Despite running our gift wrapping courses for 18 years we’ve some exciting news…

Jane Means is to launch gift wrapping courses at the iconic Burghley House

 

History

Burghley House is a grand sixteenth century house, with its park laid out by Capability Brown. The Elizabethan estate is home to the Cecil Family and is regarded as one of Britain’s best non-royal palaces, a prodigy house built for Elizabeth I’s Lord High Treasurer, Lord Burghley.

Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire it is on the border of Northamptonshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire, with the centre of Peterborough only 10 miles away

Ribbon by Jane Means
Gift Wrap by Chocolate Envelope, Paperchase and dotcomgiftshop

The gift wrapping courses at Burghley House will start in the summer of 2017 with the inaugural course taking place on Friday 16th June. We’d love you to join us for this wonderful day out learning skills for life in a beautiful setting. Early Bird Places are available but do book early to avoid disappointment as these places get snapped up quickly.

Our gift wrapping courses

On our gift wrapping course, you’ll be greeted with morning refreshments and during the day you’ll be learning hands on how to wrap any shape, how to tie the perfect bow and pick up lots of tips and inspiration. You’ll enjoy lunch at Burghley House and can also grab a signed copy of Jane’s book giftwrapped and buy lots of ribbons and wrap at the end of the day at discounted prices.

Jane Means will also be exhibiting at the Burghley Horse Trials in September plus the gift wrapping expert will be running a further course in October, for those wishing to practice their skills in time for Christmas.

We look forward to seeing you there

Jane and team x

As we approach certain times of year when multiple presents mean many hours of wrapping and there is creative desire to find a personal theme for the season. One possible solution may be a little quirky paper designing and some ‘wrapping, stacking and strapping’, such a  great gift wrapping idea

It is always good to get the children involved with present preparations and potato printed, hand drawn, polka dot and stripe painted, family photo montaged, collage glued, home-made wrapping paper is great fun to make.

When it comes to stacking presents, creating a mix and match range of paper designs really pulls your presents together and this can be achieved in perfectly when you are in charge of the designs.

Using inexpensive, brown parcel paper as a base, you can have fun adding red and green spots and stripes and strapping a pile of wrapped and stacked gifts together with red or green ribbon.

Ribbons by Jane Means

Colourful, seasonal stickers, paper-cut, stuck on snowflakes or Christmas tree and snowman shapes are some of many other options.  Select a combination of theme and colour and then design, print, pritt stick and paint until you have enough personally produced paper.

Construct your neatly stacked ‘tiered layer cake’ of carefully wrapped gifts and finish by strapping together with an appropriate and impressively seasonal ribbon.  Wide, wired ribbon is perhaps a wise choice for larger boxes, as it offers greater stability to your ‘stack’ but wide ribbon and big bows on small boxes look equally as appealing.  Whatever you choose to do, execute it precisely and aim to give ‘gift bundles’ that stand out and impress at first glimpse.

If you have four or more gift boxes of stacked, decreasing size, using tissue paper, wrap the bottom one in red, the next in dark green, then light green and top with gold.  Strap together with a golden ribbon and add a generous golden bow to the top.  Adding a few Christmas baubles to embellish your bow will add to the Christmas tree styled appeal of this pile. This was one creation that I did for a recent Scotchtape commercial

 

Image courtesy of 3M Scotchtape

Tips.  When using tissue paper, always use several sheets together to strengthen the stability of the wrapping.  A little double-sided tape between each precisely placed parcel is the secret to sustained stacking positioning and selecting gift boxes of steadily descending size will create a perfect pile of presents.

Whether you are giving multiple gifts or creating mini wrapped, stacked and strapped, table centre pieces, this is a highly enjoyable project and can be themed for any occasion or time of year.

If you are in the habit of giving table gifts, then a perfectly colour coordinated, central stack of wrapped goodies, with name tags could be a lovely starter to sit down to before dinner… As long as people understand that the biggest gift box at the bottom does not conceal a superior gift to that hiding in the tiny box at the very top!

It is possible to find inexpensive sets of cardboard stacking boxes in stationers, gift shops and toyshops.  Used for storage and playing, as well as for gift giving, these boxes can be brightly coloured and require no further wrapping or they may be constructed of buff coloured cardboard and be perfect to directly print or paint onto, if you are brave enough.

