My pop up shop has recently opened in London, and I am excited to be placing a real focus on the beauty and versatility of stationery, so I thought I’d share my favourite creative ideas using wax seals.

At the new shop we will enjoy the added expertise of the skillful calligrapher, Judy Broad dropping in to demonstrate her prowess with a manuscript pen and to inspire us all to add the art of calligraphy to our skill set.

Calligraphy by Judy Broad

Ribbon by Jane Means
Wax Seals by Manuscript
Gift Wrap by Rossi

What better adornment to a traditionally inked letter, a calligraphy-decorated wrapping paper or feather (quill) embellished gift than the precise placement of a wax seal.  Such an age-old, traditional and yet unusual and practical, present day decoration; it can make a bold statement, make a simple gift box stand out and can add an air of authentic mystery to whatever you choose to seal.

Image courtesy of Melanie Ward
Wax Seal by Manuscript

Wrapping a gift with an antique map or sheet music and securing the paper or accompanying ribbon with a wax seal transports the imagination to romantic times of centuries past, as does forming a scroll with a letter of love or thanks and sealing it with a wax stamp.

Wax seals can be safely added to envelopes and to the folded tops of paper bags.  They can bring elegance to the most basic of brown wrapping paper and, as the seal may only be broken by the intended recipient, it is a much more private and personal statement than the very practical but not so romantic double sided sticky tape. I also love this idea sealing cakes

Image courtesy of Sprinkle Bakes

When wax seals are combined with calligraphic script and feathers that evoke quills from times gone by, they add instant drama to your gift.  A shade of dark, blood red offers the most traditional appearance but the colour scheme is entirely in your hands.  Special sealing wax can be purchased but seals can also be created in a rainbow of colours by simply melting wax crayons or candles onto your intended surface and then pressing a seal into the soft wax as it cools.  Gold and silver candles are particularly wonderful to use for Christmas gift sealing. I also found this great idea on Pinterest for Festive Cones filled with spruce decorated with a wax seal

Image courtesy of Pinterest

An infinite and wonderful range of stamps are available to buy but if you are feeling creative and you are comfortable using small power tools, you can carve your own designs from small blocks of wood.  (children’s wooden building block shapes are ideal)  Ensure the finished carving is dipped in cooking oil and wiped clean regularly to prevent wax from sticking to the stamper and distorting your seal.

As with many such projects, creativity is limited only by our imagination.  So have fun and experiment with initials, simple shapes and graphic symbols or, if you are feeling adventurous, design a personalised family crest.

If you aren’t quite confident enough to melt a wax seal onto your beautifully wrapped gift box, wax seals can also be placed directly onto gift tags for added decoration.

Ribbon and Tag by Jane Means
Giftware by Paperchase

A simple gift, such as a beautifully scented soap, will be fit for a five star spar when it is wrapped in baking paper, wrapped with raffia and sealed with wax.

Having your reception or celebration at a period country house?  Small party favour gifts will look appropriately charming and distinctive, wrapped in brown or parchment paper, tied with grosgrain ribbon and stamped with a personalised wax seal.

Image by Sophia Victoria Joy

A plain or parchment paper lampshade can be transformed by the addition of some permanent calligraphic script and a perfectly positioned seal or two.  Distinctive napkin rings can be made with wax sealed, colourful card and you may also use a wax seal to secure a floral decoration or jewel of an embellishment to your gift.

Image courtesy of Wedding Bee

It is also possible to make ‘peel off’ wax seals if you create them on a silicon mat or plate.  You will be left with seals you can conveniently stick to anything.  Loosely wrapping the neck of a bottle with a single, crossed ribbon and gluing on a personalized wax seal makes a lovely wedding gift of champagne or wine.

