational energy”
This book offers a tangible guide full of gorgeous and simplistic rustic designs using everyday materials to enchant your gifts to loved ones.
Toss aside your tape, because this book doesn’t use it! You’ll learn how to fold, tuck, tie, layer, pleat, band, bind as well as how make flower, bow and origami appliqués for gifts of all shapes and sizes, including a wine bottle.
As a crafter, and fan of origami and up-cycling I will definitely be implementing some of these ideas! Here was my first attempt: https://imgur.com/gallery/wirIefs
Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Megumi Inouye for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What a beautiful book. Beautiful imagery and a poetic writing style. Crafters and those passionate for gifting will appreciate this artistic practice of intentional wrapping as a reflection of the gift’s meaning, offering the highest symbol of gratitude.
The author’s 30+ years of practice and passion for her culture’s tradition is so romantic that I can feel her heart melting through the pages. This is no longer about a gift, it’s about a way of life and love ❤️
These words capture the essence of the practice:
-Simplistic
-Intentional
-Sustainable
-Wabi Sabi
-Furoshiki
-Eco-friendly
-Kintsugi
-Gratitude
“Repurposing unlocks beauty and transformational energy”
This book offers a tangible guide full of gorgeous and simplistic rustic designs using everyday materials to enchant your gifts to loved ones.
Toss aside your tape, because this book doesn’t use it! You’ll learn how to fold, tuck, tie, layer, pleat, band, bind as well as how make flower, bow and origami appliqués for gifts of all shapes and sizes, including a wine bottle.
As a crafter, and fan of origami and up-cycling I will definitely be implementing some of these ideas! Here was my first attempt: https://imgur.com/gallery/wirIefs
Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Megumi Inouye for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 11, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I feel so honored to have read this book. I thought I would ''only'' be learning how to wrap gifts differently. But this book is so much more. The first part of the book felt like the author was sharing a part of her, her memories with me. For the gift wrapping tutorials part, the photos look easy enough to follow. I love that most of them don't use anything more than paper or fabric.
I feel so honored to have read this book. I thought I would ''only'' be learning how to wrap gifts differently. But this book is so much more. The first part of the book felt like the author was sharing a part of her, her memories with me. For the gift wrapping tutorials part, the photos look easy enough to follow. I love that most of them don't use anything more than paper or fabric.
May 5, 2024
Holy cow, what a great resource book! I’m totally hooked and ready to try all these terrific gift wrapping ideas ASAP. Can’t wait to buy copies of this book for a few of my more creative friends. This is really right up my alley - thanks!
September 20, 2023
A lovely book on sustainable, mindful and beautiful gift wrapping. Learn how to wrap without ANY tape, and create gorgeous boxes, envelopes and embellishments sustainably. The author points out the pleasure and importance of taking the time to care about the wrapping, the giving and even the unwrapping. Techniques used are largely origami based, but easy to do with little in the way of equipment you won’t already have. She even uses fabrics with simple ties which will be great for awkward shaped gifts. I love wrapping gifts already, and look forward to learning with this book, and creating my own earth friendly and thoughtful wrappings.
March 23, 2024
Absolutely lovely and economically friendly to boot.
The Soul of Gift Wrapping is wonderful - showing how to craft beautiful and sustainable gift wrapping and packaging.
Recommended.
Thank you to Storey Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the PDF
The Soul of Gift Wrapping is wonderful - showing how to craft beautiful and sustainable gift wrapping and packaging.
Recommended.
Thank you to Storey Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the PDF
December 12, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Megumi Lorna Inouye for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This is such a lovely book, and I'm so excited to try all of the gift wrapping techniques I've seen! The instructions provided are so clear and easy to understand, as well as wonderfully depicted in photos shown for each step. I know it'll still take me lots of practice to get perfectly, but I think the learning along the way will be part of the fun. I also loved that there are also variations for some of the examples. It's something more to look forward to trying once you nail the original steps! This book is just maximum beauty and creativity that can go into gift wrapping. I loved the different materials that can be used for wrapping, everyday stuff I definitely already have but perhaps would never have thought to use.