 

Image courtesy of Camille Styles

This is a great way to recycle outgrown, early learning cardboard stacking boxes, which can be over-painted or carefully wrapped with paper.  Now you have a beautiful set of size ranging  gift boxes.

Stacked, cubed boxes in plain colours can be easily painted to look like dice or you can use appropriately scaled round, white stickers.  This is a perfect theme for a board gamer of any age.

 

Giving a stack of books this way is particularly lovely at any time of year.  Ibooks may be very popular these days but charity shops are a gold mine of inexpensive literary possibilities and wrapped, stacked and strapped, they make the perfect gift for any studious type.

Whether you are stacking two boxes or seven boxes, the idea of receiving, not one gift, but one presentation of multiple gifts, all combined and coordinated and tied together as one, makes quite a dramatic impression.

 

Happy Wrapping Folks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought I’d collaborate my top 10 must see hidden gems in Paris as I’m now doing a lot of Photoshoots, Filming and Gift Wrapping Services for Clients there.  I fell in love with the French Capital when I first visited back in 1995, and have been returning there regularly since 2010 for work.

Julius Caesar conquered Paris in 52 B.C. It was then a fishing village, called Lutetia Parisiorum (the Parisii were a Gallic tribe), on the Île de la Cité. Under the Romans the town spread to the left bank and acquired considerable importance under the later emperors. The Renaissance reached Paris in the 16th century and at this time the Louvre was transformed from a fortress to a Renaissance palace. The city now remains the most visited one in the world ahead of London and New York.

I have been lucky to find some hidden gems during my spare time there and thought I’d collate my 10 favourite ‘must visits’ in Paris.

 

Ribbons by Jane Means

The Eiffel Tower
This elegant and beautiful tower of wrought iron lattice work and rivets on the Champ de Mar is the most iconic symbol of the stunningly inspirational and stylish city that is Paris. Named after Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed it, the tower was supposed to be a temporary addition to the Parisian skyline during the Paris Exposition of 1889 but, thankfully, it was saved from deconstruction in 1909 and lives on to be the most visited paid monument in the world. Walking beneath its four huge, weight-bearing legs gives you a real sense of the scale and intricately interlaced beauty of this structure and, whilst it is, admittedly, rather tiring climbing the 328 steps to the first floor, the Parisian air and atmosphere are wonderful and, after 2 lift rides to the top, the views are utterly breathtaking. After all, at almost 1000ft, it was the tallest structure in the world in 1889 and it still remains the tallest structure in Paris.

Notre Dame
There are beautiful photographs to be taken all over Paris and it is nature, as well as architecture that impresses and inspires me so much.   The medieval cathedral of Notre Dame is a splendid example of Gothic architecture and can be seen from the relaxation of a cruise along the Seine or explored in more close up, awe-inspiring detail.  Her full name is Notre-Dame de Paris, our lady of Paris, and she is located on the ‘Ile de la cite’, in the heart of the city.

Thought to be the best example of French Gothic architecture in the world, Notre Dam is visited by around 13 million people each year.  It was interesting to note that Victor Hugo’s famous gothic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, published in 1831, was written to increase interest in the cathedral he loved so much. I was lucky enough to see this amazing place during blossom season.

 

Luxembourg Gardens
I personally have a love of topiary and within these magnificent gardens  belonging to the beautiful Luxembourg Palace there are some splendid, playful and sometimes surprising examples of skillfully and well-groomed topiary treats.  Walking the elegant and well maintained pathways of pristine precision and stunning shrubbery, I could not fail to be inspired by my creative surroundings

Petit Palais
This ‘small palace’ was built for the 1900 Universal Exposition, when it served to solidify France’s position as an artistic world leader and it now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.  This is a very grand and elaborate building with a blend of traditional and modern architecture, which stands amidst other architectural gems on Winston Churchill Avenue.  One of its facades also faces the Seine and one faces the Champs Elysees.  It is an absolute pleasure to explore this delightful building, with its paintings, tapestries, sculptures and exquisite objects.  I could feel myself soaking up the centuries of creativity as I walked

Sacre Coeur & fairground
Well, yet another building that just omits magnificence.  The Basilica of the sacred heart of Paris is another of the most visited monuments of Paris and stands at the top of the hill of Montmartre.  It evokes thoughts of Indian temples and was built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style in the most wonderful Chateau-Landon stone which has been bleached by wet weather and now shines bright white against the skyline.

