This was a really interesting book about wrapping various objects in a multitude of items. I particularly remember going to department stores with my Mum when I was quite young and flipping through the sewing pattern books, there were so many of them and the books were so large, or they just seemed it to me at a young age! But of course there's very little need for them anymore - unless of course you're lucky enough to find some old patterns in a charity shop and can use them for wrapping, as one of the items in this book, very clever idea! This is a very gentle book about the art of wrapping, I especially love that in Japan the grateful way to receive a gift is with both hands, and unwrapped slowly, as if taking gentle care of the emotions of the giver, really lovely sentiment. The book has lots of pictures to give you ideas, along with a section of the basic materials you need, and techniques to help you - and surprisingly tape is not used in any of the wrapping techniques, helping to keep things sustainable. I loved the origami boxes, and this technique can be used for practically any size of present you need to wrap. All in all a really fascinating book that makes you think more about the materials around you that you can use to wrap your presents, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more unusual items in my daily life and spending more time on my wrapping now, instead of just using shop bought rolls of wrapping.
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Full disclosure: I love good writing more than many things and I’m terrible at gift-wrapping. This book made me feel like I could wrap a gift beautifully, organically, and to let the receiver know how much I cared about them. The title is also perfect: The Soul of Gift-Wrapping. The author’s words are deeply from her soul, the illustrations are so well-described and photographed, and the Japanese aesthetic is an essential part. Since it’s such a wonderful book, so affordable, I’ve sent many copies to friends who love writing, who are artistic, spiritual, and those who admire Japanese culture. There’s a heartfelt, peaceful holiness about it. Read it and you’ll see what I mean. Ask your library to get it, too.
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This is a beautiful hardcover book with gorgeous wrapping designs. Would also make a lovely gift in itself.
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I can't say enough great things about this book! I've been so inspired to gift with intention, to wrap using the author's incredible techniques, and repurpose using everyday materials around me. Megumi Inouye's writing is soulful, almost poetic. Her stories are quite moving. I learned so much about Japanese culture and the history and philosophy behind wrapping and packaging in Japan. I highly recommend this book to anyone and even plan to buy a few more copies as gifts!
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An exquisite book that inspires you to tap into gratitude, human connection and to cultivating beauty from the unexpected. Megumi Inouye’s heart leaps off every page as she guides you through her practice, and the cultural significance of every technique. I will return to this book whenever I am gifting to a loved one, and cannot wait to offer it as the enclosed gift itself many, many times over.
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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.
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