About Arren Williams
If Arren Williams were to walk through one of those new scanners at the airport, security personnel might be surprised to see chairs, tables and lamps floating around in his head. As one of Canada’s top stylists, editors and trend reporters, he is always on the hunt for the next great find that could take a room from blah to spectacular.
How to Become a Wrap Star
arren williams: design diary canada
(Dec.08.10)
I am a fiend when it comes to art supply shops and stationary stores, since I’m always on the lookout for stuff I can use in my next crafty project – you just never know when inspiration might strike! I bet I’m not alone, as most of you probably have gift wrap on your mind right now (I know I do).
I find that one of the simplest, most charming – and possibly cheapest — ways I know to wrap a gift is with brown kraft paper tied up with some chunky red wool. The best kind can be found on a roll at the local Post Office. Oh, and call me a geek but I just love the sharp creases you can get with it when you’re wrapping a prezzie.
Speaking of paper and crafts, I find myself all of a sudden inspired by this shot of origami decorations. It brings back tons of memories of carefully folding up a square of paper as a kid to create swans and horses — but Christmas decorations, who knew?
All you need is a square of paper and some instructions (I like this YouTube video). Yes, YouTube has hundreds and hundreds of video demos on origami, from the simplest pinwheels (which would make smashing gift tags) to the most complicated Spiky Cuboctahedron (here’s the link for that).
Of course you can buy proper origami paper at good art supply stores, or online at Omiyage, a Canadian retailer of gorgeous Japanese stationary and craft supplies. Though you really don’t have to go too far out of your way, since the decorations in the picture are actually made from Mala paper available in Ikea’s kid’s department. You could even use wallpaper scraps – I never throw end-of-rolls away – and good quality gift wrap would definitely do the trick too. I hope I’ve inspired you to get folding!
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