I think my favorite part of this book is what it has to say about being grateful in connection to gift wrapping. I feel that I've come from this book having learned to see gift wrapping as an extension of the opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation done through gift-giving. This is really a special book that I think will motivate me to put more genuine care, love, and my own feelings of gratitude into how I wrap gifts! As well as giving me beautiful examples to help me try and do so!
I think my favorite part of this book is what it has to say about being grateful in connection to gift wrapping. I feel that I've come from this book having learned to see gift wrapping as an extension of the opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation done through gift-giving. This is really a special book that I think will motivate me to put more genuine care, love, and my own feelings of gratitude into how I wrap gifts! As well as giving me beautiful examples to help me try and do so!
September 6, 2023
When I first saw the book's cover and title, I was intrigued to read it. I love folding crafts especially origami but kinda lacking creativity in wrapping gifts. Hence I thought "this might be a good resource to learn more gift wrapping techniques, and also equips myself with another skills"
But little did I know, it is more than a 'how to wrap a gift beautifully'. No, it's not. It's way more than what i expected.
To be honest, the ending message touched my heart, in that slot, the author wrote about losing her loved one, and how she cope with it via art-making.
Little did I know that this gift wrapping thing is also a form of expressing our thoughts. Sometimes we cant express things blatantly and chose to subtlely integrate it in crafts and this is one of them.
I think it is a brilliant idea to include an array of short essays introducing the principle related to the craft, from wabi sabi, mottainai to kintsugi. I've always been interested in learning Japanese culture and I think the author did it a justice by integrating it throughout the book. As i read it, i kept on stopping to ponder on what's been written and how I can try to practice it in my life.
This approach makes the the reading a personalized experience, i felt like im a part of the author's life journey. Thank you for the sharing.
As of the gift wrapping techniques, there are a variety of shapes and forms included, accompanied with easy to understand instructions and pictures. The techniques shared are all interesting and creative, i might as well try making all of them in the future. Oh, how i wish i can have the physical copy!
P/s: i weirdly felt soothed when reading this book to the point i wanted to cry out all my grief. I've been dealing with loss of my loved one and yet, when I read all the author's life sharings, i felt like im reconnecting with my emotions on deeper level. I felt like it helps me to understand and see loss in a new light. Like how the author said:
"He said we honor the ones who have passed on not with sadness but with feelings of gratitude for what they have given us and continue to give us in their physical absence."
I will also find my ways to craft my emotions & feelings out. To the author, thank you for the embodiment of gratitude throughout the guide.
Last but not least, thank you netgalley for giving this book as an advanced reader copy, i truly enjoy it on a spiritual level and above are my thought of it.
But little did I know, it is more than a 'how to wrap a gift beautifully'. No, it's not. It's way more than what i expected.
To be honest, the ending message touched my heart, in that slot, the author wrote about losing her loved one, and how she cope with it via art-making.
Little did I know that this gift wrapping thing is also a form of expressing our thoughts. Sometimes we cant express things blatantly and chose to subtlely integrate it in crafts and this is one of them.
I think it is a brilliant idea to include an array of short essays introducing the principle related to the craft, from wabi sabi, mottainai to kintsugi. I've always been interested in learning Japanese culture and I think the author did it a justice by integrating it throughout the book. As i read it, i kept on stopping to ponder on what's been written and how I can try to practice it in my life.
This approach makes the the reading a personalized experience, i felt like im a part of the author's life journey. Thank you for the sharing.
As of the gift wrapping techniques, there are a variety of shapes and forms included, accompanied with easy to understand instructions and pictures. The techniques shared are all interesting and creative, i might as well try making all of them in the future. Oh, how i wish i can have the physical copy!
