Just earlier this week Rose and I had a discussion about the heap of beautiful Christmas gift wrapping images we have seen on Pinterest this festive season. From dainty folds and big bows to lace, doilies, pompoms and gold polka dots… some exquisite gifts even featured tiny glittered reindeer. Absolutely amazing.

However the number one comment that kept popping up was how on earth did these people find the TIME to create these gift wrapped pieces of art?! Between cooking, and cleaning, and shopping, and running errands, and ALL the other tiny little things that makes Christmas the busiest time of the year, I’m lucky if I find time to quickly slap some cheapo cheesy grocery store wrapping paper on my family’s presents. It’s just going to get ripped off anyway, right? Well, that’s usually my argument for not putting any effort into it.

… sigh, but they look soooo pretty!

So, this year I’ll make an effort. I have some brown craft paper and washi tape (courtesy of Rose – thanks Rose!) lying around the house and I found a handful of cute ideas on the web. It not only looks quirky and beautiful but also super easy to put together….

Vanessa Spencer created these beautifully wrapped presents for Stampington & Company. All it took was some white craft paper, washi tape and some string – love the colour combo | via http://stampington.com/free-how-to-project-Wish-Upon-a-Star-Packages-Project

Lisa and Sarah over at A Spoonful of Sugar shared this gift wrapping idea. Love the idea of just using little strips of various washi tape designs | via http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com/2011/10/red-and-aqua-take-3.html

Amy from Inspiration Ave created this amazing gift. I simply adore the black & white washi tape bunting. SO cute! | via http://www.inspirationave.com/index.php/blog/item/154-no-65-washi-packaging

A few uncomplicated brown paper and washi tape ideas from Papermash.co.uk via Lucky Pony | via http://luckypony.co.za/wrap-it-up-all-nice-and-pretty/

Catherine Cachia shared her Christmas gift wrapping skills with Pinterest. Doesn’t get any simpler than this: white paper, striped neon washi tape and some creative penmanship! | via http://www.pinterest.com/pin/177540410282025163/