Walk the pretty streets of Montemarte
Surrounding the Sacre Coeur, the cobbled streets slope away and form a tempting network of streets and stepped pathways, absolutely bursting with creativity.  Historically, much like a village within the city, it is where the artists used to live but now, filled with tourists, it offers shops and cafes and is a place where many wonderful hours can be lost finding inspiration.

Saint Germain Quarter
Here dwells, St-Germain-des-Pres, the oldest church in Paris.  The essence of the surrounding streets was once that of a café society full of poetry, art and literature but Lagerfeld, Dior and Armani now command the shop fronts and the scent is one of high fashion, opulence and prestigious addresses.  Picasso and Oscar Wilde once resided here and frequented the very famous cafes on the Saint Germain Boulevard. This is a neighbourhood for your Sunday best, for window shopping, art museums and languid lunches in bistros and brasseries, where observing Parisian society is always inspiring.

 

Trocadero
Another breathtaking location within Paris and the ideal place to get a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.  The Trocadero gardens feature beautiful sculptures and the famous Warsaw Fountains which offer impressive water displays.  This large area includes several museums, meaning more culture, creativity and inspiration and it is dominated by the Palais de Chaillot, a stunning building, designed to frame and compliment the view of the Eiffel Tower.

Enjoy the cafes
Whether you prefer to be surrounded by grand interiors, full of gleaming mirrors, columns, polished brass and sumptuous seating or if you prefer to sit outside, beneath a canopy, amidst scented shrubs in the sunshine as you watch Paris stroll by, there are an almost infinite number of cafes to choose from in Paris and I could spend more time than I care to admit to sampling the coffees and cakes at many of them.  Paris certainly takes café society seriously and does it exceptionally well.

By far my most favourite and ‘must see’ café experience within a city full of wonderful cafes, is the ‘Au Vieux Paris’, with its lilac blossomed, wisteria draped walls and its hot pink al-fresco dining, this place epitomized understated, exquisite, Parisian chic to me.  It was utterly delightful…

Shopping
Need I say any more, with Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and the French Fashion Houses oozing glamour, you can’t resist a shopping trip whilst you are in Paris.  There are plenty of Flea markets and independent stores located all over the French capital.

Working for new clients in Paris has opened up a wonderful opportunity to really explore the finer, more elegant and exquisite cultural details that this unique city has to offer.

Soaking up the atmosphere and being surrounded by such impressive architecture and style, with its distinctly different formal greetings, dressed up personal presentation and social formalities illustrates the charm and individuality of Paris and Parisians themselves.  I certainly feel inspired to add a little Parisian chic to my own creations in the near future, and will be sharing all my travels and finds on my Instagram Page

 

Au Revoir!

I’ve always had a love of textiles and trimmings and with the festive season upon us, I thought I’d share with you some great ribbon decorating ideas for Christmas.

Ribbon by Jane Means

Aside from the very obvious way that ribbon is used lavishly, luxuriously and in flamboyant, festive ways to wrap gift boxes at Christmas, it is an extremely versatile product that can be used all over the home to assist in the creation of an embellished and decorated Christmas.

 

What about selecting three or four colours to compliment your personal Christmas pallet and, instead of the traditional paper chain, making a ribbon chain or garland instead…  Ribbon widths can be uniform or you can mix widths and fabric types.

 

Baubles are beautiful on a tree but showering your Christmas tree with hand tied bows, large or small, or twirling wide, wired ribbon around and around your tree is beautiful if you wish to soften the style of decoration.

 

Wreaths with an abundance or red ribbon are seasonally enhanced and very appealing.

Image Courtesy of Clifton Nurseries

Banisters and dining chairs need not go undecorated at this time of year.  Drape or wrap an evergreen garland from top to bottom of your staircase banister and dress with bows and hanging, curled ribbons, along with other festive decorations.  Dining chair backs, tied with a large ribbon with a snuggly held candy cane, place name ‘gift tag’ or prettily wrapped table gift are a practical addition to Christmas table settings.

