BMJ Blog

7 Lovely Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Put your creative side to use with eco-friendly gift wrapping.

Opting for eco-friendly gift wrapping is a beautiful way to honor Mother Earth--and show off your creative talents. The following are only a few options for green giving. There are so many ways to adorn your gifts in conscious style. Simply use your imagination--How can old containers be repurposed and made pretty? Also, when necessary, seek out earth-conscious companies that produce fine papers made from recycled and sustainable materials. 

1.Wrap Gifts with Fabric

Save scraps of cloth from sewing projects or head down to your local sewing or craft store and pick out some festive prints. Cloth is a gift itself because it can be repurposed a number of ways. It can be turned into pieces for a quilt, part of a reusable shopping bag, napkins, or even a rag! 

2. Gift with Reusable Shopping Bags

While we're on the topic of reusable shopping bags, why not share gifts in a decorative reusable shopping bag or cloth tote (again, another gift itself)? If you're efficient with a sewing machine, totes are pretty easy to whip up. You can choose from a variety of patterns here. 

3. Decorate Gift Packages with Backyard Findings

 Explore the great outdoors (or just your backyard) in search of pretty, natural findings to decorate your gifts. Delicate twigs, small pinecones, and sprigs of holly and berries make eye-catching additions. 

4. Go Black and White and Re(use)d All Over

 

Newspapers and magazines make playful and inexpensive green wrapping options.  Simply find a visually interesting page (the comics section is always a good choice), layer over another piece of newspaper (since newspaper tends to tear easily), and go to town! Tie off with yarn, ribbon, or baker's twine. 

5. Seek Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Paper Printed with Soy Ink

This cute paper by the Green Field Paper company is made from 100% recycled materials and printed with soy ink.  Soy inks are a smart green option because but they only release a minimal amount of volatile organic compounds into our atmosphere during the printing process. Soy is also a renewable resource while petroleum, the base of most conventional ink, is nonrenewable—and not very friendly to the atmosphere. Soy ink comes in vivid, long-lasting colors, and paper companies may not need to use as much ink to produce stunning graphics (like these adorable dogs!). 

6. Use Banana Fiber Paper 

Banana fiber is created with stems leftover from a banana harvest. The paper has an organic texture that lends it an earthy yet sophisticated feel. Perfect for understated (but high-impact) gift wrapping. 

7. Get Adventurous with Old Maps 

Save your old atlases for some fun gift wrapping. While any page will make for interesting packaging, consider the recipient of your gift--Where have you travelled together? Where is she originally from?  Choose your map paper accordingly for extra thoughtful wrapping :)

Photos: Erika G via Flickr, Martha Stewart, ohsohappytogether via Flickr, Green Field Paper Company, eCrater, Eric Christensen via Flickr, 

Posted in creative, DIY, eco-friendly, fun, gift wrapping, holidays, style

Trend Watch: Animal-Inspired Jewelry

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The Spring 2015 fashion forecast shows a high chance of clever whimsy in just about all the ways you can imagine. We’re particularly tickled by the playful, animal-inspired pieces appearing in both haute couture and street style.

Continue Reading →

Posted in animal-inspired jewelry, creative, fashion, fun, jewelry, style

The Sentimental Value of Jewelry

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Among the ways I entertained myself at my grandmother’s home was spending hours in her bedroom trying on and organizing her large boxes of costume jewelry. Most of it was fairly gaudy, and all of it was too big for my small frame—but I loved it nonetheless.

Continue Reading →

Posted in creative, gem lore, jewelry, jewelry stories, sentimental value

10 Romantic Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted on February 06, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Need a little V-Day inspiration? We’ve got plenty of romantic ideas to share. From tips to dining in style to modern takes on classic gifts, there’s a little something for every couple. Not part of a couple? Not to worry. These gifts can be adapted to suit your best friends—or just you! There’s nothing wrong with picking out some beautiful flowers for yourself.

Continue Reading →

Posted in creative, fun, gift giving, holidays, romantic, valentine's day

Trend Watch: Geometric Jewelry and Interior Design

Posted on February 04, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Geometry-inspired patterns and shapes have been a runaway trend over the past few years. Appearing in jewelry, clothing, and interior design, geometric style has a little something to offer everyone. If you're not sure how to incorporate geometric pieces into your personal style, start small and simple--a cute pair of earrings or a pretty throw pillow are excellent places to start.  

Continue Reading →

Posted in creative, fashion, fun, geometric patterns, interior design, jewelry, style, trend watch

Holiday Drink Recipes: Vodka with Gold Leaf

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Gold consumption can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who credited the metal with metaphysical and healing powers. In fact, many believe our enduring obsession with gold began with the Egyptians some 5,000 years ago. Often associated with Eternity, gold, or “the skin of the gods,” held deep spiritual value for the Egyptians.

Continue Reading →

Posted in creative, drink recipes, fun, gold, holiday parties, holidays, informational

Holiday Proposal Ideas

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The holidays represent a time of coming together, enjoying old traditions, and starting new ones. It’s no surprise, then, that this special time is one of the most popular for marriage proposals.

Continue Reading →

Posted in creative, engagement, fun, gifts, holidays, marry me, proposal