One of the main questions I am asked on my gift wrapping courses, is how to tackle the gift wrapping of awkward shapes. To many it fills them with horror yet I believe wrapping awkward shapes is easier than a square box, which is more strict with measurements.

You may have bought a shirt or scarf in a smart boutique and have wondered how they wrap it without using any tape.  They have done it so quickly that you’ve missed how they’ve done it.

Today I’ve picked a fabric apron, and there are numerous ways you can wrap this but I’m going to share a quick and easy technique.

Firstly fold it into a nice compact square or oblong, to keep it neat I tend to fold from the edges into the centre, so you end up with no visible hems or ties.
You will need an enough tissue to go around the object and some excess tissue at both sides. I have chosen contrasting tissue  in white and burgundy.

Fold one of the end over so it forms a decorative band. Place this band in the centre of the gift and tuck in the other edge underneath, I refer to this as wrapping backwards!

It may also help if you initially use double sided tape to hold everything in place although it’s good if you can get in to the habit of doing this freehand with practice.   For the sides you will now tuck the decorative band underneath the object so it resembles a pillow case.

Finally you will tuck in the remaining side in on itself so you end up with a neat finish.  You can also lightly dust the tissue with your favourite fragrance or room spray to add to the senses.  When I’m wrapping fabric items I also like to play safe and have a layer of white tissue as the base colour.

The tissue wrapped creation then can be placed in a box, gift bag, or decorated with ribbon and embellishments.  You could also make a tissue pom pom with any remaining tissue.

I am also delighted to announce that I have landed a Worldwide book deal, and my hardback book ‘giftwrapped’ will be launched in November 2014, so if you love gift wrapping and want to pick up lots of techniques this is the perfect book for you.

Happy wrapping folks!

Those of you who’ve been on one of our Gift Wrapping Courses will have had access to our ‘Gift Wrapping Secrets’

We’ve lots of changes going on at Jane Means HQ with a more streamlined website experience, so we will be integrating our ‘Gift Wrapping Secrets’ on to our Blog right here.  All information and products will be condensed in to one website www.janemeans.com

We have also closed our Haberdashery Closet Ribbon Store at our Lincoln HQ, so we can make room for new online and wholesale business. Rest assured you can still order online and if you’d like any samples please give us a call on 01522 522544

If you’re clearing out your craft room and have lots of little remnants of wrapping paper (which you’re reluctant to throw away), we have just the project for you

It involves a little time and patience but this papercraft DIY project is great fun, and will keep the kids happy for hours!

With my love for luxurious wrapping papers (I call it this addiction paperlove ), I thought I’d dedicate this post to the classic ‘Pinwheel’ and ‘Paper Fan’ and show you how to make them.

We have been making these for years on my Gift Wrapping Workshops, and they look great when added to a box or a circular tin.

Here I’ve pleated the paper before wrapping a simple box to get a really dramatic and polished effect

Recently at the Country Living Fair, I wanted to create some fun projects as we have so many kids popping along, plus I wanted to bring in the recycling and Eco aspect to this

To make a paper fan or a pinwheel, all you need is some pretty paper, a small piece of wire or cord, and double sided tape (you can also add a button if you wish)

If you have the time and the patience, why not make a set and make a decorative wreath out of a different collage of pinwheels?

Or even a paper tree decoration? (courtesy of  www.amusestudio.com)

And I love the pretty pastel colours used in this wedding backdrop ( Courtesy of www.thesweetestoccasion.com )

These pinwheel flags are the perfect accessory for kids parties, and you can also add decorative buttons for a dramatic effect,  Simply wire or stick them straight on to straws or sticks.

(Courtesy of www.papervinenz.blogspot.com )

Apologies my blog post has been late coming, I’m involved with a huge project which I hope I will be able to tell the world about and go public shortly…watch this space!

Father’s Day can often be a challenge.  You have to buy a suitable gift then have the additional stress of the gift wrapping.  If you’re stuck for Father’s Day Gifts and ideas, read on…

A really special gift is to make something.  Maybe a homemade jam, marmalade or jar of fudge. Add a paper lid and some raffia, and it will look as though you’ve been to a luxurious deli!

A favourite tipple is always a good bet, and here I have wrapped a bottle up with some tissue and yellow cellophane from my local florist (they usually sell it by the metre).

Herbs and foliage out of the garden look great tied in to ribbon and smell wonderful too! This is perfect for garden lovers.