We’d love to hear about your own creative ideas…and don’t forget that our London Shop is open 7 days a week at Clifton Nurseries (just head for the bright pink door which is opposite a pokestop)

Jane Means at Clifton Nurseries, 5A Clifton Villas, London W9 2PH

Happy Sealing Folks x

Being so appreciative of the positive feedback and many requests for the return of my successful venture into ‘the pop up shop’ world of two years ago, I welcomed the opportunity to, once again, and I’ve some exciting news….Jane Means has opened a London pop up stationery shop within the elegant and established garden walls of Clifton Nurseries.

In the run up to the opening,  pretty new products arrived at my studio, stylish display ideas developed in my head, and we dressed it exactly as I wished people to experience it…

This is my bright and bold, creative arcadia of colour.

It is sometimes hard to believe that what was once my very enjoyable and creative, kitchen table based hobby, is now my international, commercial success.  I am fortunate that so many others also appreciate beautifully wrapped gifts and that the screen-based world we live in still has room for the timeless elegance of hand-scripted wrapping paper and calligraphic gift tags.

Ribbon and tag by Jane Means
Calligraphy by Judy Broad

I am happy that many people share my love of patterned papers and of ribbons of variety and quality and that there is a constant quest by so many to find further creative ways to embellish, not only presents, but also homes, hotels, shops and restaurants.

We use touch screens for convenience but there is something beautiful about a brightly coloured quill, liquid ink on lovely paper and a warm, wax seal pressing a ribbon against a folded letter or ribbon-tied gift box.

Image courtesy of Melanie Ward
Wax Seals by Manuscript

My pop up shop will be full of stationery, gift wrapping and calligraphy ideas and I plan to present my products in creative and innovative ways to inspire visitors to try new wrapping techniques, to display pictures differently, to use ribbons in original and pretty ways and to consider traditional methods of writing styles that can be overlooked in present times.

The highly skilled Judy Broad will be hosting calligraphy events in my pop up shop, providing demonstrations and instruction on how to achieve pristine and poetic penmanship that can bring a distinctive and personal touch to such items as gift tags, journals, invitations, letters and handmade wrapping paper.

Ribbons by Jane Means

I will be demonstrating creative gift-wrapping techniques to wow your friends and family and offering embellishment tips, as well as showing how a range of beautiful bows can be effectively and efficiently tied.

I am so excited about the intensely coloured and highly patterned wrapping papers and beautiful, intricately dye cut greetings cards, among other delights, that I have sourced specifically for my pop up store and more items are arriving constantly.

‘Excited’ is the best word to describe the prospect of my shop’s opening day but I am also a little nervous.  I wish it to be perfect in every way and for everyone to be able to find something they love.

The shop will be open 7 days a week and you can also enjoy a delicious lunch or afternoon tea at the scrumptious Quince Tree Cafe on Site as well as wander through the idyllic gardens of Clifton.

Voted the ‘Most Charming Restaurant with a Garden’ by Vogue, the bustling cafe is set in a conservatory surrounded by flowers with a mouthwatering menu and delightful staff.

Our new shop Monday 12th September opened infront of the press with my dear friend Sophie Conran cutting the ribbon.

We look forward to seeing you and don’t forget to share your photos and thoughts on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Page

Jane x

I’ve always loved Vintage, Adam Ant and his slightly way out style, pre loved heirlooms and decided this blog post would be dedicated to Steampunk Style Gift Wrapping Inspiration

Steampunk is a term originating from science fiction novels and is a style that has exploded quietly over the last decade or so, to become one of the biggest, creative trends that many people have never heard of.  Having its own polite, tea sipping philosophy of looking ‘splendid’ and of giving oneself a suitable Steampunk name (such as ‘Lady Jane Crinoline’), Steampunk has gatherings and events all over the world, with our the historic city of Lincoln playing host to the largest Steampunk festival in Europe each August.

Image courtesy of Sara Sund Berlin

Steampunk is a combination of Victorian elegance and futuristic fantasy, a mix of old and new, set in a world without electricity, where clockwork and steam power have inspired revolutionary invention and where imagination and individuality are to be admired and celebrated.

