Customer Reviews

Presentations: A Passion for Gift Wrapping

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a book about colorful gift wrapping ideas. It is NOT a step-by-step wrapping instruction book. I think there is a photo on literally every page. It's a lovely book for people who want to be exposed to color combinations of wrapping paper and ribbon, as a way to generate their own ideas. It is NOT a how-to book, if you ask me, so be aware of this before purchasing.

If you want to see some gorgeous pictures of some beautifully wrapped presents - not to mention the unbelieveable settings for these presents - this is the book for you. The pictures have to be seen to be believed. I had this book out at a party - and several who saw it fell in love and ordered it the next day from Amazon. Carolyne has a wonderful sensibility of what is unique and exquisite. This is not the book for you if you want instruction on using double-sided tape and how to fold the perfect edge. This IS the book for you if you want to be inspired.

I know, I know................the title wasn't funny so don't quit my day job. I won't. But you will have to admit that this is a wonderful reference book for helping with your wrapping skills.

I first became aware of Carolyne Roehm when I saw, and purchased, her Notebook on seasons --they are just spectacular so I knew that this book had to be just as great and it certainly is just that. I went through this entire book from start to finish and she covered everything. Then at the end of the book, for your questions, she gives a resource section to hep you find the things that she has used and/or suggested in her chapters.

This book is also a seasonal book of gift-wrapping of sorts. The chapters are broken into the seasons as well as:

Introduction
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Kids
How-To's
Resources

Ms. Roehm is a fashion designer, with her experience coming from Oscar de la Renta no less; that's like training at the Cordon Bleu of fashion. So you know that she has to have a sense of style and creativity that will serve her well, and she does not disappoint.

As an example, on page 135, she gives a gorgeous vision of Christmas wrapping using fresh eucalyptus, acorns, and walnuts with a deep rich dark brown satin ribbon and bow against a brown and cream colored paper. If this had just been explained to me without the influence of the sharp and clear colorful photography that accompanies her instructions, I would not have been truly convinced. And that is another reason why she is so good at what she does; she brings to life the idea's and style through the use of great photography.

It seems that she has gotten across that the secret to a beautiful presentation of any gift is the right embellishments, regardless of the paper used. The ribbons, bows, berries, accents are what draws the eyes to the beauty of the gift. You will be inspired to go beyond what you thought was possible and make it greater.

I love Carolyne...and have been dying to get my hands on this book. Unfortunately, there was nothing here in terms of step by step or---actually---any instructional text at all. It was all like, "I love green and purple together" followed by a gorgeous photo.

I was expecting some fresh ideas and also steps on actually creating what's in the book.

Filled with more than two hundred eye-catching, full-color photographs, Presentations: A Passion For Gift Wrapping is a wonderful sourcebook of ideas for creative and attractive gift wrapping. From tips for ideal contrast in wrapping paper, to suggestions for matching ribbons to patterns, to unique touches and themes ranging from poker wrapping to seasonal styles to country picnic basket style and more, Presentations is simply a joy to page through. A superb resource of inspiration for wrapping holiday or birthday gifts in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

This beautifully photographed book is a feast for the eyes and fodder for the creative person. It is NOT a step by step guide on how to wrap a package (although she does devote a couple of pages on how to wrap a basic box which most people know) or tie a bow (she also shows how to tie a basic bow). IT is full of ideas that one can "lift" and make your own with your own materials.

The presentations are basic enough that any trip to a craft store or paper goods seller will provide you with the materials you need to make something similar to the photograph even if not exact. I have found that it is generally very frustrating to have a specific list and find that none of the items are available to you locally or only available only online. I also appreciate this because it does not make me feel like the book is nothing more than marketing material for businesses the author had partnered with. It would also make the book outdated quickly and lead to complaints that the materials can not be located.

I think the main idea I took from the book and will put into practice is creating my own "wardrobe" of materials to keep on hand in a few basic colors that I like. I usually feel overwhelmed when I see the gift wrapping "ingredients" (ribbons, papers, etc) on sale not knowing what will go with what I already have. I have decided on a few basic color combinations and one at a time will look for things in that colorway. This will help in my organization and make wrapping less stressful and more creative for me.

This is a book I will turn to over and over and will keep as a reference.

If I could give 4.5 stars I would. There was not much new that would warrant top honors and what I learned that was new would fit on a few lines. The photography is what warrants such high marks.

The pictures are beautiful. The ideas that this book creates in your imagination are wonderful, but I wish they had included more or any detailed instructions on how to reach the end result!

The photographs in this book provide imaginative ideas for gift wrapping and giving that I will go back to again and again. The quality of the book, the personal notes, list of resources for materials, brief easy how-tos, suggestions for materials, and creating computer-generated wrapping paper, are all appealing facets of this gorgeous book.

All the wrappings are so classy; by following their lead, I know my gift presentations are going to go to a new level of creativity and professionalism.

Inspirational? Yes. Practical? No. I've never received a present with real flowers on it, like the ones in this book. They certainly are beautiful. This is a great guide to help you think outside the box when it comes to wrapping a present. The cloth gift bags are a great idea!

There are beautiful things in this book, just like there are beautiful things in Tiffany's. The materials used in this book are absolutely extravagant, and if you have the time to find them and the money to buy them, I say do it! But most of us do not have the means to buy outrageously expensive paper and fabric to wrap stuff in. To be fair, anything looks good in swathed in luxurious material. But it would have been more helpful to have a book that used simple items to create spectacular wrapping. That's creativity.