When it comes to gift-wrapping, I must confess I'm more of a bagger than a wrapper. It's a bit of a sore point for a gent who prides himself on his decorating-savvy, but as soon as I unroll a tube of wrapping paper I'm all thumbs, and that knack for crisp corners, tidy tape-jobs and perfectly-aligned seams eludes me entirely. In the end, it's better for all parties involved that my present ends up in a pretty gift bag, nestled snugly in a bed of tissue paper. Perhaps this reputation of mine extends beyond my gift-giving circle, as I was recently paid a visit by  Shelli Gardner, cofounder of the Stampin' Up crafting empire (and gift-wrapper extraordinaire) with the kind offer of a gift-wrapping workshop. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity. [caption id="attachment_1093" align="aligncenter" width="410"] The lovely Shelli Gardner, cofounder and CEO of Stampin' Up. Not only is Shelli supremely gifted at wrapping presents, she's also a supremely patient teacher. (I tend to ask a LOT of questions.)
Photography courtesy of Stampin' Up.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1094" align="aligncenter" width="410"] My first task in Shelli's Stampin' Up workshop? Make this cardboard box Christmassy!
The major players here were a band of patterned paper, a yoyo fashioned from scalloped tulle ribbon, and three gift tags, die-cut in the shape of oak-leaves. I die-cut the bottom gift tag from champagne-coloured glimmer paper; treated the second tag to a faux-bois embossing effect with Shelli's rather impressive Big Shot embossing machine; and used the top tag as a canvas for a stamped seasonal message.
Photography by Brett Walther.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1095" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Basic kraft paper ventures into Kate Spade territory with a little help from white craft ink stamps. The playful polka dot pattern is complemented by Stampin' Up's charming 1/4-inch sweater trim in Gumball Green.
Photography by Brett Walther.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1096" align="aligncenter" width="410"] How adorable is this little package? Roller-stamped with a pattern of white craft paint chevrons, the red paper parcel takes on the appearance of a cozy knitted sweater. The two paper-punched mittens on either end of the candy-cane-striped string are super-cute.
Photography by Brett Walther.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1097" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Stamped, printed tags and a length of ribbon elevate a canister into a one-of-a-kind container for fresh-baked holiday treats. This particular vessel has become my impromptu desktop ribbon stash. (You'd be surprised how often you use salvaged ribbon when you keep it close at hand!)
Photography by Brett Walther.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1098" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Arranged in pyramidal formation, salvaged buttons and Stampin' Up scallop-punched circles evoke a Christmas tree motif. A sweet way to dress up the front panel of a plain gift bag.
Photography by Brett Walther.[/caption]   Here's your chance to win an amazing Stampin' Up gift pack that includes several of the tools I've mentioned above, valued at $100!   [caption id="attachment_1100" align="aligncenter" width="410"] THE CANADIAN LIVING STAMPIN' UP HOLIDAY PRIZE PACK CONTAINS:
Sweet Pressed cookie stamps set
Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' scrapbook paper set
Season of Sweets designer kit
Simply Sent Noel Notes holiday cards set
Traditional Touches stamp
Classic Stampin' pad
Three Stampin' Write markers[/caption]