Image from Giftwrapped by Jane Means

Accessories know no limits.  There are a few iconic symbols of Steampunk that will immediately make your theme recognisable.  Goggles, cogs and gears, watch faces, keys and locks, wire springs, compass faces.  Vintage bronze keys, cogs and embellishments can be purchased very cheaply online and found at flea markets.  Any colours are appropriate for Steampunk but brass and copper, along with black and brown are classic Steampunk colours.  Lacing and buttons, as well as buckles and opulent fabrics reflect Victorian garment detailing with corsetry and crinolines in mind.

Image courtesy of Sara Sund Berlin

Subtle Steampunk.  Try selecting, either, my Calligraphy Clock tissue paper, Pewter Garden tissue paper or Victorian Posy tissue paper and a coordinating cross grain ribbon or a length of wide, black lace, together with my old-fashioned luggage or eyelet tags.  Tie your multi-layer, tissue-wrapped gift with ribbon/lace and embellishments, adding your handwritten label.  Recycle vintage keys, jewelry charms or tie in old necklace chains with a pendant or pocket watch.

The perfect Steampunk enthusiast’s gift could be a beautiful teacup and saucer.  Select a box of appropriate size and line generously with tissue paper.  Try wrapping the box with brown parcel paper and adding black handwritten ‘tea related’ script to the package.  My brown stitched ribbon is perfect to tie in a teaspoon to the bow and add an old-fashioned luggage label with such a greeting as… Keep being Splendid! You could really push the boat out and go for an opulent velvet ribbon with lace and feathers.

Image courtesy of Sara Sund Berlin 

Or, what about giving a Steampunk novel (such as Frankenstein or The Difference Engine), wrapped in brown parcel paper, bound with luxurious fabric and/or lace and secured with a recycled metal buckled belt that has been cut down to size.  May I suggest a homemade, cogs and key embellished, top hat bookmark, carefully slotted into the belt.

Military Steampunk style is also a vital component of any Steampunk gathering.

Gold braid and red ribbon (see my red grosgrain ribbon) used over plain black paper or fabric, with added gold buttons, medals, compass faces or, whatever else you can track down at flea markets and in charity shops, will evoke the look of a Steampunk uniform.

Image courtesy of Steampunk Corporation

Dressed for steampunk.  If you want to get really crafty and creative, use some taffeta or other lavish fabric and stitch on hooks and eyes to secure the luxurious wrapping.  Wrap generously with lace, embellished with vintage pendants, and tie in ribbons, brass chains  (small plumber’s chain is ideal) and add some leatherette strapping. I love this cuff that I found on Etsy decorated with cotton, scissors and lace.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Dressed for him.  Male Steampunk style takes many forms and lends itself beautifully to masculine gift-wrapping.  The Victorian gent, the sci-fi, gadget geek and the military type can all be complimented with pocket watches, goggles, buckles, vintage medals and metallic papers and by using bright satin handkerchiefs to tie into cravat style bows over plain paper or a more luxurious brocade fabric.  (Inexpensive tablecloths provide the perfect material).  As always, embellish as much or as little as you wish. Jonny Depp had a classic steampunk edge when he played the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

Printed words.  Using a computer to quickly create your own very personalised wrapping paper designs is a great way to impress the recipient of your gift.  Here I have used definitions of Steampunk and Steampunk values as inspiration.  Wrapped with lace for her or with a buckled belt for him and with added, themed embellishments, the look is complete.

Lacing.  Corsetry is a poignant feature of Steampunk styling and can be a very effective way of securing your gift-wrapping too.  A selection of buttons and a long shoelace instantly achieve the Victorian look.  Try combining a plain fabric with my Victorian Posy tissue paper and add embelishments to inject steampunk style.

Split brass paperclips can also be used to create button detailing or assist in adding lacing your gift.  Use them on double layered/folded paper for added strength or use them on fabric.

