The craft that keeps on giving

I have an addiction I am proud of. Wrapping gifts and collecting the accoutrements to support this addiction has been an outward facing source of joy for me for 53 years.

I learned there was an art to wrapping gifts in my 8th grade home economics class. There was pleasure at every step of the process. Selecting the paper and ribbon, tags, and embellishments was just the beginning. Figuring out the appropriate box or other container gave the left brain a bit of a workout, as did ciphering where to cut the paper for just enough coverage. The crisp sound and smell of that first cut hit the senses already enlivened by the color and design. A good pair of scissors enhanced the outcome as well as the process. The whole thing was better than any dopamine rush.

In those days, we used classic boxes with separate lids. I got an A+ on my final gift wrapping project because I mastered mitred edges to cover the inside of the lid. The paper was a metallic embossed mediterranen pattern in royal blue, apple green and gold. Its geometric symmetry required straight edges and pattern matching. The satin ribbon bow on the top was perfect. The foil embossed pattern was a pleasure to touch. I've had a jones for that rush ever since.

Besides involving almost all the senses, gift wrapping blends two delights that aren't usually associated with each other: 1) Instant Gratification; and 2) Generosity. Wrapping a gift provides instant gratification because of the relatively short time from start to finish. In many cases we are told we must suffer for our art or that beauty only comes through pain and sacrifice. I admit I love being able to start and finish something from first cut to last tug in an hour or far less. So, I get my reward right away with the completely satisfying look and feel of the handsomely executed gift wrap treatment. At the same time, there is a bit of virtue in wrapping every gift because you are preparing it to delight and honor someone else. This is a habit that hurts no one and does not cost me very much.

In order to facilitate the quick fixes I get from my wrapping addiction, I do keep an eclectic inventory of papers, ribbons, fabric remnants,tissue, bags,bows and unusual embellishments as a curated collection. There is a small room in my basement dedicated to wrapping. I have a wine rack repurposed to hold rolls of paper, a chest full of findings and treasures, shelves of ribbon and plenty of tape. And, I have my wonderful scissors.

For Christmas a decade ago my daughter gifted me with beautiful scissors -- two pairs. One small for trim and curling tasks, the other a large pair of shears. She had the shears engraved, "Jeannie's Bitchin' Shears" and I wear them around my neck at my annual December wrapping party. Along with the scissors she presented me with a tackle box full of trinkets and treasures to use as I put the finishing touches on my wrapping projects.

Collecting gift wrap is a wonderful habit. Almost none of it comes from paper or stationery stores. It is found in surprising places. On trips to other states and countries looking for unique paper is an enjoyable quest. It is easy to bring paper home because it can go flat or rolled in a suitcase and weighs next to nothing. Buying beautiful or quirky paper as a souvenir is far less expensive than jewelry, clothing, carpets or fine art ftom the local bazaar. Maps, botanical prints and mill ends of wallpaper make wonderful gift wrap! Museum gift shops and book stores have posters that are fantastic when used for wrapping. I love picking up paper when I travel while thinking of specific people and their peculiar interests.

Some may not consider gift wrapping to be a bonafide craft. But I use fabric, hot glue, feathers, shells, jewelry findings, used ornaments, appliques, chains, leather thongs, cinnamon sticks, silk flowers, stamping, embossing, raffia, ribbon, small toys, jingle bells, peppermint sticks,plenty of imagination and spare bits of time. The little gift in the photo is decorated with the star from a broken plastic fairy wand. This addiction thrives on repurposing and upcycling, on imagination and generosity. I have excuses to feed my wrapping habit throughout the year and use it to celebrate seasons, holidays, accomplishments and anniversaries. I use my habit to soothe wounds and help medicate grief in others.

An annual high from this habit is my early December gift wrap party. Tables, scissors, tape, all kinds of wrapping supplies are put out for everyone to share. They bring their leftover paper, ribbons, boxes and supplies and the house becomes a happy workshop. Women, men, boys and girls talk story, snip, sip and prepare delights for others. We go late into the night with wonderful food and beverages to go with the music. New generations learn the art, skills and joys of this generous craft. Everyone leaves with a bag full of gloriously wrapped treasure elevated by this not-so guilty pleasure.

With my beautiful "Bitchin' Shears" around my neck and a bespoke playlist as accompaniment, wrapping gifts is a beautiful addiction that always gives more than it takes.