P/s: i weirdly felt soothed when reading this book to the point i wanted to cry out all my grief. I've been dealing with loss of my loved one and yet, when I read all the author's life sharings, i felt like im reconnecting with my emotions on deeper level. I felt like it helps me to understand and see loss in a new light. Like how the author said:
"He said we honor the ones who have passed on not with sadness but with feelings of gratitude for what they have given us and continue to give us in their physical absence."
I will also find my ways to craft my emotions & feelings out. To the author, thank you for the embodiment of gratitude throughout the guide.
Last but not least, thank you netgalley for giving this book as an advanced reader copy, i truly enjoy it on a spiritual level and above are my thought of it.
September 16, 2023
A book on wrapping gifts, that’s interesting! The book starts out with an introduction that explains the origins of this book and stories, personal discoveries, and historical context, uncovering why we wrap and what inspires me. Grounded in these principles of gratitude, I then share how to wrap, with step-by-step instructions for wrapping and embellishing any gift with intention and beauty.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the transformational, loving, healing, thought-provoking power of wrapping. The gift of gratitude is timeless and needed now more than ever.
The next chapters describe things like for example:
- The Comfort of Community (Celebrating time shared with others)
- A Tribute to Nature (Appreciating earth’s gifts)
- Payment in Gratitude (Adding soulful intentions to gifts of money)
- The Essence of the Gift (Building a frame to center our intentions)
- The Heart of Gratitude (Tending to oneself and others
There is a chapter on Preparations, what materials you can use, and on paper wrapping techniques. After all these introductions, stories and preparations, you come to the part where you find step-by-step instructions on how to wrap your gift, divided by square and rectangular items, flat items, round and cylindrical items (like a wine bottle) and other items. You can wrap your gift with paper but also with fabric, you can add all kinds of embellishments, like bows, flowers, bindings or message tags.
It’s more than just a ‘how-to-wrap’ book. This is a very elaborate book about wrapping but it also tells a story on giving, gratitude, appreciation and giving.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the transformational, loving, healing, thought-provoking power of wrapping. The gift of gratitude is timeless and needed now more than ever.
The next chapters describe things like for example:
- The Comfort of Community (Celebrating time shared with others)
- A Tribute to Nature (Appreciating earth’s gifts)
- Payment in Gratitude (Adding soulful intentions to gifts of money)
- The Essence of the Gift (Building a frame to center our intentions)
- The Heart of Gratitude (Tending to oneself and others
There is a chapter on Preparations, what materials you can use, and on paper wrapping techniques. After all these introductions, stories and preparations, you come to the part where you find step-by-step instructions on how to wrap your gift, divided by square and rectangular items, flat items, round and cylindrical items (like a wine bottle) and other items. You can wrap your gift with paper but also with fabric, you can add all kinds of embellishments, like bows, flowers, bindings or message tags.
It’s more than just a ‘how-to-wrap’ book. This is a very elaborate book about wrapping but it also tells a story on giving, gratitude, appreciation and giving.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2023
This is a book by Megumi Inouye, a gift wrapping and packaging artist. She uses sustainable wrapping designs without any tape. Each page is beautiful to look at with each gift looking like art. The book is broken down into the inspiration behind her creative techniques, the tools and materials used, and step-by-step directions with templates.
Each page imparts a little wisdom where she shares stories of wrapping in intentional ways. The meaning behind the techniques are based on different Japanese traditions. It is a bonus to learn about Japanese philosophy as well. So now you can repurpose any scrap cloth or paper you have saved or old road maps you were never going to use. Some of the wrapping even incorporates bits of nature.
This book will help you wrap your gifts in new and creative ways but also teach you the art of receiving a gift and having a heart of gratitude. I highly recommend.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
Each page imparts a little wisdom where she shares stories of wrapping in intentional ways. The meaning behind the techniques are based on different Japanese traditions. It is a bonus to learn about Japanese philosophy as well. So now you can repurpose any scrap cloth or paper you have saved or old road maps you were never going to use. Some of the wrapping even incorporates bits of nature.