Narrow Grey Stitched Ribbon by Jane Means

Pleating.  This is the perfect style of wrapping (described in my book) to reflect dress detailing of the Victorian period and can be accompanied by a plethora of buttons, bows and buckles or can be kept elegantly simple with the addition of a single ribbon, embellished with a lock and key. I found these old scissors in Istanbul and accessorised a friends gift with them.

Anything can be Steampunked, from a person’s style, to a musical instrument or a hi-tech gadget and from a motorbike to a hat or a book cover.  When it comes to wrapping a gift in a Steampunk style, a little background knowledge and a creative imagination are all you need and I hope these ideas have inspired you.

Image Courtesy of Visit Lincoln

You could even visit the Largest Steampunk Festival in historic Lincoln from August 26-29th.  You can join in the fun in the Cathedral Quarter with plenty of events. More details at Visit Lincoln

Have fun!

For many, the best ideas and inspiration comes from their beloved pets, so I’ve decided to dedicate a blog post to Animal inspired ribbon and gift wrapping ideas. Whether you have dogs, cats, horses or chickens we have some great ideas lined up.

I’ve always been surrounded by animals being a farmers daughter and designed a controversial pet ribbon collection back in 2012. Sadly it was copied by our British manufacturer and is still talked about

Image courtesy of Ros Shiers

Even at a young age I gave my dog birthday presents, and locals thought we were barking mad when we had a doggy fancy dress birthday party for owners at their muts.

My late labrador Margo couldn’t resist being a Gift Wrapping assistant and loved course days where she would be wandering around the studio

Anyone who is crafty is always looking for new and creative ways to make their gifts, from the present itself all the way to the finishing touches of the wrapping paper and ribbons. When picking out the gift-wrap and choosing the design of the packaging, it’s always good to keep the recipient’s personality in mind. For example, if your father is a car enthusiast, you can personalise the present with a ‘car design’ wrapping paper and a wide black paper band to make it look like a road. It’s all about knowing your audience.

(image credit: mrprintables.com)

If the recipient is a child, a fun theme to incorporate into gift-wrapping is animal shapes. Rather than using paper with dogs and cats on them, incorporate your origami skills into the gift to mimic animal silhouettes. Children love presents from the get go, but taking the time to add something special on the outside of the gifts will give them more joy than a toy that’s simply been placed in a gift bag. You can find DIY animal wrapping ideas on Pinterest and various blogs, though if you’re looking for a tutorial easy enough to get your kids involved in wrapping a friend’s birthday present, Mr. Printables makes use of white paper so that toddlers can paint the paper according to the animals they prefer.
(image credit: linesacross.com)

Another great animal box design you can experiment with is a gift box that locks the paper in with ears as tabs. As shown on Line Across, this gift-wrap is reusable and just as fun to put together as the previous wrapping idea.

Image courtesy of Scotchtape

Despite these DIY wrapping ideas seeming like they only work for kids, they can actually be applied to anyone who loves animals, or that is generally young at heart. With so many adults fascinated with brands like Hello Kitty and playing games with cute and cuddly themes, lots of people will appreciate a person putting in the effort to make the gift’s presentation as adorable as the example shown above.

We also love these gifts for our beloved pets…

Dog Bones Wreath by BHS

Image courtesy of Pinterest

I just love these Pet Portraits that I found on Not On The High Street

Image courtesy of Barley and Bayley

How about these vibrant watches for cat lovers?

Image Courtesy of Junk Jewels

And how about these cute little egg covers, perfect for an Easter party or pastel decor?

Image courtesy of notonthehighstreet

On a final note I’m enjoying a few days hidden away in Cornwall designing my new collections and have been enjoying the company of a friends beloved Parsons Terrier called Archie…

With Summer here and your close friends tying the knot, it’s your chance to be Wrapping a Wedding Gift and making it stand out, making the special couple feel rewarded. Even if you’re giving money or a voucher, we can make your gift look fabulous on the present table.

