Nice resources for furoshiki wrapping

Even though I can read very little Japanese, this this site has some nice illustrations that step through the wrapping process of several different shapes and styles.

This English language furoshiki study group site has a great list of resources

This site has great images and steps in English including how to wrap a watermelon as shown below.


This site is great one, too.

And Kakefuda-san is kicking out some lovely furoshiki designs.

How to wrap a shirt with a furoshiki.

The Japanese Space Agency's "furoshiki".

Vintage gift wrap

Just found the vintage gift wrap pool on Flickr.

And this book of groovy 60's gift wrap.

Ebay is also a source for some cool vintage papers

Paper Mojo has some nice retro style papers

Thanksgiving placecards

UPDATE: I noticed that the Martha Stewart link had moved and lots of folks were coming to this entry, so I've updated this to a working link and picture.

I hosted Thanksgiving this year and was so busy that I forgot to take a picture of the table. For the placecards I created Thanksgiving Trivia Turkeys (borrowed the idea from a Martha Stewart idea for the kids' table).


Here's Martha's version

Template is located here

I collected Thanksgiving trivia from around the web and include more detailed answers than Martha's version so I had to increase the size of the feathers, which in turn meant adjusting the base size. I also opted for computer text rather than handwritten.

Good Thanksgiving trivia here and here.

Mom brought some lovely flowers, but I was so busy I didn't have a chance to get them into a proper vase until after she and Dad went home.

I found a good use for all the cranberries I neglected to use, too!

Great Japanese store - in Alderwood Mall of all places

Last weekend we hit the new Daiso store at Alderwood Mall (next to the Sears). Only a Japanese 100Yen/Dollar store would lure me to that vast confusing suburb of Seattle. I loved it...and I will be back. I love the random collections of things like backscratchers (I don't think I've ever been in a store with such a variety), patches that claim to refresh and heal, great cheap gift wrapping material, dishes and much more. There was so much interesting cheap stuff...not your usual dollar store date. There are actually quite a few Daiso pics on Flickr.


The aisles are VERY narrow and the shelves are loaded with stuff. Note to the ladies with the huge strollers this is not a good store for you unless you leave the stroller at the door.

Furoshiki at the Ginza Mitsukoshi

I love how Japanese wrapping integrates the shape of the object rather than just covering a box. Here's more about furoshiki. These furoshiki were in the tea and gift department of the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo.

It's here...at last?

There's been a ton of hype around The Container Store opening in Bellevue. I haven't yet had a chance to go check it out. I know this is mean to say about your regionally based businesses, but I hope the intensified competition from The Container Stores gives Storables some incentive to improve their service and pricing! For years I have gritted my teeth when shopping at Storables...they are overpriced and the service is mediocre to lousy. Even their bag/packaging situation is always fouled up. Every visit leaves me with a bag that is way too big and awkward or far too small and ripping as I carry the goods to the car. Interesting issues for a store that is all about organization and containers, boxes and bags.

One sticker wrapping

The only adhesive holding this wrap on is the flower sticker on the front. I saw loads of stores wrapping with just on piece of tape or sticker when I was in Japan.