Image courtesy of Sophias Decor

If the pictures around the walls of your home appear neglected in terms of Christmas decoration, then embellish one top corner of random frames with a sprig of holly, tied with copious lengths of ribbon and secure with easily removed, non-damaging sticky tape.

 

Tall candlesticks are another seasonal decoration where snuggly tied bows and draping ribbons can add elegance.  An embellishment at the candle base and some well chosen satin or velvet ribbon on either one or a grouping of candles will enhance a table setting or fireplace and add that cosy Christmas feel that we all love.

Image courtesy of Red Online

Light fittings are often designed in such a way that they lend themselves to being transformed into Christmas chandeliers.  With the addition of fine thread-suspended baubles, draped evergreen garlands and lots of twirled, tied and curled, hanging ribbons, a dramatic chandelier can quickly be created.  This can add an effective centrepiece to any room and is a great suggestion for light fittings that are positioned over dining tables.

Image courtesy of Recycled Crafts

Wherever evergreen garlands are hung, draped and displayed for Christmas, attaching randomly positioned, ribbon tied bows with a little florist wire always adds subtle, seasonal detail.  Bow-decorated, garlands, sit beautifully along fireplaces and window sills, fit, grandly from floors to ceilings in room corners and, when draped and equidistantly clipped, embellish seasonal table edges to perfection

I always love to see new creative used for ribbon, especially off cuts and roll ends. Feel free to share your ideas with us on Instagram and Facebook…we’d love to see your photos.  x

I do have a slight obsession with Pattern Design and was only too happy to take part in the ‘Get your Stripes’ Charity Campaign with Matalan for Alder Hey Childrens Hospital. My latest blog post is called ‘My Favourite Stripe Trends supporting the Matalan Charity Campaign and Alder Hey’ and as you can see from my recent shop launch and Journal Magazine cover, I’m rather fond of my shocking pink stripe dress that I can’t wear enough of!

Each year Matalan dedicate several items of which 100% of their profits go to the charity. Being a fan of the brand I was happy to take part, plus my close friend John who is a TV producer, filmed a documentary at Alder Hey and has often spoke about the incredible work that they do. When Matalan approached me, my stripe obsessed answer was ‘yes’ so I’ve put together my favourite 10 stripe looks to highlight this campaign.

1. Sport some stripes in your nails, jazzed up with some bold neon colours. For me I’d have to pay a trip to my local nail bar to get this done professionally as it’s not a task for shaky hands. Fingernails are considered to be an item of cosmetic beauty by women all over the world and it has been the norm to paint the whole nail the same colour. Until now!

Image courtesy of Pinterest

2. I particularily love this stripe feature wall. It’s a great way to make a small room appear larger in size and I love this bold monochrome statement.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

3. Taking the world by storm is the new lick and stick paper by Instawrap which has just been launched. My favourite design is their Retro Stripe which is such a classic and understated look. Their paper is amazing as it licks and sticks in seconds. I was so bowled over by the concept I am now the Brand Ambassor and Designer for the brand. Buy online at instawrap.co.uk

4. One of our best selling ribbons ever is our Red Candy Stripe. Teamed with brown paper, this is a classic look and is suitable for any occasion including Christmas, Valentine, Kids parties and Birthdays.

Available at www.janemeans.com on 3M, 10M and 100M rolls

5. This year’s Matalan charity collection is all about celebrating festive family downtime, with a range of red, white and green stripe pyjamas, perfect for everyone this Christmas. The range for adults, kids and even the dog, will see everyone matching whilst they relax this Christmas. The range will be available in stores with prices starting from £2- £10. Their mug is priced at £2 and is perfect for that mid afternoon brew. Available at Matalan

6. This is the perfect gift for someone who has everything. This versatile Laindon bag can store lingerie, make up and in my case, double sided tape, scissors and gift tags. Bag available at Jack Wills

7. This gorgeous jumper grabbed my attention. The subtle stripes and chunky knit are highlighted by the ruffle shoulder feature.
Available at ASOS, this is definitely on my Christmas list