Arranging a wedding can be a joy but it also involves a lot of hard work, coordinating, planning and organising.  Each bride is the proverbial graceful swan, paddling away like crazy, to ensure that everything appears perfect.  Extensive effort is invested in colour schemes, dress designs, fabrics, flowers, table arrangements, stationery designs, favours, photography, menus, venues and honeymoon plans, to list but a few ‘things to do’….

As a guest, turning up beautifully turned out is a courteous duty to your, no doubt, immaculately polished hosts and, after you have been invited to share this precious and poignant moment in their lives, to observe, dine and celebrate, it is a wonderful gesture to, not merely give a considered gift but to present or, indeed, have delivered, a perfectly and elegantly embellished feast for the eyes, in the form of a thoughtfully wrapped and individually outstanding present.

The bride will appreciate such a wonderful gesture, as she has, no doubt, spent many months, at the very least, considering every last detail of every last minute of this very special occasion.

Salmon Ribbon by Jane Means

Your gift may not be the most expensive or flamboyant but it can be remembered for being the most perfectly packaged and for being the gift the happy couple least wanted to open because the wrapping was so utterly charming.

Sometimes it all comes down to the intricate detailing and sometimes simplicity stands out…

Narrow grey ribbon by Jane Means

Japanese Pleating.
Just as pin-tucked, fine silk pleating adds detailed embellishment to an elegant wedding gown, once mastered, this simple paper-folding technique adds intriguing intricacy and individuality to your wrapped wedding gift.  If the bride’s colour choices are known, carefully selected papers and ribbons can also compliment her colour scheme.

Papers by Fox and Lark
Sage Ribbon by Jane Means

Joining Papers.
Just as the happy couple will be joining their hands in marriage, two contrasting papers can be used to wrap their wedding gift.  Cover the join with a good quality ribbon, tied in a bow, that may secure two small rings (curtain rings look effective, fresh or dried flowers or, if it is appropriate, a pendant in the shape of a cross.

Champagne.
A very special bottle of wine or good quality champagne makes a lovely wedding gift but many people tie a tag to the neck of the bottle and stop there.  We can do much better than that!  With contrasting tissue papers, shiny cellophane, ribbon and the accessories of sparkly confetti or flower stems, a bottle can become an ornamental vase of a gift.  A generous helping of confetti between the tissue paper and cellophane adds real sparkle to your champagne!

Fern Stripe Ribbon by Jane Means

Theming.
Perhaps the happy couple are adventurous travellers and a more personalised gift wrapping style would really appeal to them… Do you know where they are going on their honeymoon?  If so, use a map of that destination to wrap your gift, ribbons of that country’s flag and a card-backed photograph or postcard of the location as a gift tag.

Boxed simplicity.
Simple boxes are perfect to be dressed for a wedding celebration.  With wedding veil net wrapped around and secured with a bunch of faux roses, an ornate broach or adapted hairclip or piece of jewelry, they look dramatic and yet are very quick to wrap.  A generous, soft lining of contrasting tissue paper also adds a little richness to whatever delights lie inside the box.

Glitter Paper by Marshalls

For the bride who loves bling!  Wrapping your gift in sumptuous velvet will immediately make it stand out from the crowd.  Jewel colours of emerald green, amethyst purple or ruby red will add to the drama and, tied with a matching metallic edged, wide wire ribbon bow and dressed with lots of wired cut glass and metallic beads, your gift will have glamour and beg for the spotlight. I also love to wrap wedding gifts in bling paper and this glitter one was a remnant from Christmas. With a rich embellishment added your gift will look a million dollars.

