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The origins of paper are believed to have begun in China in c.105. Made of a mixture of bark and hemp, the Chinese kept its creation quiet until its spread to Japan in c.610. From there, it slowly spread across the world until the 1200’s where paper mills were finally established. By this time paper was made of flax and hemp. In 1690, American colonies began producing paper.
Our paper now begins as wood pulp. By grinding the wood and removing the lignin, element in wood that holds it together but also creates a yellow tint when sunlight hits it, we can then wash and bleach what is left. By adding more water, less water, beating the pulp and then straining it, we are left with a thin fiberous material which after drying, can be pressed to make the desired thickness of paper. It as at this point we have tissue paper, book paper, newspaper, wallpaper and gift wrap. Wrapping paper is made of kraft paper which is of higher strength due to its processing.
Gift wrapping has been around for centuries. Gift wrap reflect trends in society as much as clothing does. One season, wrapping paper may be muted and subtle classic tones and the next, bright, bold and sharp designs.
Pretty packaging has the ability to transform a meager bag of candy into an elaborate gift. And after all, isn’t presentation just about everything?
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