Tangled Packages

I enjoy using tangles on unexpected things.  For example, this is how I decorated my husband's birthday package:

 

It's actually the top of his wrapped gift - about the size of a shirt box. 

 

The particulars:

 

I first wrapped the box in freezer paper, my favorite multi-purpose paper.  The side of the box even reads: "Use for Arts & Crafts".  Who knew?!

 

 

It's coated on one side with a thin plastic film and a nice white paper on the other.  When I wrap gifts I put the coated side down so markers do not bleed through to the present underneath.

 

I use these pens -

 

 

 

A brand new, juicy Sharpie is easy to work with and I like the size of the fine point.  The Micron 08 is a thicker nib than the usual 01 used on tiles, but it's width contrasts nicely with the Sharpie.

 

I begin with a border, then tangle my way into the middle until I am left with enough space to write my greeting. The border I chose for the design pictured above was inspired by a Mehndi pattern (page 22) in Sandy Bartholomew's book Totally Tangled.  

 

The next time you need some wrapping paper, tangle your own.  You 're sure to make someone smile!