Romantic silk, pink and pearls.  A parcel presented, wrapped in light pink silk in combination with a pretty floral, pleated paper, tied with darker pink ribbon and entwined and draped with strings of pretty bridal pearls will look innocent and sweet.  Remnants of fabric can be purchased cheaply and make great wrapping for many occasions.  Add a sprig of pink and cream flowers to this gift box for extra femininity and romance. You can even use a paper tablecloth and netting as I have done here.

Rossi Marbled Paper by Jane Means

This luxurious Rossi marbled paper is perfectly suited to a wedding gift’s presentation.  The rich texture and variegated colours of this Italian, handmade and unique paper can be complimented with green or pink ribbon. This is a great look for a Winter wedding too.

Ribbons by Jane Means

Plain brown paper dressed up for the occasion with grosgrain ribbon, and a bouquet of (artificial) flowers, proves that it is the ‘little black dress’ of the gift-wrapping world.  It may be simple, but, with the appropriate accessorizing, it works for any occasion.

Ribbon by Paperchase
Tag by Jane Means

One step beyond, you could even tie in fresh flowers such as hydrangeas on the day for that dramatic rich look

Whatever you give to the Bride and Groom, with a little thought and effort it will make them feel really special on their Wedding Day.

We’d love to hear from you if you’ve been creative with your gift wrapping too!

No matter how humble the gift, dads know it is the thought that counts and so I have put together a selection of gift wrapping ideas for Dads Birthday and Fathers Day , suitable for the wide range of dads out there.

Vintage Grey Ribbon by Jane Means

Why not inject a little humour and mystery into your dad’s day by neatly wrapping his very own garden shed key in a small box.  His real gift will be wrapped and hidden inside the shed but he will have to engage in a little treasure hunt to find it!  An ideal method for the gift of gardening gloves, DIY items or, perhaps, in the shed, you have hidden a batch of dad’s favourite homemade cookies, placed in a jar, perfectly tied with beautiful ribbon in dad’s favourite colour…

Brown and Orange Ribbon by Jane Means

For the dad who loves being surrounded by nature, a natural look, with hints of the countryside can be easily achieved by using traditional, rustic-looking brown paper, always a favourite of mine, and accessorizing with budding twigs, feathers, herbs or wheat.  Using herbs will also give a wonderful country garden scent to your gift

Wax Seal by Manuscript Company          Narrow Slate Grey Stitched Ribbon by Jane Means

Dads really appreciate presents that have a personalized or signature element to them and so, for the ‘city gent’ dad, what about using the Financial Times as wrapping paper, add a formal looking ribbon and complete your smart wrapping by adding a wax seal for a very sophisticated look.

True, plants and contents from Clifton Nurseries

Who does not love to receive a hamper full of goodies?!  Make your dad feel special with a mini-hamper packed full of tempting treats and, perhaps, his favourite tipple.  In a simple rustic basket, wrapped with raffia or ribbon and, by tying in wooden cutlery, a napkin or a bottle opener, your dad may not have to leave his chair for many happy hours on Father’s Day!  Sitting on a ruffled bed of tissue paper, olive or preserve filled jars and bags of delicious fudge or chocolates can be tied with ribbon, whilst further specifically selected surprises lurk beneath, making dad feel pampered.

Paper by Rossi

For many dads, cars are a favourite topic of conversation and this beautifully coloured and elegant ‘car design’ wrapping paper by Rossi is ideal to wrap a car enthusiast’s Father’s Day gift!  A wide black paper band wrapped around the box provides a road and the addition of a small car model, preferably dad’s favourite, adds the personal touch.  When in doubt, a red sports car usually does the trick!   A nice new bottle of car shampoo could be the perfect accompaniment to such packaging and would also provide dad with something to do too!

