Written by Today the prompt is wrapping paper, but this is as far as I’ve gotten with regard to wrapping gifts. I’ve collected bits of the elements like these required for such a project, shown here in this 3 color doodlewash, but have failed to wrap a single one yet. I don’t actually mind wrapping gifts, but I’m really quite horrible at doing it. I see these beautifully wrapped gifts with surgically creased folds and gloriously tied ribbons and I’m in awe. I’m usually just lucky if I can cut the right amount to paper to cover the object in question and the sides always look like a hyperactive child was allowed to play with the cellophane tape. I lack the patience necessary to calmly fold the paper over the gift appropriately. I figure as long as it’s fully concealed it will serve the intended purpose so I don’t fuss over it too much. Often, the mistaped sides will start to come loose under the tree as if the gift itself is aware it’s been humiliated and is actually trying to remove its embarrasing cover.
Looking back, I’m not sure I was ever instructed in the proper way to wrap a gift. Sure, as an adult, I could probably watch a YouTube video or two and learn the appropriate procedure, but I’ve never done it. I still wrap gifts like I did when I was a little kid. I would love to say that this gives them a childish charm that’s endearing, but more often than not it just make me look like an idiot. Still, to this day, I just unroll some paper, plop the item down, cut off the excess and quickly fold and tape until the object disappears from sight. The upside is that even if the object came in a perfect box, my wrapping job is so poor the shape is perfectly disguised. Once I’ve a stack of these little oddities, I just cram them under the tree to expose their “good side” and nestle them in such a way as to hide the most egregious errors and everything looks just fine.
In truth, I love being a kid again this time of year and that includes the way I wrap gifts. No restraint, stress or worry. Just boundless enthusiasm and a joyful rush of taping bits together. I’ve found with this as well as painting that though there may be a “proper way” to do something, I’d rather just revel in the joy of actually doing it in whatever way comes naturally to me. Worrying too much about the proper way seems to rob an activity of the pleasure entirely. No, I’ll just keep on rushing at my activities with unbridled exuberance, content in the hope that everything will somehow work out just fine. So as I began another year of finding ways to conceal holiday gifts, it’s not a chore at all. It’s a chance to add a bit of fun disguise to objects that I know will bring a bit of joy. Childishly covered in haste, but with all my heart and love, it’s finally time to start wrapping presents.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Sennelier Red, Quinacridone Gold, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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Beautiful. I just finished wrapping seriously about 50 presents, which included many small jewelry boxes. Man, I love wrapping presents. Have fun!
Thanks, Naaria! 😃💕Oh my gosh!! That’s amazing!! I can’t imagine wrapping that many gifts! hehe
It’s almost meditative for me so it isn’t a bother at all 😀 Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!
Your wrapping elements looking so real that I can use them in wrapping presents 🎀🎁
Awww thanks so much, Snehal! 😃💕
We’re almost there (I too have wrapped nothing yet) (K)
hehe… thanks for that Kerfe! 😃💕 Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Charlie, the way you paint reflections blows me away. Super fantastic, as always ☺
Awww that’s so sweet of you to say, Carol! Thanks so much!! 😃💕
What a wonderful post, Charlie! I’d rather have exuberance and enthusiasm over perfection any day.
Exactly!! So happy you agree! Thank, Michael! 😃💕
And….. this story to read was just fun. I can imgine how you do the wrapping, hilaric!
Giving with your heart that’s the most important thing just as you say Charlie.
You can also buy little present bags, put in the present and some tape above; ready!
Have fun while parking like a kid, it’s just beautiful!!
Hehe… thanks, Margriet! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this post! Yep… I wrap like a crazy little kid, but I have sooooo much fun doing it at least!! 😊lol
Not parking ha,ha but packing!
Lol… yeah… I figured that was what you meant! 😉
Love your child like view of Christmas. 😉
Awww thanks, Jodi! 😃💕 I think that child like view goes beyond the holidays actually, but Christmas is always such a perfect excuse to really unleash it! hehe
Lovely stuff! I’m the same, really- when it comes to wrapping, I’m no Snoop Dogg 😉 I wish I had your outlook on it, though – as the time edges ever nearer, maybe I’ll try to adopt the Charlie wrap!
Lol… Yes! Do the Charlie wrap! Sounds like an 80’s video of some kind. But truly, it’s the thought that counts at least! 😉
It is not the cover that’s important, it is what is given with your heart I believe!! ❤️🎄😍 So cool how you painted the bow, Charlie!! 🎨👍 I used to love to wrap gifts but now I take the easy route and put them in a gift bag… but I still like ripping into a present like a kid! Cheers friend!! 😘🍷🎁
Thanks, Jill! 😃💕 YES!! See? Ripping into presents in the best part! So it really shouldn’t matter how they’re wrapped! hehe
My hubby has a few wrapped under the tree… can’t wait to rip them open! Lol! 😃🎄
At least you wrap in paper with ribbons – my hubby used to throw his purchases into wrinkled brown paper bags – I think they were the ones his lunch had been stored in. Used to make me very angry – now I just laugh. It’s so much more fun to give. Love your unbridled enthusiasm for the wonderment of presents under a tree, wrapped as if by reindeer stomping the paper in place.
Lol… I LOVE that description! I’m going to tell people that it WAS a reindeer stomping it into place from now one. Way more magical!! But yeah… even I couldn’t stoop to brown paper lunch bags though! Lol 😉💕
Lovely little doodlewash! I enjoy wrapping (and unwrapping) presents, too.
Thanks so much! 😃