This book will help you wrap your gifts in new and creative ways but also teach you the art of receiving a gift and having a heart of gratitude. I highly recommend.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2023
Don't be fooled by the illusion of a mundane subject! There's more than meets the eye within the lovingly illustrated pages of this seemingly simple gift wrapping guide.
The Soul of Gift Wrapping was a delightful read, and its beauty and cheer was infectious. Through the pages of folding styles, patterns, and creative new approaches to a time-worn practice, she shares her wisdom and the insight into what gift-giving truly means.
Simple and easy to follow, instructions are illustrated and each technique is covered with straightforward examples. From reducing our impact on the earth with tapeless wrapping techniques, to alternatives to plastic ribbons, and the less-is-more approach with bands, ties, and fasteners, it's a guide worth keeping for those who wish to wrap consciously and thoughtfully, and for those who wish to convey their gratitude and respect in more ways than one.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy!
The Soul of Gift Wrapping was a delightful read, and its beauty and cheer was infectious. Through the pages of folding styles, patterns, and creative new approaches to a time-worn practice, she shares her wisdom and the insight into what gift-giving truly means.
Simple and easy to follow, instructions are illustrated and each technique is covered with straightforward examples. From reducing our impact on the earth with tapeless wrapping techniques, to alternatives to plastic ribbons, and the less-is-more approach with bands, ties, and fasteners, it's a guide worth keeping for those who wish to wrap consciously and thoughtfully, and for those who wish to convey their gratitude and respect in more ways than one.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy!
October 26, 2023
This is a beautiful book with certainly a lot of soul! The very act of wrapping being part of a gift itself is a lovely idea. I loved learning about the Japanese words and meanings dotted throughout the book. Wabi sabi, furoshiki and omotenashi being my favourites to learn about. There were three sections, inspiration, preparation and creation.
The quotes from various people at the end of each of the inspiration stories were also gorgeous to read and think about.
There were a plethora of beautiful ideas, set out in ways which showed you exactly how they could be made. The gorgeous pictures added such a lot more to the explanations and tutorials alike.
My favourite quote;
Repurposing unlocks beauty and transformational energy- materials, like people, have the potential for multiple destinies.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The quotes from various people at the end of each of the inspiration stories were also gorgeous to read and think about.
There were a plethora of beautiful ideas, set out in ways which showed you exactly how they could be made. The gorgeous pictures added such a lot more to the explanations and tutorials alike.
My favourite quote;
Repurposing unlocks beauty and transformational energy- materials, like people, have the potential for multiple destinies.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2023
For the past few years, I have been using fabric gift bags for Christmas. I like that they are reusable and environmentally friendly. However, my kids miss the excitement of tearing off wrapping paper. So, when I came across this book, I hoped it might offer some alternatives that could satisfy us all.
This book is full of beautiful photos, and its text describes numerous unique and eco-conscious gift wrapping techniques. Furthermore, the book delves into the spirit of giving and receiving gifts.
I found the detailed instructions, accompanied by numerous photos, to be really helpful. I also appreciated the fact that none of the wrapping methods required tape. I'm eagerly looking forward to trying out some of these techniques this holiday season.
I'm grateful for receiving this ARC via NetGalley, and I would definitely consider purchasing a physical copy of this book for easy reference during future gift-giving occasions.
This book is full of beautiful photos, and its text describes numerous unique and eco-conscious gift wrapping techniques. Furthermore, the book delves into the spirit of giving and receiving gifts.
I found the detailed instructions, accompanied by numerous photos, to be really helpful. I also appreciated the fact that none of the wrapping methods required tape. I'm eagerly looking forward to trying out some of these techniques this holiday season.
I'm grateful for receiving this ARC via NetGalley, and I would definitely consider purchasing a physical copy of this book for easy reference during future gift-giving occasions.
January 13, 2024
Thank you to Storey Publishing for my advanced electronic copy. My opinions are my own.
