Modern country makes IT'S A WRAP!

From hand-stitched parcels to tea-towel bottle covers, discover the prettiest ideas for presents

- SARA BIRD

How to MAKE THEM YOURSELF

HAND-STITCHED PARCELS

Begin by wrapping your gift in bubble wrap or tissue paper to prevent sharp edges tearing the wrapping paper. Place your wrapping paper face down and put the gift on top. Draw the desired shape around, allowing extra space to fit around the gift and for the stitches. Cut out and use as a template to cut another shape to match. Using a bodkin, thread with string or twine and begin to stitch the shapes together, around 2cm | ¾" in from the edge, leaving a long thread end at the start. When halfway around, insert the gift then continue to stitch. When complete, tie off the ends in a knot or bow and add a hand-stamped label. For extra detail, insert a layer of decorative paper cut just larger than the template.

Brown paper; festive stamps; ink pad; tags; string; twine (all Hobbycraft)
Baubles; blanket (both Urbanara) Star and Snowflake wrapping papers (Star by Sophia Victoria Joy, Snowflake by Nancy & Betty Studio, notonthehighstreet.com)
Rug (Myakka)
Paper chain (Yateley Papers)
Other items are stylist's own

BOBBLE-TRIM SANTA SACKS