Image Courtesy of DaWanda

There are lots of DIY enthusiasts out there and dads who prize their ever-increasing collection of tools would, no doubt, appreciate the time taken to create a personalized ribbon with tiny nuts and bolts attached.  Combined with brown wrapping paper and, with small wrenches, spanners or screwdrivers tied securely into the bow, the perfect gift inside would be a super-duper shiny new tool for dad’s collection

Randomly scattering and colour- copied, traditional playing cards can produce a very striking,  black, white and red design, which many poker, gin rummy and bridge playing dads alike would appreciate.   Matching with black and red ribbons and using a paper-backed playing card as a gift tag produces a personally themed and very attractive gift box.  The king of hearts might be a good card to ‘play’ as the gift tag for Father’s Day.

Petrol Blue Stitched Ribbon by Jane Means – Vintage Maps bought at Portobello Market, London

For the dad who travels with work or simply loves to travel, using old or photocopied maps for wrapping paper and gift tags produces a very personalized gift.  Choose a map featuring a country or city that is special to your dad and, for extra detail, select a ribbon bearing the colours of that country’s flag.  The map may bring back shared memories of a family holiday,  be of a place you know your dad longs to visit or, perhaps, the gift inside is evocative of that country’s culture…

The well-groomed dads, who love the feel of a crisp, white shirt and a good suit might like their Father’s Day present wrapped in glossy editorial pages, depicting smart, fashionable menswear.   Select a ribbon that compliments your improvised wrapping paper and replace the bow with a Windsor knot to add a ‘dad-approved’ smartness to the way his gift is ‘tied’!  If I may be so bold, ties of red, purple and shades of blue are considered to be the most positive colours to wear…

Burgundy Ribbon by Jane Means – Music Paper from Les Puces, Paris

If music is one of your dad’s greatest interests, then wrap the Father’s Day gift he will love in the music he loves.  Antique sheet music can be found in charity shops and at flea markets and may also be photocopied onto new paper of your own selection.  Small rolled up scrolls of music and a contrasting ribbon results in a most elegantly presented gift, which is personalized to your dad’s musical taste.

Alternatively, you could use plain or traditional brown paper and aesthetically position selected handwritten song lyrics onto the gift box after wrapping.  Black writing on cream paper and white writing on black paper are two of the many possible options.   Handwriting also adds another personal touch. Personally I love understated and classic Monochrome.

Black and White Dotty Ribbon by Jane Means - Black paper by Paperchase

Gifts offered with thoughtful, creative and personal touches are, I believe, always the best ones, as they come straight from the heart, and Father’s Day or a special birthday is a perfect opportunity to show that it is not about the size of the gift but about the size of the heart that gives it.

Happy Wrapping!

Our gift wrapping courses are resuming in Lincolnshire and we’re delighted to celebrate by offering a buy one get one half price deal on our inaugural course at our new venue, the Lincoln Cathedral Centre, with the breathtaking Cathedral right next door

Clients will enjoy a day of gift wrapping on Tuesday 14^th June and will cover the basics right through to tackling those awkward shapes, and making an array of bows and decorations. The day will be fun, relaxed and full of tips, ideas and inspiration whilst enjoying the view with like minded craft enthusiasts.

Ribbon by Jane Means. Props by Lyndsey James

All materials, refreshments and lunch will be included, hopefully if the weather behaves we can enjoy lunch in the Cathedral gardens with breathtaking views.

Our Gift wrapping courses often sell out with waitlists due to my hectic diary, so we strongly advise you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Our Course Offer is only valid on this inaugural course and bookings can be made online or over the phone. Bookings must be made by Wednesday 25^th May. We hope you’ll join us with the celebrations on this exciting day.

Apologies I’ve been rather absent of late. I’ve had a busy time working and doing shoots in Paris with lots of exciting projects in the pipeline. Here’s a little shot of me having some fun in Montemarte.

Happy Wrapping!

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for me as I headed back to run some gift wrapping courses and giftwrapped book signing events in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia

After a brief weekend enjoying the sights of Sydney, I headed to Melbourne to the upmarket district of Toorak.