Every word and photo seemed carefully and lovingly crafted in this beautifully-presented book. Megumi Inouye shares a refreshing perspective on the practice of gratitude in giving. A thoughtfully-wrapped gift can connect the giver and the receiver, especially when done with meaningful materials (including upcycled and repurposed ones). This brings an intentionality to the appearance of gifts of all sizes and shapes, no matter the occasion. I felt more respect for the process when I put these gift-wrapping designs and attitudes into practice, and more respect for the planet when I approached gift wrapping with a more sustainable and meaningful goal in mind. After all, what is more disposable than wrapping paper...yet what is more important than the presentation of a gift? I felt my own gift-wrapping culture being gently but importantly shifted, and I couldn't be more grateful.
Every word and photo seemed carefully and lovingly crafted in this beautifully-presented book. Megumi Inouye shares a refreshing perspective on the practice of gratitude in giving. A thoughtfully-wrapped gift can connect the giver and the receiver, especially when done with meaningful materials (including upcycled and repurposed ones). This brings an intentionality to the appearance of gifts of all sizes and shapes, no matter the occasion. I felt more respect for the process when I put these gift-wrapping designs and attitudes into practice, and more respect for the planet when I approached gift wrapping with a more sustainable and meaningful goal in mind. After all, what is more disposable than wrapping paper...yet what is more important than the presentation of a gift? I felt my own gift-wrapping culture being gently but importantly shifted, and I couldn't be more grateful.
December 13, 2023
The Soul of Gift Wrapping is perfect for those who are always running out of sticky tape and ribbons to wrap their gifts…because none of those are needed when you wrap things that Megumi Lorna Inouye way! I have always loved the way the Japanese wrap their bundles especially when they do it with fabric. As the fabric can be used over and over again, landfill is not disturbed.
I was also very happy to learn how to fold the lids of boxes - something I’ve always wanted to know how to do but just never got around to researching. Never realised it is that easy to do with the same dimensions of paper!
Easy to follow instructions and lots of step by step pictorials make it a great book for even beginners. I also loved the gentleness with which she writes, while sharing snippets of her life. She makes the simple act of wrapping gifts an act of kindness and love.
5 stars
I was also very happy to learn how to fold the lids of boxes - something I’ve always wanted to know how to do but just never got around to researching. Never realised it is that easy to do with the same dimensions of paper!
Easy to follow instructions and lots of step by step pictorials make it a great book for even beginners. I also loved the gentleness with which she writes, while sharing snippets of her life. She makes the simple act of wrapping gifts an act of kindness and love.
5 stars
August 18, 2023
Very nice stories showing the cultural background and the inspiration behind the art. The writing is just - gentle. The whole book is so calm and relaxing. The pictures are beautiful.
The instructions are good. Very clear, lots of pictures, easy to follow along. Most of the designs are quite simple, but still good looking.
One thing I believe could've been better is the layout of the book.
All the stories are at the beginning, followed by the instructions. I would've preferred the two of them alternating. This is not supposed to be a book you read front to back, so why act like it? It's something I'd skim through, spending some more time on that story or those instructions.
Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The instructions are good. Very clear, lots of pictures, easy to follow along. Most of the designs are quite simple, but still good looking.
One thing I believe could've been better is the layout of the book.
All the stories are at the beginning, followed by the instructions. I would've preferred the two of them alternating. This is not supposed to be a book you read front to back, so why act like it? It's something I'd skim through, spending some more time on that story or those instructions.
Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2023
The Soul of Gift Wrapping: Creative Techniques for Expressing Gratitude, Inspired by the Japanese Art of Giving
Megumi Lorna Inouye
When we receive a gift and the gift wrapping is exquisite, inspiring, and imaginative we know the giver has taken time and gone out of their way to make the gift look special. Sometimes the wrapping is worth so much more than the gift because of the effort. Author Megumi Lorna Inouye offers step by step details including photos to instruct the reader in ways to wrap a gift without tape, ways to use fabric bows, cute message tags, recycled items and other unique ideas.
Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy of The Soul of Gift Wrapping. The review is my unbiased opinion.
Megumi Lorna Inouye
When we receive a gift and the gift wrapping is exquisite, inspiring, and imaginative we know the giver has taken time and gone out of their way to make the gift look special. Sometimes the wrapping is worth so much more than the gift because of the effort. Author Megumi Lorna Inouye offers step by step details including photos to instruct the reader in ways to wrap a gift without tape, ways to use fabric bows, cute message tags, recycled items and other unique ideas.
Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy of The Soul of Gift Wrapping. The review is my unbiased opinion.
January 19, 2024
Megumi Lorna Inouye's book is more than a how-to manual on gift wrapping; rather, it's a book on how we present those gifts to others in a meaningful and caring way. Inouye fills her book with stunning photos of beautifully wrapped presents as well as detailed step-by-step instructions. From zero-waste gift wrapping, to origami, to furoshiki (cloth wrapping), Inouye covers so many different ways to give special attention to the gifts we give others.
Inouye's Japanese heritage is at the heart of this book, and her approach of a more gentle and graceful way to live is reflected throughout the book. A stunning and informative book.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing this ARC of #TheSoulofGiftWrapping.
.
Inouye's Japanese heritage is at the heart of this book, and her approach of a more gentle and graceful way to live is reflected throughout the book. A stunning and informative book.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing this ARC of #TheSoulofGiftWrapping.
.
October 1, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a great book about not only gift wrapping but filled with anecdotes from Megumi's experiences and knowledge. This book was organized in a way that made it easy to read. All of these methods of gift wrapping were beautiful and *bonus* you did not need tape for any of them!
The instructions for the gift wrapping methods were step by step and easy to follow! The methods were also very sustainable, using items that most would already have around their home. I can't wait to incorporate some of these methods during the holiday season this year.
This was a great book about not only gift wrapping but filled with anecdotes from Megumi's experiences and knowledge. This book was organized in a way that made it easy to read. All of these methods of gift wrapping were beautiful and *bonus* you did not need tape for any of them!
The instructions for the gift wrapping methods were step by step and easy to follow! The methods were also very sustainable, using items that most would already have around their home. I can't wait to incorporate some of these methods during the holiday season this year.
June 20, 2024
What a lovely book! I had checked this out from the library, but I'm buying it so I can refer to it often. The layout is perfect, small stories, picture of a wrapped gift with notation of what technique was used. Details for techniques are in the latter half of the book. I really enjoyed the stories (and wrote my own senryu).
This would be an excellent gift to give to, well, pretty much anyone who appreciates artistry.
Note: our family struggles with the environmental impact of small things like gift wrap and recently picked up some furoshiki. I'm looking forward to using those as instructed by Ms Inouye.
And she often reuses packaging and incorporates found objects from nature.
This would be an excellent gift to give to, well, pretty much anyone who appreciates artistry.
Note: our family struggles with the environmental impact of small things like gift wrap and recently picked up some furoshiki. I'm looking forward to using those as instructed by Ms Inouye.
And she often reuses packaging and incorporates found objects from nature.
August 17, 2023
Start saving scrap paper, found objects, maps, magazines and old sewing patterns now. Megumi Loran Inouye has an innovative and creative way to wrap gifts in a sustainable way. Techniques based on Japanese traditions and furoshiki, cloth wrapping.
Instructions are easy to follow and broken into sections depending on the shape of the object: Square, Rectangular, Cylindrical and so on....
If you love adding a special touch to your gifts or living a no waste lifestyle, pick up a copy of The Soul of Gift Wrapping today.
Instructions are easy to follow and broken into sections depending on the shape of the object: Square, Rectangular, Cylindrical and so on....
If you love adding a special touch to your gifts or living a no waste lifestyle, pick up a copy of The Soul of Gift Wrapping today.
