DIY Thoughtful Gift Wrap with IOD Gilded Transfers & Stamps
You know that moment when someone hands you a beautifully wrapped gift and you almost don't want to open it? When the packaging is so thoughtful and elegant that it feels like part of the present?
What if we told you that you could create that feeling without wrestling with wrapping paper at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve? 😉
For this project, we gathered plain kraft boxes and gift tags from our local craft store, a few leftover bits from past Figgy & Flourish projects, and translucent ink to emboss the boxes and tags with shimmery goodness.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll have the tools to pamper those you hold dear with special handmade packaging. 💕 So grab your coffee, cue the carols, and let’s make gift-giving even more beautiful this year!
IOD Products Needed:
Other Supplies:
Step by Step Guide
STEP ONE: APPLY GILDED TRANSFERS TO TAGS
To get started, grab your tags and cut out the monograms from Figgy & Flourish that you want to use. Apply each one to a tag, pressing firmly with your applicator and giving it a good burnish for a smooth, clean finish.
Then flip your tags over and cut out bits of winter foliage. The smaller pieces fit beautifully, but don’t shy away from the larger ones—just snip them in half and let them trail gracefully over the edges. No need to seal! Just thread the twine through, and you’ve got yourself the sweetest handmade gift tags ready to tie onto something special.
STEP TWO: STAMP KRAFT BOXES
When it comes to the boxes, pick your stamps based on their size. Working with larger garment boxes? Go for an all-over pattern. Rose Toile looks absolutely stunning as a repeating design, and Folk Story gives a beautiful, detailed print if you want something a little tighter and more intricate.
For smaller boxes, we chose elements from Christmas Post and Christmas Wishes to create little stamped “vignettes.” We used a trimmed piece of Thin Mount to make it easier to handle on the smaller surfaces, then applied an even coat of translucent “ink” and pressed firmly onto the kraft box.
Give it a few extra seconds to let that design sink in before lifting, and you’ll reveal the prettiest tone-on-tone print.
STEP THREE: APPLY MICA POWDERS
We had a bit of a champagne gold explosion moment (oops!), and ended up with way more than we needed on the box. No worries, though! Just grab a soft, fluffy brush and gently sweep the excess around.
Quick Tip: Work over a piece of paper so you can catch the extra powder—it’s easy to pour back into the jar or use on your next box. Keep brushing until you’ve softened and removed all that extra shimmer, leaving behind a shimmery goodness finish.
Repeat this process for each box.
More Ways to Use This Technique In Your Holiday Decor
Kraft Paper Table Runner for Holiday Gatherings – Imagine unrolling a length of kraft paper down your dining table and stamping it with your favorite IOD stamps. Use the translucent ink and mica powder technique to create a soft, shimmery pattern that runs the length of your table. It becomes a beautiful backdrop for your place settings. When dinner's over, you can even cut sections to keep as mementos. It's functional, sophisticated, and makes cleanup a breeze!
Custom Holiday Cards – Those plain kraft cardstock blanks from the craft store are just waiting for this treatment! Stamp them with Christmas Post or Christmas Wishes, emboss with mica powder in gold or silver, and add a handwritten note inside. The tone-on-tone finish is so sophisticated. These will be the cards people tuck into books or pin to inspiration boards because they're simply too pretty to part with.
Embellished Kraft Bags for Cookie Exchanges and Hostess Gifts – Plain kraft bags become absolutely charming with this technique. Stamp them with repeating patterns or create a sweet vignette on the front, add that shimmery goodness with mica powder, and tie them closed with twine and one of your gilded monogram tags. Fill them with homemade cookies or small treasures for neighbors and friends.
Kraft Paper Gift Wrap with a Personal Touch – I know we said no more wrestling with wrapping paper, but hear us out... if you DO want to wrap something in paper, why not make it special? Use a roll of kraft paper and stamp it before wrapping. You could create an all-over pattern with something like Rose Toile, or stamp corner flourishes that peek out when the gift is wrapped.
Embossed Place Cards for Your Holiday Table – Cut small rectangles of kraft cardstock (2" x 3" works beautifully), fold them in half to create a tent-style place card, and stamp the front with a delicate motif from your IOD holiday stamps. Add a little mica shimmer, and write your guests' names inside with a metallic pen or white ink. These little touches make everyone feel seen and special, and they double as sweet keepsakes your guests can take home.
The beauty of this technique is its versatility. It works on so many surfaces, and it has that lovely handmade feel that can't be replicated by anything store-bought. Whether you're creating one special gift box or transforming your entire holiday tablescape, you're adding layers of thoughtfulness and beauty that people will remember. 💕
We can't wait to see all the beautiful ways you make this technique your own!
If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear—our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.
Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!
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