Japanese Wrapping Cloth
he Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan has a guide on using cloth as opposed to paper for wrapping gifts to cut down on the paper waste. Using the same square of fabric you can also create a tote bag to use to carry small parcels. Furoshiki (f'-ROHSH-kee) means “bath spread” and it derives from the practice of bundling clothes at public baths in the Edo Period (1603-1867). The term refers to any size or pattern, though most are around one to two ft. square. The furoshiki usually double-sided pattern and a stitched hem around the edges. Unlike wrapping paper furoshiki can be part of a gift, and can be used again and again. To make your own: Take a square of 100% cotton fabric (one that looks the same on both sides so there isn't a "wrong" side and stitch a rolled hem around the edge. You are finished. Now you can go out into the world and make it a better place! small = 18" medium = about 20" large = about 35" Another option is to go to the...
