When Jake was little, his pre-school teacher Judy, talked to the class about how everyone has a special gift. Later on in the day, Jake asked Judy what his special present was. She was confused for a while, until she realized he meant what his special “gift” was. (She got a good laugh out of this when she told me. And by the way, no surprise, his gift was “talking.”) Anyway, I have been told my special “present” is wrapping gifts. Kind of lame, right? But, it is some sort of weird and useless skill I possess. Part of it is that I like the idea that someone could get as excited about the wrapping, as the gift inside of it. I mean, why not create something special where you can? Why not go the extra mile for someone? I also like to make something look pretty and know that the receiver of said gift will stop for a moment and feel they were worth the effort.
I am a nut when it comes to shopping for interesting wrapping paper. Or sometimes I just get silly and use odd stuff that isn’t really for wrapping. I am constantly on the look out for beautiful, or printed, or antique ribbon, and any kind of decorations that can live on a gift to give it some star power.
I admit it’s completely stupid. I know that if the economy tanked (worse than it’s already tanked), my gift wrapping skills would not even keep me in hair dye. But, it is a happy skill. I’ve never encountered a getter, who doesn’t appreciate the to-do that was made to make their gift look as special as I think they are. I have fun and get lost in the doing. I am improving the economy by purchasing so much wrapping paper? Alright, you win, it’s kind of ridiculous, my wrapping thing, but I like it. And I’m grateful for the chance to do it. And if you were getting the gift, you probably wouldn’t be making such fun of me.
*the gratitude-a-thon 
Hey…stop saying it’s pathetic! You have an eye for visual display, as all great designers do — and this is just one of your outlets. Christo’s got nothing on you lady! Now get out there and make the City look pretty!
ooooooooh, what a good idea. i think i have enough wrapping paper for it. xo
The act of making something look beautiful might seem superficial or vain but it’s really a statement about love of life, taste and gives pleasure in all who see it. You are a great stylist and gift giver of beauty.
thanks, linda! appreciated. xo
Reminds me of a card you made for me when I turned 16, one of the few things from that time I still have! It’s so cute…collaged magazines and postage stamp cut edges.
Love….
awe. i have many cards you illustrated for me that i kept because they were just too pretty for the trash. i love making cards. i didn’t even get into that here! xo
I think it is great that you spend the time to make things special. And when I use dots I always think of you. I have a box of all kinds of ribbons and string, too. It’s almost like having a box of toys. It looks like Ally is going to get some fun things all wrapped up. I can just imagine her face all lit up when she sees what you did. Lia turns 15 on April 19th.
she liked this one! sometimes she rips through so fast, she doesn’t notice, that’s why i like to set it up for the whole day and then we unwrap at night! how did they even get to be 15, suzin? xo