Everyone loves a beautifully wrapped gift! Sometimes the way the gift is wrapped provides more excitement than the actual gift itself! If you’re not sure how to wrap a present, or just need to brush up on your gift-wrapping skills, this tutorial is for you!

Before you get started on wrapping your present, you’re going to need a few essential items. Scotch tape, a sharp pair of scissors, sturdy wrapping paper, ribbon, and a gift box are items that everyone needs when they’re wrapping their gifts. Sturdy wrapping paper is a must because the flimsy kind rips too easily, and your nicely wrapped presents can start looking scruffy fast. Gift boxes are another must-have item. A nicely wrapped box looks much better than a gift that’s oddly-shaped. It also makes it easier to wrap.

Step #1:

Start by measuring the paper to the correct size for your present. Lay the box down onto the paper and pull the paper up a little, more than halfway up on the end of the box. A simple way to measure is to lay down the box and roll it around on all four sides across the width of the paper. Always leave an overhang, at least 3/4″ -1 1/2″.

Step #2:

Once you’ve measured your paper and your gift, it’s time to cut the wrapping paper. Cut the wrapping paper all the way across the roll. If you’re scissors are sharp, you should be able to hold the scissors partway open and run them across the paper to get a clean line.

Step #3:

Trim off the ends. The ends will be folded in, but you don’t want them to be too long.

Step #4:

Place the package, top side down, so that the seam is on the bottom. Makes sure the box is centered and bring one side of the paper up.

Step #5:

Secure the paper with a piece of Scotch tape in the center.

Step #6:

Take the other side of the paper and fold the edge down. Crease it well. If you cut the paper unevenly, folding down the edge will fix it.

Step #7:

Fold the side of the paper to the center of the box and pull so that it’s taut.

Step #8:

Secure with tape.

Step #9:

Now it’s time to fold the ends. Make sure you hold the seam towards yourself and fold both ends toward the center. The top and bottom flaps will become triangular.

Step #10:

Fold and crease the flap ends so that they will lie flat and leave a clean edge.

Step #11:

Repeat the same process on the other side and secure with tape.

Step #12:

Decorate your gift with a ribbon and make a bow. Now stand back and admire your gorgeous gift! Good luck!

Photos: Design Mom.

We all know that curtains aren’t cheap, and replacing them to keep up with your decor or mood can be costly. We’ve got 4 tips and tricks on how you can update the curtains you already have on a budget. Check them out!

1. Tassels

You can hang tassels from the corners of your curtains, or in a row along the top. This works well for curtains with a subtle pattern or no pattern at all. Curtains with a loud pattern can look too busy and distracting with tassels. Placing a tassel on the bottom corners of your curtains can accent them without making your curtains look distracting. You can also use tassels to add a formal touch to your plain curtains, making a room feel fancier. Another idea is using them to make curtain ties, adding a subtle dressy effect.

2. Ribbon

Ribbons come in many styles, sizes, designs, and colors that the possibilities of decorating with it are endless. You can try sewing a bright, wide ribbon across the bottom of each curtain panel for a pop of color. For narrow ribbons, group them in pairs or groups of three. Use coordinating patterns and colors.

3. Reuse

Don’t throw out your old curtains! Reuse them! Cut the bottom off each curtain panel to make them shorter, or make a valance for your kitchen windows. Old curtains can also be used to make a fabric shower curtain. Make sure you put a plastic one behind the fabric curtain to prevent it from getting ruined. Old curtains can also be used to make throw pillows or floor cushions.

4. Refacing

Change the look of your curtains by covering them with a whole new piece of fabric. Instead of creating curtains from scratch, use them as a base for your new fabric. You only need to cover the side of the panel that is facing the room. Cut off a piece of fabric and stitch it to the sides of your curtain. This saves you an extra step in creating new curtains from scratch.

Photos: View Along the Way, Love Maegan, BHG, The Inspired Room.