Here I have baked some sliced oranges and added these as a decoration with an understated Brown stitched ribbon (one of my favourite looks)

You could also pick up some feathers off rural walks, and tie them in for a country persuits theme

Newspaper is great to use, and here I have made a handmade gift bag and tied in some contrasting Sage Ribbon

I love the pastel colour of the Financial Times and it makes a great canvas. Here you could add a brown, orange or metallic ribbon for the ultimate statement, or leave it plain and understated.

You could also pleat the newspaper too which will instantly give it a luxury element.  You could also use a foreign newspaper, comic or old magazine as an alternative.

Cufflinks is another great gift for dad, and here I have wrapped some gentleman’s gifts in a monochrome theme for a corporate event.

This is a classic look and a favourite of luxury brands.  A plain black paper immediately gets a lift with this black and white dotty ribbon tied in a simple bow

Even if you haven’t got the time or expense to go mad for dad, just a little extra thought will make him feel super special!

Don’t forget that Father’s Day is on Sunday 15th June (UK)…

The new London ribbon shop at Clifton Nurseries is proving very popular and we are delighted to be exhibiting alongside Clifton Nurseries at the Spirit of Summer Fair organized by House and Garden Magazine

The 4 day fair will take place at Olympia, London from Wed 14-Sat 17 May and has hundreds of handpicked exhibitors showcasing gifts, interiors, clothing, jewellery, food and gardening.

You will find tempting offers on ribbons and wrapping on our stand.  Clifton Nurseries have an array of bespoke gifts, gardening items and beautiful artificial flowers (many you have to do a double take as they look so realistic!).

The gardening experts from Clifton Nurseries will also be offering many interesting talks in the seminar theatre during the fair.

Visit us at the Clifton Nurseries stand on D21 and for more information and tickets head over to Spirit Fairs website

We’re delighted to be adding a Haberdashery Closet in the capital.  We are often mobbed at our London shows including Top Drawer, Spirit Fairs and Country Living

For years I have been asked where is your London shop, and after opening our doors in Lincoln in 2012, I always wanted the next quirky outlet to be in London, but it had to be the right place and not necessarily a permanent fixture on a busy High Street.  Last year we starting stocking our ribbons at Clifton Nurseries which is London’s Oldest Nursery over 160 years old. (Images courtesy on Flowerona)

It’s one of my favourite places in Central London, and you enter this hidden oasis in Little Venice with flowers, topiary, decorations, furniture and gardens.

You will also see Matthew Wilson wandering around there who is not only the presenter on the Channel 4 programme ‘The Landscape Man’ and a regular panellist on Radio 4′s Gardeners Question Time, but also the Managing Director of Clifton Nurseries. (Image courtesy of Achica Living )

Recently I have been doing several photo shoots there and have done gift wrapping services and demonstrations in the Quince Tree Cafe there which have been very popular.

They have regular parties, launches and events at Clifton Nurseries, and even Jimmy Choo had an event there last year filled with celebrities.

Luckily I live nearby and love to pop to the cafe (a sunny conservatory surrounded by flowers) for a spot of brunch outside before the buzzing lunch crowd arrive.

The Ribbon and Wrapping Room at Clifton Nurseries will be  a pop up shop through the summer, stocked full of ribbons, haberdashery, trimmings, bespoke papers, decorations, gift boxes and bags and other gift wrapping accessories.

We will also be offering complimentary gift wrapping services on selective days, and be hosting several events during the summer months.

Having worked as a florist, we will be in our element surrounded by flowers and Jane Means at Clifton Nurseries will be opening it’s doors on April 25th and will be open from 11am-3pm every Thursday to Sunday throughout the summer.

We are also looking for some friendly part time staff to cover this opportunity and would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us. Just email us at info@janemeans.co.uk  (Please do not use the comments box or contact Clifton Nurseries)

We will keep you updated with events, sale days and news about our exciting London pop up shop through our Facebook Page and Twitter and look forward to seeing you there!

Even if you’re visiting the capital and need to escape from the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect place to escape to stock up on ribbons and flowers and enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea with your favourite book!

Jane Means at Clifton Nurseries, 5A Clifton Villas, London W9 2PH, United Kingdom. Phone: 020 7289 6851.
If you have any queries please contact us at info@janemeans.co.u

Visit the Quince Tree Cafe at Clifton Nurseries

I’m really looking forward to being involved in the new stationery room launch at Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly next week.

Our ribbons are stocked in the store and I will be gift wrapping live in their revamped stationery room on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April.

 

One of my favourite haunts is Clifton Nurseries close to the Little Venice Canals in the heart of London.

Despite being in Central London, you feel like you’re tucked away in a unique oasis and it’s been a hidden gem since the mid 19th century.

