The Soul of Gift Wrapping

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The Soul of Gift Wrapping:
Creative Techniques for Expressing Gratitude, Inspired by the Japanese Art of Giving

With a combination of inventive wrapping designs, inspiring personal essays, and step-by-step techniques, The Soul of Gift Wrapping invites readers to transform the act of wrapping into a gratitude practice.

Drawing on the gift-giving traditions of her Japanese heritage, Megumi explores how the act of gifting a thoughtfully wrapped gift can be a creative, caring act for both the giver and the receiver. Using natural, recycled and repurposed materials, she encourages wrapping in a way that nurtures our lives and others, sustaining our collective well being and our environment.

Detailed step-by-step photos teach an artful approach to every aspect of wrapping—including tape-free folding, paper and fabric bows, clever message tags, and ideas for odd-shaped items- guiding readers to create one of a kind gift presentations reflective of one’s own unique, creative expression of gratitude.

ISBN: 978-1-63586-554-7 | Price: $25.00 | On Sale: 4/2/24

Book Love

"If Marie Kondo inspired you to change the way you fold T-shirts, then artist Megumi Lorna Inouye’s guide to creating beautiful gift-wrapping is for you. Inouye traces her passion for this art to memories of watching her mother care for the lovingly wrapped garments in her kimono chest. [This book] is more than a how-to guide: It is a reminder that gift giving can bring the givers themselves joy."

Deborah Hopkinson

Bookpage (Starred Review)

"A mindful option that takes back the commercialism in gift giving and makes it a personal experience again. These ideas will fit everyone’s budget, and the book is sure to be a joyful experience."

Elizabeth Chandler

Library Journal (Starred Review)

“I savored every page of The Soul of Gift Wrapping. In this moving and gorgeous book, Megumi Lorna Inouye shares ideas and instructions for wrapping gifts and expressing appreciation of others in more beautiful and sustainable ways. I came away feeling inspired to live more intentionally, connect more deeply with the world around me, and give more freely from my own heart.”

Karen Olson

Editor in Chief, American Craft

"This exquisite book opens up a world of possibilities for turning what can seem like a last-minute chore, wrapping presents, into a meditative, profoundly self-expressive act of connection with those we love."

Jon Spayde

Contributing Editor, American Craft

"Megumi Inouye skillfully explains the traditional Japanese art of gift wrapping as a way of showing gratitude. Her thoughtful choices of paper, fabric, found embellishments, and plants are innovative."

Aiko Cuneo

Artist and Educator

About the author

"I’ve always wanted to bring a voice to the art of gift wrapping. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share and bring out into the light the stories, emotions, historic context and expressions of gratitude that lie hidden and tucked within the folds of paper and fabric that cover our gifts."

Megumi Inouye is a gift wrapping and packaging artist known for her sustainable wrapping designs and inventive techniques inspired by her Japanese heritage.

She has been featured in American Craft magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, Yahoo Lifestyle News and on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.