Learn How to Wrap Gifts Creatively with an Umbrella for Eye-Catching Presentation

The Art of Wrapping Gifts with Umbrellas

Gift giving is an art form that takes practice and creativity. Finding the perfect present for your loved one is just the first step. Presentation matters too! Wrapping gifts in an eye-catching way makes them extra special. If you want to take your gift wrapping skills to the next level, try using an umbrella as wrapping paper!

Why Use an Umbrella for Gift Wrapping?

Wrapping gifts with an umbrella creates a fun, unexpected look. It's also a creative way to reuse an old umbrella that's seen better days. An umbrella's unique shape allows you to wrap items that aren't flat or rectangular. You can wrap bottles, balls, stuffed animals, or other oddly shaped gifts. The wrapping techniques do take some time to master but the impressive results are worth it.

Choosing an Umbrella for Wrapping Gifts

For the best wrap, select an umbrella in good condition without any broken spokes or torn fabric. Solid color umbrellas work best to showcase a beautiful bow or gift tag. Look for a style with 8-10 spokes or panels to make the wrapping process easier. A compact umbrella with a straight handle minimizes bulk. Standard stick umbrellas around 3 feet wide are ideal for most gifts. Mini umbrellas can wrap small presents like jewelry boxes.

Before using a pricey umbrella from your collection, test out techniques on an inexpensive one from a dollar store or thrift shop. That way, you can perfect your skills without ruining a treasured umbrella. Steer clear of flimsy, fragile umbrellas that could crack or break.

Preparing the Umbrella for Wrapping

Get your umbrella ready for wrapping with these steps:

• Open the umbrella and make sure the spokes are evenly spaced and the canopy is taut.
• Remove the umbrella's handle or slide it all the way down to the end.
• Bind the ends of the spokes together using ribbon, tape, or twist ties.
• Bind the canopy fabric to the spokes every few inches to keep it tight.

Your umbrella is now ready to use as wrapping paper! Having it bound helps the umbrella hold its shape and stay closed while you wrap.

Wrapping Bottle Shaped Gifts

Bottles and vases make fun gifts to wrap with an umbrella. Here's how:

1. Place the bottle in the center of the open umbrella.
2. Gather the umbrella fabric around the bottle base and tie it off.
3. Gently bend each spoke up around the bottle to make a steam punk inspired look.
4. Secure the spokes in place with ribbon or twist ties.
5. Add a gift tag and decorative touches like curly ribbon or a flowers.

Make sure not to bend the spokes too far to avoid snapping. For extra support, crisscross some of the spokes as you bend them upwards. With a little practice, you can get the fabric to hug the bottle shape for a polished wrapped look.

Wrapping Ball Shaped and Oval Gifts

Balls and odd shaped gifts like footballs or stuffed animals are fun to wrap in an umbrella too. Try this method:

1. Place the gift in the center of the open umbrella.
2. Gather up the umbrella around the top of the gift.
3. Turn the gift upside down so the gathered fabric edges face up.
4. One by one, bend the spokes down over the gathered fabric and secure in place.
5. Flip the gift right side up, arrange the canopy evenly, and add embellishments.

For oval shaped items, arrange more fabric at the top and bottom and less on the sides before bending the spokes down. The umbrella fabric works perfectly to conform to round, oblong, or abstract gift shapes.

Wrapping Boxes and Rectangular Gifts

It takes a little more finesse to wrap square shaped gifts in an umbrella, but it can be done! Here are some tips:

• Choose a compact umbrella with 8 panels or less for easiest wrapping.
• Place the unopened gift diagonally across the umbrella canopy.
• Gather the umbrella fabric over the gift and tie ribbons around to secure.
• Crisscross the spokes and gently bend them down towards the gift's edges.
• Arrange the excess fabric at the ends for a tidy look.

Smaller boxes and rectangles are easier to wrap neatly than large ones. Diagonal placement uses the umbrella shape best for squared gifts. With practice, you can wrap books, gift baskets, boxes, and more!

Finishing Touches for Beautiful Umbrella Wrapped Gifts

Once your gift is wrapped in the umbrella canopy, add gorgeous finishing touches to take it up a notch. Here are some ideas to try:

• Tie on curly ribbons in coordinating or metallic colors
• Add a handwritten gift tag noting who it's for and from
• Wrap strands of tinsel around the spokes for sparkle
• Accent with sprigs of artificial greenery and berries
• Embellish with pins, brooches, or ornaments for some glam
• Top with giant bows, flowers, or other decors

Choose decorations that complement the look of your umbrella wrapping paper. For example, adorn a red and white striped umbrella wrapped gift with candy canes. Get creative with the possibilities!

Use Scraps for Small Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

Don't throw away the excess umbrella fabric after wrapping larger gifts. Upcycle the scraps to use on smaller presents! Here are some ways to use every last bit:

• Wrap up gift cards or money with pieces of the fabric
• Top a gift with a mini umbrella canopy made from leftover fabric
• Tie fragments around jewelry or other tiny gifts
• Make a bow with a cut up spoke covered in fabric
• Use the remnants to stuff a stocking

With some imagination, you can find ways to make even the smallest gifts special with umbrella wrapping.

Gift Wrapping Tips and Tricks

Mastering the unique art of umbrella gift wrapping takes patience and practice. Keep these tips in mind:

• Work slowly when gathering the fabric and bending spokes to avoid rips and breaks.
• Wrap plastic or glass objects in tissue or bubble wrap first to prevent damage from the spokes.
• Play around withgift placement to see what works best for different shapes.
• Reuse plain umbrellas or embellish with spray paint, markers, lace, or stickers.
• Use tongs or pliers to grip spokes if needed when bending them around gifts.

Don't worry about getting it perfect on the first try. Half the fun of umbrella gift wrapping is the creative experimenting process. The end result will be a present with lots of personality that makes a statement!

Spread Joy with Beautifully Wrapped Gifts

Gift giving is made more special when you take the time to uniquely wrap presents. Using an umbrella as your wrapping paper immediately amps up the fun factor. The recipient will be wowed when they unwrap the umbrella folds to reveal the gift inside. So next time you need to conceal an oddly shaped present or just want to impress, reach for an umbrella. Get creative, take your time, and don't be afraid to try something new. The payoff of seeing your loved one's eyes light up is priceless.

FAQs

What types of gifts can you wrap with an umbrella?

An umbrella can wrap round items like bottles, balls, and stuffed animals very well. Rectangular gifts like books and boxes can also be wrapped diagonally. Smaller gifts like gift cards fit nicely too.

How do you prepare an umbrella for gift wrapping?

Open the umbrella fully and bind the ends of the spokes together. Also bind the canopy fabric tightly to the spokes every few inches so it stays in place while wrapping.

What if my gift is too big for a regular umbrella?

Look for an extra large golf umbrella at least 60-inches wide. The added coverage will help wrap larger items like baskets or blankets.

Can you wrap a gift bottle without removing the umbrella's handle?

It's best to slide off or completely remove the handle to lower the bulk while wrapping. If needed, the handle can be reattached after.

How do I make square gifts look neat wrapped in an umbrella?

Place boxes or other square items diagonally across the umbrella before gathering the fabric. Bend the spokes and crisscross some for a tidier wrapped look.