Last week I was there doing a photo shoot and had to wrap some plants, which ended up being sold very quickly afterwards, so it made sense to squeeze in a quick wrapping service in time for Mother’s Day.

The Spring Gift Wrapping Event will be taking place on Friday 28th March from 11am-2pm, just prior to Mothering Sunday.

Whether it’s a Miniature Rose or a French Lavender for a birthday, Mothers Day or a housewarming present, your plants will be complimentary wrapped while you wait.

The gift wrapping service will be from 11am – 2pm so you can enjoy a coffee with friends or lunch in the buzzing Quince Tree Cafe on site, whilst your wrapping is being done (I can recommend their cakes and biscuits!)

Even if you don’t make the event, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit!

Clifton Nurseries Ltd, 5A, Clifton Villas, London, W9 2PH
0207 289 6851

Monday to Saturday – 09:00 to 18:00
Every Sunday (Except Easter Sunday, Closed by Law): 11:00 to 17:00

On April 29^th, the Barking Mad Charity Dress Sale will be making a comeback in Braceborough Village Hall near Stamford from 4-8pm.  Last year my close friend Sarah Milne and I raised over £2000 for Three Counties Dog Rescue at the inaugural event which was opened by TV presenter Catherine Gee.

After numerous requests we’ve decided to squeeze the event in our busy schedule (doing our bit for Charity) and hope you can join us.

We hope that you like our new YouTube advert featuring a speaking labrador called Margo!  This year we have an actress opening the doors so read on…

We all have a few clothes in our wardrobe which hardly get worn, and this is a chance to donate your pre loved frocks to our charity dress event.

Sponsored by Country Living Magazine Fairs, it is a boutique experience with a buzzing atmosphere, good quality clothes at a bargain price, delicious refreshments, with free entry and parking.  This year we are delighted that Karen Westwood is opening our event and the actress has appeared on Spooks, Dr Who and Monarch of the Glen to name a few.

Last year many people picked up bargains including a few designer finds like a Reiss Dress for £8, Armani Jeans for £5 and a Jaeger Jacket for £15.

We priced items low to sell, and offered a complimentary gift wrapping service with purchases wrapped in scented tissue.

Clients loved the shopping experience and stayed to enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea for under £5.  It was a huge success with so much support, with customers even coming from Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire to snap up bargains.

With the event only a couple of months away, we are asking for any High Street pre loved ladies clothes to be donated.  These can be dropped off at the following locations or collected locally nearer the time.

We are also looking for more drop off points within Lincolnshire so please let us know if you can help and we will gladly promote you in return!.

Bracebridge Heath: The Haberdashery Closet

Lincoln (Central): Frankeys Estate Agents

Lincoln (Bailgate): Yvonne Bell at Bailgate Hair and Beauty

Stamford: Sly Dress Agency

Bourne: Leonard Interiors

Spilsby: Honeybun Shop and Tearoom

Sleaford  TBA

We can email a PDF version of our poster but if you would like any leaflets or any further information please contact 01522 522544

Twitter #BarkMad

You may be struggling to find the perfect present for your loved one (beautifully gift wrapped of course) or may not have the pennies to splash out on something expensive, so i’ve devised a little something for your loved one.  Biscuits!

There’s nothing I love more than a homemade biscuit with a cup of builders tea (in a china cup of course) so here’s an easy recipe.  Homemade biscuits are always a favourite and these shortbread hearts can be packaged beautifully so it looks as though it has come out of a chic deli in Paris or Milan.

Your loved one will love the fact that you have spent a little time making something personal.  You can also add nuts and some finely chopped fruit such as strawberries to add a flush of colour.

Ingredients:

4oz Butter
2oz Sugar
6oz Plain Flour

Pre heat the Oven to 190C or Gas Mark 5
Beat the sugar and butter until silky smooth
Add the flower to make a smooth paste
Roll to around 1cm thick and cut in to hearts with a cutter (Lakeland have a great set)

Pop on a baking tray (you can sprinkle some sugar if you wish)
Bake in the oven until golden brown (approx 20mins) then pop on a wire rack to cool

If you have some leftover strawberries these could be added with whipped cream to make a great dessert or tea treat

They could be served on a gorgeous pink heart plate from Sophie Conran 

If you’re short of time you can buy macaroons and flowers or buy some heart shaped biscuits, and serve you’re loved one a pot of tea in bed before work.

I managed to pick up a wonderful cake stand and have threaded through some pink gingham ribbon.   After our photoshoot we naturally had to have a well deserved tea break…with biscuits.

If you have any lovely biscuit recipes we’d love to hear from you… Enjoy!