From the Archives: Wrapping Paper, Etsy Style

Editor's note: This post originally ran last December. Each of these Etsy artists is still in business, so check out their beautiful gift wrap, including newer styles!

One of my paper obsessions (besides stationery and notecards, of course) is wrapping paper. I love picking out holiday gift wrap almost as much as I love choosing the presents themselves. Especially unique, handmade gift wrap- i.e. not your standard Hallmark store fare. This year, I contacted some talented Etsy artisans for samples of their work. If you want your gifts to elicit "oohs" and "aaahs" before they're even opened- or if you're just a paperphile like me- you should consider purchasing these to make your gift-giving extra special:

Goldenrod Flower Wrapping Paper ($4 for a 19 x 28" sheet) by Etsy newcomer Arboreal (Nashville, Tennesee). Inspired by Italian travels, this premier collection of eco-friendly gift wraps are printed in soy based inks on recycled paper and have a delicious, crunchy feel. This pattern is available in goldenrod, plum and oyster.

Hand Painted Christmas Wrapping Paper- Christmas Trees with Stars ($7.50 for a 30 x 30" sheet) by Oscar and Ollie (New York, NY). I love the texture of this block-printed paper- it is slightly ribbed which gives the printing a textured look. The hand painting is gorgeous and even the presentation is beautiful; my sample arrived cello-wrapped in a tube with a lovely kraft business card and raffia ribbon. A paperphile's dream!


Letterpress Wrapping Holiday Paper ($5.75 for a 22 x 30" sheet) by Viva La Press (Atlanta, GA). The paper is a little bit thin but the printing is outstanding, and will definitely appeal to font and typography geeks. It's printed all over with playful holiday phrases in English, Spanish, and Spanglish. Check the storefront for other cool designs. A definite conversation piece.

"Flicker" wrapping paper in Blue ($5 for two 20 x 30" sheets) by Jessica Pilar (Arlington, VA). This graphic designer develops fun patterns and applies them to gift wrap, notecards, totes and more. The gift wrap is a little more "standard" in its glossy feel, but the darker patterns are perfect for winter and also work well for those tough-to-wrap gifts for guys.

I'll be posting more unique gift wrap ideas in the next week or two, so stay tuned.