How to Shrink Wrap Gifts

Would you like to know how to shrink wrap gifts at home? Shrink wrap can make a home made gift basket, candy bouquet, or gift box look professionally put together. Yet a gift basket you assemble yourself is much more personal when it's tailored to the recipient's interests. So if you'd like to know how to shrink wrap at home, read on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shrink wrap (available at craft stores)
• Hair drier
• Gift basket or container of items

1. Arrange the items in the container. Make sure to arrange them attractively before starting the shrink wrap process. Use glue dots, available at craft stores, to hold items in place.

2. Determine the size of the piece of shrink wrap that you need to cut. The way I like to do this is to place the item in the center of the shrink wrap. Then bring the sides up so they meet above the item. If they meet, you have enough. If the sides are too short, recenter the item. Cut the shrink wrap in a straight line, the way you would cut wrapping paper.

3. Open the sheet of shrink wrap you've cut. The shrink wrap I use is 2 ply. Slide the item between the 2 sheets, and center it once again.

4. 

   Gather the edges together the way you would for a bag of bread. Secure this will a ribbon for a decorative touch.

5. 
   How to shrink wrap

   Blow dry the shrink wrap with a hair drier. Hold the drier about 18 inches away from the shrink wrap to start. Move the drier in an up and down motion, and slowly turn the item for even shrinkage. Continue this process until the plastic is as tight as you want. Be careful not to blow at the top part of the plastic that's above the bow. This should remain crisp for a decorative look. And that's all you need to know to learn how to shrink wrap a gift at home. Good luck!

[veryirie]

on 5/18/2009 I've never done this, but it sounds really easy. Thanks!