sweater-wrapped gifts

when i choose a theme, my mind runs rampant with ideas

to incorporate that theme in every possible part of my decor.

case in point: the presents shown above.

it's not enough for me to deck the halls and mantels and doors and tree

in my preferred colors and materials...

i have to make the gift wrap match, too! LOL

this year i found three different ways to incorporate sweaters into my gift wrapping,

to coordinate with my Sweet Sweater Season theme...

continue reading for more inspo & info!

embracing my current color fave of yellow, white, and gray
meant that i grabbed every snippet of ribbon, yarn, twine, and sweaters
that i could possibly use as gift wrap...
and i managed to get three distinct looks in the process:

THIS is what actually inspired my theme this year!

as soon as i saw this cable knit sweater - print wrapping paper, i was smitten...

and though Deb is incredibly frugal when it comes to spending money on decor & crafts,

i gladly handed over the bucks with a smile as i nabbed this stuff!

the paper is substantial - important because it won't tear. 

the print is crisp and clear, and looks for all the world like a REAL sweater!

i simply wrapped gifts in it, then added ribbons and trims like yarn pom poms...

i decided that i'm going to make some trees out of it, too,

to add to my winter decor!!!

the paper is the 'knit sweater' print made by Jillson & Roberts - 
find it in the Jillson & Roberts Store on Amazon.
(note: right now all they have is bulk multiple rolls.
i was able to buy just one roll back in October. and this is NOT a paid ad.)

next up, i wrapped gifts with actual sweaters!
i cut the bodies of sweaters (XL size, always) into squares,
then wrapped the boxes just as i would with paper,
using safety pins to hold it all closed.

thing is, thick sweaters are a LOT more difficult to work with than paper.
that yummy yellow cable knit LOOKS great - but it's bumpy because it's thick.
 so my top tip would be to use thinner knit sweaters for this - 
like the white open-weave sweater seen on the smaller box. MUCH easier!

ribbons, a yarn pom pom, and a vintage Shiny Brite ornament finish the look.

the last look is created by simply using knit accessories...
gifts are wrapped in regular gift wrap paper then embellished with
some truly eye-opening yellow knit headbands!
i grabbed some of those (and their matching beanies) at Habitat for Humanity Restore,
and they've been fun to use in many ways this year.
here, they easily slide right onto a box, to become a cute trim AND a bonus gift!

another package is wrapped with fuzzy yarn and adorned with pom poms as trim.

another real sweater - wrapped box, trimmed with more fuzzy yarn and a large pom pom
and a tiny white box with a white pom pom.

the handpainted yellow striped ribbon is from a previous project (tutorial link is below this post)
and it works perfectly on a package!

i love this nice cosy look!
finding ways to use everyday materials and unusual materials
to create decor and wrap gifts is a fun way to challenge my creativity -
i hope you are inspired to try it!

links to previous related content:

painted yellow striped ribbon (in pumpkin party post!)

neutral palette sweater-print gift wrap

shared online:

funky junk interiors | new upcycled projects to make #608

creatively beth | creative crafts linky party #73

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