8. If you want to make a bold statement this summer, try out these stripe glasses by Dolce and Gabbana
Teamed with a straw hat you will be admired like a Hollywood A lister

9. In my book ‘Giftwrapped’, I’ve enjoyed using bold stripes in my Gift Wrapping. To get a tutorial on how to wrap a bottle head over to the Matalan Blog to get inspired. Tissue by Jane Means

10. If you are going to raise support for a charity campaign involving Stripes, you can’t get much better than this. A complete building
Spotted on Pinterest, this is a Business Park at Berlin Airport, and it’s Lego style exterior can’t but help but make me smile with it’s bold pattern and clashing colours.

I’m delighted to support this campaign along with Alesha Dixon and Larry Lamb. For more details on the campaign, head over to the Matalan and Alder Hay page and don’t forget to ‘Get your Stripes’ folks! x

 

I am thrilled to have been invited to team up with leading floral designer and floristry industry consultant, Jonathan Mosely for a wonderful Winter Workshop event at the breathtaking location of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

Created by the celebrated chef, Raymond Blanc OBE, this renowned and stunning manor house hotel and cookery school, nestled in the village of Great Milton, in Oxfordshire, has been somewhere I have wanted, so much, to visit for a very long time and now I am so lucky, not only to be staying there, but, to be demonstrating, alongside Jonathan, on December 19^th, this year.

Image courtesy of Amara

This fine hotel has held 2 Michelin stars since 1984, is synonymous with high quality, elegance and luxury and I cannot wait to see how the festive season is presented in such a wonderful location.

The special one-day event, entitled, ‘Deck the Halls’ will see Jonathan and myself teaming up to assist participants in their quest to craft an unforgettable Christmas.  Jonathan will be making some stunning seasonal flower displays whilst I will be presenting some imaginative and styles of festive gift wrapping.  Due to the prestigious location, there will also be an opportunity for all concerned to sample some spectacular dining in sumptuous surroundings and, I must confess, I am looking forward very much to spending a December day at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

For those who do not know, Jonathan Mosely is a freelance floral designer, based in Derbyshire.  He is known for his humorous, friendly approach and, aside from appearing on ‘The Big Allotment Challenge’  BBC programme recently, he works as a floristry industry consultant, teaches the art and skill of floral display and takes commissions to design and execute ‘event flowers’ on a large scale.  He is famous for his floral artistry and skill and for combining his love of nature with his distinctive and innovative arranging techniques.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

 

I am excited to be sharing the spotlight with someone who is so highly talented and, given my own experience as a florist, I am looking forward to picking up some advice and advanced creative tips on December 19^th.

The Manor house itself is one of the most treasured manor house hotels in the UK and the gardens have a reputation for being something very special to behold.  Aside from the lavender lined pathways, extensive English lawns and vegetable and herb gardens, the hotel has its own orchards, a mushroom valley which, among other varieties, produces shiitake mushrooms and there are rows of cloche tunnels, under which various flowers are grown for creative use in the hotel kitchen.  The hotel also boasts a water garden, dating back to the 16^th Century.  It was created, by monks, who occupied the site at that time.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Journal Magazine

For those who are attending the event, I hope we can make it everything and so much more than you are hoping for.  It plans to be a most welcoming, enjoyable , sociable and creatively educational day and I look forward to meeting everyone there.

For more details head over to the Belmond Events Page

See you there x

Our ribbon and stationery shop opened at Clifton Nurseries in September and we are delighted to announce our ‘Styling for Christmas’ event on 7th December at this Central London venue.

 

 

Image courtesy of Lavender and Lovage

Clifton Nurseries is magical, the twinkly lights lead you up into this secret hidden oasis in central London. With Christmas around the corner we thought it would be a great idea to bring in some fantastic artists and enjoy a festive evening filled with inspiration, ideas and fun.

Whilst indulging in some fizz and mince pies you can enjoy hands on mini master classes in giftwrapping and bow making.  Judy Broad will be providing calligraphy classes, and you can also enjoy a go at floristry and wreath making. One of my favourite brands Belinda Sly will be there showcasing her cashmere shawls and wraps.

