In the world of gift wrapping, the medium is everything. Paper, ribbon, fabric and embellishments don’t just “go with” a design, they determine it. They are how a wrapped gift feels and appears before it is unwrapped. It’s a matter of knowing your materials, which allows the piece to be a piece of design as opposed to just “decoration”.
Why your material choice has everything to do with your finished piece
Whatever your gift wrapping idea or design might be, if your material choices are wrong you’ll struggle to achieve a cohesive result. You have to be able to match your materials to the design. You need the right paper, ribbons or embellishments to match the piece you’re creating. Gift wrapping is sensitive to material quality, weight and flexibility.
This is why you should always start with the materials. Consider the quality and flexibility of your paper, ribbon or fabric first before you think about the style and decoration of your wrapping.
Paper provides the foundation of your piece
Wrapping paper is the main component of almost every gift wrapping design. You want crisp folds and clean corners when you fold your paper to wrap a gift.
Thick papers will give you a better structure to hold your shape. Thinner papers will need more effort or attention to folds.
Matte papers are often considered better for a minimal and modern aesthetic, while texture and gloss finish will give you a stronger visual impression.
Ribbons and soft materials give you a different feel
Ribbons give your wrapping a sense of detail and contrast. They will draw attention to some part of your wrapping.
Ribbons can give you different impressions. Satin ribbons will feel elegant and smooth. Fabric ribbons will feel organic or more like a craft piece. Even the way a ribbon is tied will give your design a completely different impression.
Embellishments help with balance
Many designs might feature a tag, dried flowers, or a wax seal. It’s easy to overdo the embellishment part, though. Don’t try to “decorate” your piece with as much as possible. Focus on what will complement the design and help balance your design.
Material combinations give your design its look
One important thing about materials is to know how they work together with other materials.
Some designs will feature materials with natural texture, matte surface and soft, organic shape. Other designs might feature materials with synthetic texture, glossy finish and geometric and sharp shape. These choices can define your overall design style. Some brands might choose to use more natural materials while others will feature bolder colors and finishes. The result of these choices becomes part of your brand’s identity.
Wrapping materials and design
Understanding how materials will give you complete control over the design process. The material choices you make can completely change the visual impression of your design.