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Gift Wrapping with a Japanese Touch

The finishing touch for a holiday gift is its wrapping, which makes the first impression on the recipient. So, if you have not finished wrapping your gifts yet, now is the time to think about presentation. Here, we introduce two wrapping methods that will give your gifts a Japanese sensibility by using origami, unique color coordination, and beautiful Japanese washi paper.

Gift wrapping courtesy of Shiho Masuda

Fan Wrap

Evoking a Japanese fan, this wrapping style is gorgeous and dramatic. It is best for a deep box (rather than a shallow box or flat items like books).

Materials:
decorative washi paper
(2 complementary colors),
ribbon, ornament, wire (or thread)

Tools:
scissors,
double-sided tape

Step 1: Measure and cut the two pieces of paper to fit the box.
A (length/main color): 1 time around the box plus 1–2 inches
B (width/main color): 2/3 the depth of the box
C (length/accent color): same as length A
D (width/accent color): 3–4 inches

Step 2: Fold the accent paper back lengthwise about 1/4 inch on each side and affix the accent paper vertically in the center of the main paper using double-sided tape.

Step 3: Fold the main paper back about 1/2 inch on one of the short ends and wrap the paper tightly around the box. Align this folded edge with the lower edge of the top of the box and seal with double-sided tape.

Step 4: Turn the box upside down and fold in the top, sides, and then the bottom of the paper at both ends of the box.

Step 5: Measure and cut the two pieces of paper for the fan.
E: twice the length of F
F: width of the box

Step 6: Position the two pieces of paper so that they are flush with one another and begin folding from one of the shorter sides, making 1/2- to 1-inch accordion-style folds.

Step 7: Separate the two folded papers and fold each in half. Cut the ends of both papers at an angle, making sure to cut the accent paper more so that it ends up slightly shorter in width than the main paper.

Step 8: Unfold the papers and place the accent paper on top of the main paper, fitting their accordion folds together. Fold the papers in half to make a fan, securing the edges in the top center of the fan with double-sided tape.

Step 9: Place small strips of double-sided tape between some of the folds to strengthen the fan.

Step 10: Place the box in an upright position. Tie the ribbon around the box vertically, making a bow at a point 1/3 from the top front edge of the box. Attach the ornament to the center of the bow with wire or thread.

Step 11: Affix the fan behind the bow with double-sided tape.

Kimono Wrap

The most beautiful part of this design is the top pleats, making it look like part of the collar of a kimono. Make sure to show off the pleats and try not to cover the design with ribbon.

Materials:
decorative paper, ribbon
Tools:
scissors
double-sided tape

Step 1: Measure and cut the paper to fit the box.
A (length): 2 times the height of the box
B (width): 3 times the width of the box
Step 2: Turn the paper over print-side down and place the box in the center. Fold the top of the paper over to cover 2/3 of the box.
Step 3: Fold in both corners to create flaps at 45-degree angles.
Step 4: Fold the top left flap in and to the right, over the top of the box.
Step 5: Repeat this with right flap so that it is folded over the left flap.
Step 6: Fold the remaining left flap to the right and over the box.
Step 7: Fold the remaining right flap to the left and over the box, ensuring that the right edge of this flap is folded under for a finished look, and seal with double-sided tape.
Step 8: Fold up the bottom edges and seal with double-sided tape.
Step 9: Slightly pop up the edges of the folds to make the design more visible.
Step 10: Tie a ribbon in a bow around the box (below the design).
Make sure to cut the ends of the bow at an angle.

Shiho Masuda
With over a decade of experience, Shiho Masuda designs custom packages in New York and Hawaii. Her style is known for blending traditional Japanese sensibilities with modern, urban designs. She gives lessons and demonstrations at numerous gift-wrapping events and also produces instructional videos.
www.shihomasuda.com / info@shihomasuda.com