April 13, 2024
I absolutely love this wonderful book. Author Megumi Inouye takes you on a very personal journey of the inspirations behind her unique gift wrapping ideas and creations and the importance of expressing sincere gratitude from the heart and then sets out with step by step instructions of how to create beautiful wrappings and embellishments by transforming often overlooked items into repurposed works of art that evoke a certain delicate honesty, innocence and truth...that everything has its own innate beauty that should be appreciated, always.
July 7, 2025
My interest in this book was purely from a papercraft standpoint. I often like wrapping gifts in intricate ways and doing so without the need for adhesives appeals to me. I found the instructional part of the book clear and innovative and I plan to incorporate the techniques into my own gift-wrapping efforts (and hopefully find good uses for some of my paper ephemera!).
The essays are good reading for when one is feeling reflective, perhaps during a season when a lot of gift-giving takes place.
The essays are good reading for when one is feeling reflective, perhaps during a season when a lot of gift-giving takes place.
August 26, 2023
The Soul of Gift Wrapping book covers mainly how to add make-your-own boxes, envelopes, embellishments, or bottle sleeves rather than traditional take paper and wrap a present up, though there are a handful of those to follow.
It has plenty of photography with step-by-step instructions alongside the materials required.
I wish it had more wrapping-up ideas than embellishments.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
It has plenty of photography with step-by-step instructions alongside the materials required.
I wish it had more wrapping-up ideas than embellishments.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 28, 2023
The Soul of Gift Wrapping lives by the motto that every step of showing your love and appreciation is important. It is not only important to select a suitable gift, wrapping it with additional care is also a crucial step when it comes to showing affection.
I tried following instructions for one of the flat items wrap, but it did not turn out as expected. I was also disappointed that the picture's angle was not helpful. I can't see if my end result is intended or I misunderstood the author.
I tried following instructions for one of the flat items wrap, but it did not turn out as expected. I was also disappointed that the picture's angle was not helpful. I can't see if my end result is intended or I misunderstood the author.
September 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book! There's stories and information on the wrapping techniques included in this book, pictures, and instructions on how to wrap things in various patterns. This book is a great guide to making beauty out of anything and the value of a skill that takes some time to learn. It's also a nice look at the joy of gift giving and sustainability.
This is a beautiful book! There's stories and information on the wrapping techniques included in this book, pictures, and instructions on how to wrap things in various patterns. This book is a great guide to making beauty out of anything and the value of a skill that takes some time to learn. It's also a nice look at the joy of gift giving and sustainability.
October 5, 2023
The author explains how we should enjoy wrapping gifts, spend a little extra time on it and explore the creativity we can develop with just a little guidance. This book is full of lovely ideas on how to wrap gifts of varying shapes and sizes and how to embellish them with a variety of everyday things such as paper, fabric, twigs and buttons. Lots to inspire the reader and all carefully explained with lots of photos. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
Great book on origami style gift wrapping techniques!
I’m so happy to get to review this book near christmas!
It’s a beautiful and specific book, easy to follow instructions for the most thoughtful gift wrapping you’ll ever make.
It has many styles of gift wrapping, even for bottles and books, and also dives into the envelopes and ornaments you can put on top.
If you are looking for new ways to style your gifts definitely check this out!
I’m so happy to get to review this book near christmas!
It’s a beautiful and specific book, easy to follow instructions for the most thoughtful gift wrapping you’ll ever make.
It has many styles of gift wrapping, even for bottles and books, and also dives into the envelopes and ornaments you can put on top.
If you are looking for new ways to style your gifts definitely check this out!
September 1, 2023
What an utterly beautiful book, not only in the beautiful ways you can sustainably wrap presents in cloth and paper (no tape needed for any of it!) but in the thoughtful prose throughout. This book would make a lovely gift in itself, and has inspired me to wrap all of my gifts in these remarkable ways. Highly, highly recommended.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
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