 

 

Image courtesy of Judy Broad

This will be a magical evening in idyllic surroundings, and the perfect chance to stock up Christmas gifts, ribbons, cards, cashmere, beauty, and enjoy a special evening with friends.

Clifton Nurseries has an amazing Christmas shop with hundreds of fresh wreaths, Christmas trees and decorations to peruse. I will also be signing copies of my book ‘Giftwrapped’ in my ribbon and stationery pop up shop.

Tickets for this magical evening are £12 and include unlimited master classes, fizz and mince pies.
Early booking is essential as this will be a popular event

Book now at www.clifton.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you there x

 

 

 

I’ve written this blog post ‘Clever props and styling tips to make your craft fair booth stand out’ after being asked by so many people about displays.  Even if you haven’t anything to sell or promote, this article will give you lots of inspirations for displays in your home too.

When a stall is competing for attention at a craft fair and when your specifically selected and painstakingly hand crafted examples of practiced skill and creativity are waiting to be admired, chosen and taken to a loving home, it is important to ensure that the products are the stars of the show.

It was Chanel who suggested that a woman should get ready, stand in front of a mirror and remove one accessory before leaving the house.  The essential advice being that ‘less is more’ and the same is true of the art of visual merchandising.

 

A great idea is a custom made wardrobe which can be transported to a fair and it’s ready for action as soon as you’ve opened the doors

It is not necessary to have everything on display all at once.  Having too much to look at can become less of a feast for the eyes and more of a confusing overdose, which detracts from the features and qualities of each individual item.  Extra product can be concealed under fabric-draped tables or safely hidden elsewhere so that each item is allowed its own place in the spotlight.  Dependant upon the products, some can even be presented in boxes on the floor below the main, more accessible display.

If you’re mixing colour do it in blocks

Grouping similar items together and creating sections of colour coordination is key to making a cohesive visual impact.  It only takes a second or two for eyes to advise the brain to keep walking or to take a closer look and clever styling will draw people in and allow items to be easily seen and, more importantly, be presented at their best.

 

 

Colour Order works well and is easy on the eye especially in cramped spaces.  Ribbons by Jane Means

Today, your products are also going to become the photo shoot models of virtually every camera and phone that flashes by your stall.  You are suddenly selling to people who are not even attending that particular event as each picture could Facebook and Instagram its way across the globe and your small craft fair stall has suddenly become the unassuming platform of your worldwide advertising campaign.  Every vista of your visual merchandising counts.

Image courtesy of GoodSamShow

Items are generally, extensively displayed on tables, which means table cloths or lengths of fabric are required.  Select beautiful fabrics such as black crushed velvet, crisp white tablecloths or a fabric colour that really compliments your products in a way that makes them stand out.  A vital tip is to ensure your table covering is spotless and creaseless and, perhaps, have a spare on hand just in case of unforeseen accidents.

Image courtesy of Aroka Weddings

Tearing of your stall is a great way to optimize the amount of product and the clarity with which it can be seen.  Boxes can be built up and concealed under table coverings or display props can be used.  Creating height at the back of your stall makes your presentation area appear bigger and, remember, the aim of the game is to create a perfect picture, illustrating your product from a few metres away, so keep stepping back and admiring your merchandising until it looks just right.

 

Watering Can by Clifton Nurseries

Creating a focal point such as this turquoise watering can will catch the eye and draw people in.  A sense of spectacle and drama is not to be under-estimated but one main focal point is more dramatic than throwing on everything you think is wonderful for impressive effect.  Your focal point may feature your star products framed by a stunning free-hanging, picture frame, suspended from the stall roof or it may be a customized prop that has been styled to suit your theme perfectly. I love to use cake stands

Small stand – Great for highlighting your favourite products

Props need not be expensive and can be as random and quirky as your sense of styling allows.  I recently purchased an old but beautiful bureau from ebay for ten pounds but a weekend of sanding, sweating and painting later and it was a terrific, turquoise display fixture for stationery items and the perfect focal point for my pop up shop in London at Clifton Nurseries.

