Graduation Cap Gift Jar

Source: craftsbyamanda.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

With graduation just around the corner, here is an almost free clever packaging idea to give a grad - a "graduation cap" jar from a recycled jar, some felt, a button and embroidery thread.

Depending on the size and shape of the jar and the present, such as a Smartphone, an Ipod, gift cards or cash, or print out a picture of a larger item, then tuck it inside a piece of white printer paper rolled up to look like a diploma and tied with ribbon.

For further instructions to DIY your own, visit Crafts By Amanda

Furoshiki gift wrapping

A more eco-friendly way to wrap presents is to use a reuseable Furoshiki.  A Furoshiki is a Japanese wrapping cloth that is used to wrap gifts.  The above video shows how to wrap books and bottles, but there are numerous other techniques.


No special fabric is needed, any fabric will do...it just depends on what you want the finished item to look like.   For my son's birthday last year, I used a T-Shirt with some rubber bands and safety pins.  The how-to is here

Here are other links to show more techniques:

http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.pdf
http://www.infomapjapan.com/hstore/200709-infospecial.phtml
http://furoshiki.com/techniques/  (this site also sells furoshiki cloths)