Like so many sustainable solutions, we have but to look to the past to find so many fantastic answers! Necessity, frugality and resourcefulness bore the creation of so many wonderful and practical ideas which are enjoying a much needed renaissance as we turn (back) towards ways to support the environment and reduce waste.
This December, I couldn’t help but look at the problem of gift wrapping as every year the idea of buying, then ripping up, then throwing away reams of expensive printed wrapping paper absolutely beguiles me! I’ve tried recycling wrapping (sometimes I get away with it – but I cringe every time an excited child rips into a gift – not exactly the spirit of Christmas morning), I’ve tried the butchers paper with potato prints (great for ages 0 to about 6) I’ve even tried newsprint (of course!) but the teenagers have voted this one null and void due to boringness and dirty fingerprints 🙂
So, this year, I’m embracing Furoshiki, the Japanese method of using fabric to wrap and carry gifts. It sounds simple enough (even a bit obvious actually) but as I delved into this ancient craft I became more and more fascinated! From the basic box wrap to the really cool double bottle carry, I’m convinced this is my new thing! (well hopefully it will get us through this festive season anyway?) I’ve always been a fan of wrapping a gift with a fancy tea towel (check out the options in our gift guide) or even an old sheet for a really large, bulky item (think bike), but this is next level stuff!
Naturally the Japanese have been doing this stuff for ever, (since around 710 B.C.) and they’ve come up with some excellent methodology. The most common wrap uses a double sided square cloth (often silk). Often used sizes are 45 x 45 cm or 70 x 70 cm. The cloth is used over and over again, so the time taken to selvage the edges or sew together two pieces is well rewarded.
I’ve included the results of my first attempts below, embellished with some reused ribbons. Of course anything can be used — natural flowers, pine cones, shells, baubles and tinsel -— limited only by your imagination! Here are some more great Furoshiki resources:
- A general overall intro to Furoshiki and a handy graphic here.
- A detailed YouTube video showing how to make a traditional Furoshiki wrap here.
- A great website devoted to Furoshiki and some great knots here (I especially like this double bottle wrap!).
