How to Wrap Journal with Pens (Expert Gift Wrapping)

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Creative gift wrapping is so much more fun than just simply giving a gift.

Make a custom journal and wrap it with some pens to look amazing and extra this gift giving season!

Follow the step-by-step guide in video or photo tutorial for the perfect wrapped gift.

This is a great way to wrap up a journal and add a few colorful pens on top.

Wrapping presents is not my favorite thing, so wrapping in creative ways helps me enjoy it more.

All you need is a piece of wrapping paper and a few pieces of tape for the perfect Christmas gift.

More beautiful gift wrapping tips at the end of the post.

Supplies Needed for Journal Gift Wrapping:

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Step 1: Cut Wrapping Paper

Cut a large enough paper piece to wrap around the journal completely and then an additional 6 inches.

Use sharp scissors to glide through the wrapping paper in a clean line instead of cutting it jaggedly.

Step 2: Wrap Paper

Now place the journal on the backside of the wrapping paper and wrap about 2 inches up over the journal.

Then fold the journal over the paper, keeping it tightly wrapped and tape in place to keep it from shifting.

Next, fold up the edge of the bottom flap to make a sharp triangle angle, and repeat for the top flap.

Wrap the side of the paper around the journal tightly, letting the angled edge create a “pocket” on the front of the wrapped journal.

Then use double-sided tape or just a piece of transparent tape to secure the end of the paper to the back of the wrapped gift.

The perfect present is a well wrapped present, with sharp edges, so hold it tightly with tape.

Then fold in the top and the bottom of the gift with little angled creases and fold the remaining wrapping paper flaps over and secure them with tape on the back.

Step 3: Fill the Pocket

Now the perfect gift is ready to slip in the 4 pens into the pocket created during wrapping.

Great for a gift card, a Christmas card or other small gifts too–great for a fancy last-minute gift!

This is a wonderful idea for teachers and artistic creative people.

Not just a good idea for a gift under the Christmas tree during the holiday season, but great for a baby shower gift, birthday presents or any other special occasion.

Step 4: Finishing Touches!

Now tie off the gift box with a big ribbon bow.

And add a gift tag with the name of the recipient on it and tape it on the side of the paper wrapping.

Now this gift is ready to give!

I love adding a little something extra to a gift by wrapping them fancy!

It doesn’t take much paper extra to make the present a little more impressive than just a gift bag.

This is a great way to have a peek of some of the gift showing and the bulk of the gift safely tucked away in the floral wrapping paper.

The tradition of wrapping gifts has origins in various cultures, but one of the earliest documented instances dates back to ancient China around the 2nd century BC.

During the Han Dynasty, people used cloth or paper, known as zhuangzi, to wrap valuable items as a sign of respect and to keep them protected.

Meanwhile, in Japan, the practice of wrapping gifts in cloth (furoshiki) dates back to the Nara period (8th century), where it was used to transport and present items.

In the West, gift wrapping as we know it today became popular in the early 20th century. In 1917, the Hall brothers (founders of Hallmark) accidentally ran out of traditional tissue paper and decided to sell decorative French paper instead, which quickly became a hit.

This marked the beginning of commercially produced wrapping paper and led to the modern gift-wrapping industry.

Thus, while the concept of wrapping gifts spans centuries and cultures, its contemporary form has a relatively recent history.

The decorative paper or fabric also adds a visual appeal, transforming a simple item into a beautifully packaged token of appreciation, celebration, or love.

Throughout history, various cultures have embraced unique wrapping styles, making it an art form that reflects care, respect, and the joy of giving.

That’s it!

Make your gift giving occasions extra by wrapping them creatively!

Learn how easy it is to wrap a dotted grid journal with wrapping paper with a little pocket for a few brightly colored pens to slip in.

The gift is even more special when it’s wrapped creatively!

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Here’s some other fun creative gift wrapping ideas!

Practice your hand-lettering skills and make amazing gift wrap for your Christmas gifts.

Create custom gift wrapping paper for your holiday gift giving (or any occasion) to make your gifts a little more special–this technique is great for a large box!

