Wrapped up

Thank you, Martha. The magazine that was Blueprint (by Martha Stewart), and now doesn't exist, was fabulous at coming up with clever and thrifty ways of being economical and elegant in one. Since we're looking for ways to save money and time in our domestic world, here is one trick I had to borrow from the old mag. She gives us links to patterns that can be printed up, enlarged and used as wrapping paper. Print up some of these, get the kids to colour them in using crazy colours, and you have some truly original and still gorgeous wrapping paper. See Martha Stewart's website to download your own paper. Another fabulous way to get great wrapping paper is to use actual newspaper - it always looks gorgeous wrapped up in a colourful bow! Also, get some pretty shaped leaves from the park or garden, take them to the local library, and literally photocopy them on to large A3 pages. Even in black and white, the leaves (arranged however you like) are a very pretty way to wrap something up for someone you love.