Christmas often means a lot of wrapping paper, foil and ribbons that end up in the bin after the holidays. This year, you can do it differently and try the traditional Japanese technique of Furoshiki, which turns gift wrapping into elegant and reusable art.
Christmas is beautiful. But they often also bring unsparing side effects like mountains of wrapped gifts, which end up in the trash, and boxes full of foils, ribbons, and packaging. Imagine something different this year, gifts wrapped in a fabric that looks elegant, gives a personal dimension and is reusable.
For a video by The green wrapper on how to make an easy Furoshiki wrap, check out YouTube:
Why choose Furoshiki?
The Furoshiki method is not just an eco-friendly trick, it’s a way to give a gift a personal touch. The fabric hugs the gift softly, elegantly, without broken corners or torn places. Each pack looks different depending on the fabric, color and knot used, and if you use a nice scarf, or old canvas, you give the gift extra style and value. In addition, the fabric can be used again, for another gift, picnic, decoration, or just as a scarf.
Experience shows that Furoshiki can completely replace conventional wrapping paper without increasing costs. If you focus on simplicity and reuse, you can save a lot of paper, foil and waste every year.
How packaging works
Unlike classic wrapping paper, you don’t need any glue, tape or scissors. All you need is a square of fabric, ideally about twice the length of the longest side of the gift. Place the gift in the middle of the fabric, cross the corners of the fabric and tie a simple knot or bow tightly. For smaller gifts, you can fold the fabric and tie it like a small bag, the result is elegant, yet soft and natural.
You can also include decorations, a small twig, a cone, dried orange peel or a fabric bow in the packaging, and the packaging actually becomes part of the gift.
What you get and why it’s worth it
When you wrap gifts with Furoshiki, you get more than just presents in pretty packaging. You save material, no paper that is immediately thrown away after unpacking. You save money, the fabric lasts for years. And you get elegance, the gifts look original and stylish. And most importantly, you show that you care about the gift.
“When you wrap a gift in fabric instead of paper, the packaging itself takes on an extra meaning. It is a gift that can be reused. Furoshiki is simply a sign of respect for the gift and the planet,” says decorator Eliška Procházková.
Tips for first packing
If you are trying Furoshiki for the first time, choose a fabric you have at home, a scarf, an old tablecloth, a larger piece of fabric or canvas. Place the gift in the middle, cross the corners and tie a tight knot. For small gifts, choose a smaller square of fabric and a looser knot, it will not tear the fabric. Don’t forget that you can optionally iron the fabric to make the package look sleek and elegant.
Furoshiki is more than packaging. It is a way to change the Christmas tradition from consumption and waste to care and respect. The donated item will remain the same, but the packaging says that we took care with its packaging.
