Ruby Star Wrapalong

April of Sew To Speak (a lovely shop in Columbus Ohio, I MUST visit soon!) is hosting a Ruby Star Wrap-Along at the Sew To Speak blog, and asked if I would like to wrap-along with her (Sukie also has a fantastic Ruby Star Wrap-along going on too, be sure to check it out, both are fabulous, both have prizes and books to be won!!).I really love the concept of Ruby Star Wrapping (by Melody Miller and Allison Tannery). It's all about making your own beautiful handmade wrapping and saving paper, waste, good stuff for sure. But on top of that it's about making packaging for every occasion that is either a gift in and of itself, or can be reused again later. There are so many great ideas and inspiring photos in this book, what better way to get a fire under the proverbial arse and get started on your Christmas presents? Even if it's only the wrapping?

(this week's prize package from sew to speak's giveaway)

This isn't my first tango with re-usable packaging. A few years ago, my mom began making gift bags out of fabric for our family at Christmas. One drawstring bag she created now functions as a block bag for my kidlings' blocks. Other packages she made have gotten passed back and forth year after year for our family Christmas gift openings. We'd done that with cheap paper gift bags for years, but I love the idea of slowly introducing nicer, more lovingly-made packages into the mix, ones that will last even longer and are gifts themselves.

I was smitten with the "Plucky-Pantry-Box" idea from this book (you'll have to check out the "inside-out-box" idea as well, it is equally great!), as I always have nearly empty boxes in the pantry available. I know everyone else has Christmas On The Brain, but a very special baby boy is due to a dear friend of mine any day now, and I needed a box for the present I made him. I'll show you the actual present inside later. Don't want to ruin the surprise yet!

I used a pair of Mr Rae's old pajamas found in the "toss" pile and an empty panko box. Do you like how I cut around the pocket? Am feeling v. smug and clever with that one I tell you.

I also made my own little "boy" version of the Festive Flag Bunting from the book; it's so easy and later it can be hung somewhere after the present is opened. So fun! And no sewing!