Introduction to the Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping with Textiles

Discover the art of gift-wrapping and accessorizing using furoshiki – Japanese wrapping cloths. Join multi-talented international artist Nefertiti San Miguel from Etnia Fusion (Boston) to learn this singular technique just in time for the beginning of the holiday season.

Each participant will use existing materials already available around the house demonstrating the concept of mottainai (expression of regret for wastefulness) by upcycling leftover fabrics. Spark your creativity by gracefully swathing items of different sizes (small and medium) in ordinary and unique shapes, such as hexagon boxes, glass bottles, books, picture frames and more. Master the presentation of elegantly-wrapped gifts for any occasion and amaze your loved ones with the artistic form and function of one magical square of cloth. Short demonstration video. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Nefertiti will teach master-class style while also tailoring the presentation around the materials each attendee has on hand.
• Prior to the event, participants should gather an assortment of fabrics and different small- and medium-sized items and shapes to be wrapped. (see details below)
• No prior experience is necessary.

BASIC MATERIALS:

• Square pieces of fabric (make sure material is not too thick or stiff)
• Bandana
• Square scarf (medium-thickness)
• Rubber bands
• Measuring tape

 POSSIBLE ACCESSORIES TO ADD:

• Ribbons
• Greeting cards (varying sizes)
• Small, clip-on seasonal decorations
• Tassels
• Chopsticks 

 ITEMS TO WRAP:

• Books
• Boxes of any shape
• Picture frames
• 1 large glass bottle
• 2 matching aluminum cans or small glass bottles 
• Any size / shape gift you wish to wrap

About: Nefertiti San Miguel of Boston’s Etnia Fusion has been featured on radio and television programs, web series, YouTube Channels, newspapers and magazines across the nation, and in recent years has been garnering attention abroad through podcasts from New Zealand, Canada and Australia. During the pandemic, she was requested to present a virtual workshop to community and members of Tomoe Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia.

She has presented traditional Furoshiki classes and demonstrations since 2009, and in libraries since 2019.​ For two consecutive years, before relocating to Massachusetts, her programs were promoted and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Miami, Fla. Nefertiti was chosen for her singular expertise to design and execute an original Furoshiki gift wrapping for presentation to the VP, Kamala Harris, and the First Lady of Florida, Casey DeSantis.

Nefertiti teaches a completely different and sustainable way of giftwrapping and accessorizing which enhances the presentation of any gift, for any occasion. It is an easy, fun, ecofriendly, and elegant way to spark creativity by using a new approach to wrapping ordinary items (books, picture frames and more) of different sizes. Even unusual shapes, such as hexagon boxes and glass bottles are covered beautifully.

She offers a unique array of themed Furoshiki Play-shops from which to choose, formatted for easy mastery of this artistic form and function. No prior experience is required; this practice is suitable for all genders and ages. www.etniafusion.com 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries. 

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