Tall, wooden stools, antique tables, free standing or stepped shelving and upcycled old chairs hung on walls as shelves, make great merchandising furniture and old copper kettles, elegant cake stands, antique typewriters, painted bird cages, vibrantly coloured watering cans, large candlestick stands and artist’s easels are examples of random, beautiful objects that may just enhance a theme by their strategically placed presence. I love these painted apple crates

 

Image courtesy of Pinterest 

Do not forget the backdrop of your stall.  Plastic sheeting of a blue and white, stripy nature may be what the stall was supplied with but consider the scenery of your stage setting.  Clip on fabric, tape up wallpaper or use an opaque plastic sheet of appropriate colour.  Every inch of your selling space should be considered, designed and intentionally presented.  Space is expensive.  Use it to maximum impact but remember, ‘less is more’ and, if something does not add to the show, then it takes away and it should probably be removed.

 

I’ve also utilised crates under the table so it acts as display as well as storage. I’ve also made a ribbon curtain to hang on the wall as a feature

Remember, people will look with their hands as well as their eyes.  Although people are just being enthusiastic and probably just can’t keep their hands from the textures and fabrics, etc, (we all do it!) it is our own responsibility to keep our stage set spotless.  Maintenance of the area should be constant as photographs certainly will be.  Nobody wishes to enter an untidy stand or would be tempted towards a messy stall when the one next door is looking stunning so, paying attention to house keeping detail is a vital piece of advice.

Keep your display neat and tidy

One of the most important fixtures of your stall has not yet been mentioned and this is you!  You are the key to selling your products, ideas and inspirations.  Always be friendly and approachable.  This is your stage so wear a smile.  Eating and spending time on your phone are not ideal or appealing things to do in this, your professional place of work so save that for an allocated break time when you can step away from your stall.

Your stall is also a good place to inspire potential customers and to show them just how beautiful, versatile and useful your products are.  Giving demonstrations is also the perfect way to engage people’s attention and keep them at your stall.  Remember, there will be equally interesting stalls or booths beside yours but the clever trick is to make yours stand out and look like ‘this is the place to be’.  Drawing a small crowd with a demonstration is always a good idea and this can be done at several times during the day.

Gone are the days for me when I’d head to a village hall and throw a tablecloth to see my wares.  With the birth of social media I’m now aware that many shoppers are taking photos of my stand and it’s a great way to get keen instagrammers to snap away and highlight your products and hard work. Soft lighting and props are always eyecatching

Leather Journal by Hope House Press 

Our Haberdashery Closet in Lincoln full to the brim with ribbons and we use baskets, crates, terracotta pots, planters.  I also bought a gorgeous pine sideboard off Ebay seen here

Inject humour to make your customers smile

 

Use quirky props.  Tea cups are good for small items

 

You could add flowers even if they’re fake

 

Finally here’s some more tips…

Always look friendly and approachable

Try and look slightly busy or demonstrate your craft so you don’t appear too intimidating

Never eat or be on your phone – take a break to do this

Ensure table cloths are washed and ironed

Wallpaper makes a great back drop in a booth.  Just use Masking tape

On a final note, we’ll be at a few shows this year including Burghley Horse Trials, Handmade Fair, Spirit of Christmas, and Country Living Fair, London. Do pop and say hello to us if you’re there, we’d love to see you.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Our London Gift Wrapping Service is now in full swing with the with the weeks numbered until Christmas.

Months have been spent sourcing beautiful embellishment from the New York, luxurious papers from Europe and every type of ribbon has been sourced around the globe. We believe that the wrapping of a gift is as important as the gift inside

 

Over the years we’ve had the honour of wrapping for brands and private clients in Monaco, Geneva, Singapore, Paris and Milan as well as throughout the UK

Many of our clients are well known and luxury brands, private families, time poor professional individuals, celebrities and royalty

Every job to us is special so there’s nothing more we love than to get the exact look you want.  With and myriad of papers and over 100,000 ribbons in stock you are spoilt for choice

If you can’t face the task of wrapping or simply haven’t got the time, get in touch with our professional gift wrapping team who have been personally trained and hand picked by the expert herself, Jane Means.