I had a great time hosting a ladies lunch, book signing and gift wrapping course for 30 at the Manhattan restaurant. Dee and Isabelle, the two lovely organisers did a fantastic job putting it all together and I met some wonderful people.

Tables were beautifully decorated with Vibrant Green Pom Poms, Fresh Flowers, Party Boxes and Polka dot napkins complimenting rich white linens.

Straight after a yummy lunch we got stuck in to a gift wrapping masterclass and everyone had a great time. Georgia and Brad couldn’t do enough for us (thank you chaps)

Several days later I hosted my very own giftwrapping courses at the Windsor workshops in Melbourne. As soon as I walked into the venue I fell in love with the beautiful space.

We were spoilt by Bree with a huge fruit platter, cookies and refreshments and several of us enjoyed a lunch nearby.

If you are ever hosting a workshop or event in Melbourne I can’t recommend this place highly enough. It’s amazing and in such a cool area (sadly I had no time to go shopping!).

I met some fantastic people and we managed to squeeze in a quick lunch at a local cafe.

One of my Instagram followers Dear Mabel came along and it was wonderful to put a face to a name, and I was spoiled rotten with lots of goodies (thank you Samantha)

I then headed back to Sydney to run a workshop in conjunction with Sew Make Create, it’s a wonderful haberdashery shop in Chippendale owned by the delightful Melissa and her super cute dog called Pepper. During the course we made lots of bows, decorations and covered some gift wrapping projects too.

I had a wonderful trip and many of you asked when I will be returning to run future courses and events. I am planning to be back in February 2017 so if you would like to hear about our future Australia events please drop us an email at info@janemeans.co.uk so we can add you to our newsletter list

Luckily I enjoyed a rare day off on Bondi Beach before heading back to London, and it’s already given me inspiration for my wrapping projects. I love Turquoise so much that some of my ribbons are inspired from the sea

I’ve had a fantastic trip to Australia and one thing I will really miss are the incredible Melbourne sunsets which were different every night

Have a great week folks

X

I’m delighted to be running my first bespoke course in Ribboncraft and Bow Making in Sydney, Australia on April 11th.

Pink spotty ribbon available from Jane Means

I’ve teamed up with Melissa at Sew Make Create who will be hosting the courses and the evening will be fun of trimmings, lace, ribbons and fun!

Wired Ribbon available at Jane Means

The one off ribbons and bows masterclass will be from 6.30 – 9.30pm and bookings can be made online. Courses cost $90 inclusive of all materials and you’ll be taking home a goody bag of your handmade creations which will include a hair adornment, corsage, necklace or a handmade bracelet…all made with your own fair hands!

I have always had an addiction with ribbons (and still do).  What started with a shoebox full of remnants turned in to a real passion. Now we have over 100,000 rolls of ribbon in stock!

And don’t forget I have my first comprehensive Gift Wrapping Courses taking place in Melbourne on Saturday 9th April. You can attend a full or mini course with several pricing options and bookings can be made online via WeTeachMe

During both courses you’ll also be able to pick up a signed copy of my book Giftwrapped

Don’t forget if you are based in Australia, that I have a few available days left and can also offer one to one training packages.  Just drop us an email at info@janemeans.co.uk

Have fun! x

We are delighted to announce the 48hr Jane Means Spring sale with many ribbons and gift wrapping lines up to 80% off

We’re making way for new lines and our sale will be a perfect time to stock up your gift wrapping, sewing or craft cupboard.

Many designs are available and those of you who have a forthcoming wedding, party or event can benefit from this wonderful sale as many prices will be cheaper than wholesale.

If you are craft addicts or have a cottage industry, you can also benefit from our larger 50 and 100 metre rolls with huge discounts.

With Mothers Day around the corner, you could fill a hamper full of beautiful ribbons. This is the perfect gift for the lady who has everything, plus you can buy the tissue and tags to finish the wrapping!

Don’t forget our 48hour sale will end on Thursday at midnight

Happy Shopping!