Let me show you how easy it is to add hand lettering to gift wrapping!

Hand Lettering Kraft Paper: Creative Gift Wrapping! Practice your hand-lettering skills and make amazing gift wrap for your Christmas gifts. Create custom gift wrapping paper for your holiday gift giving (or any occasion) to make your gifts a little more special! Let me show you how easy it is to add hand lettering to gift wrapping!

Here’s how to wrap an open box! This time of year we need boxes for gift wrapping, but the items don’t always fit inside. This is a creative alternative for a basket too–compostable at that!

Wrap an open box with fabulous and festive wrapping paper and then fill the box with all the gifts, treats and goodies–this is especially good for an oddly-shaped gift.

Creative gift wrapping is my favorite thing–I am not great at wrapping gifts but I love to do it anyway.

How to Wrap an Open Box: Creative Gift Wrapping! Here's how to wrap an open box! This time of year we need boxes for gift wrapping, but the items don't always fit inside. This is a creative alternative for a basket too! Wrap an open box with fabulous and festive wrapping paper and then fill the box with all the gifts, treats and goodies. Creative gift wrapping is my favorite thing!

Creative Gift Wrapping: Maps with Wax Seals!

Get creative this holiday season and wrap your gifts with maps!

Easy tip: Grab and outdated atlas to wrap gifts in maps and wax seals for the perfect combination.

I am not the greatest wrapper (or rapper), but I like to decorate my gifts a little bit, so that disguises my crappy wrapping skills.

What about you…do you like wrapping gifts?

How to Make Gift Bags with Wrapping Paper DIY

Making gift bags is the perfect way to gift things easily and on a tight budget!

This is a craft project that I remember watching my mom do over and over.

She never walked me through the process or taught me verbally…I just watched.

I learned so much by watching my mom.

These cute gift bags are easy to make with kraft paper rolls or any wrapping paper…old maps, newspaper or scrap paper that is on its way to the recycling bin.

Perfect for making custom size, for wrapping my favorite gifts, Lego sets!

Washi Tape (Perfect alternative to ribbon!)

Creative Gift Wrapping: Washi Tape

Washi tape is the BEST. Washi tape is a paper based tape, similar to masking tape.

It’s narrower and comes in an amazing assortment of sheens and colors.

I love the variety of colors of washi tape, the versatility and the fun it adds to something.

Use it to dress up a plain brown package with metallic and colorful washi tape.

I love metallic washi tape, it instantly adds a high class look to any project.

Leather Foil Iron-on Vinyl Name Gift Tag Keychains with Cricut Maker!

Hey friends, here’s a super great way to customize gifts with a custom keychain gift tag!

Did you ever look for your name on a keychain at a trading post or gift shop?

Even though my name is Natalie, it was really hard to find.

There’s loads of names that are spelled differently too, like our Hailee.

You can find Haley spelled a few different ways, but rarely her way.

Have you found your name on a keychain before?

Valentine Heart-Shaped Paper Envelope DIY

I love Valentine’s day because of the decor and the hearts. I think it’s a fun way to celebrate love and thinking of others. Paper heart envelopes are the finishing touch to any Valentine and they are easy to make! Learn how to make a paper envelope using a darling heart shaped paper for the perfect Valentine card!

I remember making loads of Valentines, it was my favorite holiday because I could be so crafty…I did not like getting pre-made Valentines. These envelopes are great any time of year and make letter giving much more special!

I was sent some amazing Holiday fun stencils from Cutting Edge Stencils.

It is the perfect way to spruce up wrapping paper…but great for holiday crafts and other fun projects too!

Just stencil and paint right on the side of the box for a gorgeous gift!

I got a shower scrubbies and bright nail polish from the dollar store…and used these plastic jars from Oriental Trading Company.

They are perfect for filling with fun things that are bright colored and fun to see through the clear jar–no tissue paper needed!

Transform a standard, regular envelope into a shirt and tie packet!

The perfect little gift package for a tie-wearing individual, perfect for a gift card and a treat!