With so many choices and styles available, we tailor each job individually so you get exactly what you want. We can come to your home or workplace and do the gift wrapping service while you wait. Weddings and other occasions are also catered for, plus we work weekends and evenings right through until Christmas eve

If you want your gift tags personally written with an ink calligraphy pen, we’ll do it

With expertise in high profile jobs, our experienced gift wrapping team are professional, dressed in a uniform and highly discreet. We are always looking for new recruits so if you love wrapping, come and join us

For more information about our Gift Wrapping Services and a quote please contact our Head Office

Email info@janemeans.co.uk
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I’m a huge fan of Raffia Palms (also known as Raphia) and thought i’d share with you some great raffia ideas in your gift wrapping and craft projects.

Using raffia in giftwrapping immediately introduces a natural and rustic feel to your presentation creation.  When used sparingly, it punctuates your nature loving, natural intentions but when used in abundance it conjures up country living and rustic farm kitchens and makes a strong statement of simplicity and environmental awareness.

Combining raffia with combinations of wood, parcel paper, string, twigs, herbs, dried fruits, feathers and other materials such as hessian or linen, creates a style that is, altogether, one of simplicity and it can be presented as elegantly plain or can be full of subtle details and perfectly suited embellishments.

If you are giving a potted plant, a generous bouquet style wrapping of tissue paper, tied with raffia and ribbon is all that is required to serve up a rustic present that could be placed directly onto a country kitchen table.  There is something about a raffia bound bouquet of sunflowers or a pot of homemade preserve, topped with gingham and wrapped with raffia that just says ‘country living’ and sometimes this is exactly what you wish to say.

 

If you are giving a mini hamper, filled with preserves, wine, crackers and cheese, a bed of raffia in a basket tied with a bow of raffia sends a message of wheat field walks and open, flower-filled meadows.  A few folded, red and white checked napkins would also emphasise your picnicking intentions. In the evening, jars filled with tea lights will look stunning decorated with raffia

Image courtesy of Craftoholics Anonymous

Try wrapping gifts in a country check napkin or tea towel and using double-sided tape and a raffia-tied bow to secure.  Embellish with simple country flowers, a few stems of wheat or some fresh, scented herbs and you have a complete country package, perfect for wrapping boxes of preserves, home-baked goodies or for someone who loves countryside living. A jar filled with flowers decorated with raffia looks great too

Image courtesy of The Wild Orchid

 

When using brown parcel paper, replacing ribbon with multiple, entwined strands of natural raffia to wrap around and tie in a bow, tying in a brown luggage or wooden label, complete a very rustic package.  Perfect for ‘no nonsense’ dads, gardeners and people who appreciate simplicity.

Raffia by Jane Means

Making lots of bows from grouped lengths of raffia and attaching them down the centre of your wrapped gift box will make your parcel look very neatly fastened.

 

Platting grouped lengths of raffia will make a rustic raffia rope to wrap your gift with.  Binding your gift box with several such ropes with achieve a very attractive basket weave effect.  It’s a little time consuming but fun to do and very effective and satisfying to achieve.

 

Raffia can be natural but can also be dyed and be brightly coloured.  Using coloured raffia with parcel paper adds all the colour you may need but purple raffia on lime green paper can simply add an acidic twist to what was originally a very natural, rustic wrapping style. You can eve dye your own with beetroot juice and black coffee, or cheat and buy it ready coloured!

A natural raffia bow around a clear cellophane or brown paper bag is perfect for wrapping sweets or cookies.  Punching holes along the closure of a bag and weaving raffia, rather like stitching, and slotting on small wooden beads is also fun and effective.  Brown paper luggage labels add to the natural tones of the colour combination.  With brightly coloured bags, raffia, beads and labels, these packages would take on a whole new identity, of course.

Small changes make big differences and perfectly executed details make impressive presentations.  Whatever style you choose and whichever materials you use, ensure you take the time to position and secure everything precisely.  A simple and rustically wrapped gift, using a combination of newspaper, wrapping paper, brown paper and natural or coloured raffia can look a million dollars, given the appropriate styling, time and attention.

 

Finally a great trick for keeping your raffia tidy, is to store loose strands in a carrier bag and pull the required amount out of the bag.  It will save you vacuuming the floor!

Enjoy x

Image by Marie Claire 

Image Courtesy of Ingrid Henningson