We are celebrating the release of Megumi's's book, "The Soul of Gift Wrapping Creative Techniques for Expressing Gratitude, Inspired by the Japanese Art of Giving" which is published today. You can place it on hold or call the library at 978-526-7711. As we approach holidays such as Mother's and Father's Day, learn how to both wrap beautifully and show gratitude for those you are gifting to - who knew that the act of giving a thoughtfully wrapped gift can be a creative, caring act for both the giver and the receiver? 

About the book: With a combination of inventive wrapping designs, inspiring personal essays, and step-by-step techniques, Megumi Inouye invites readers to transform the act of wrapping into a gratitude practice. Drawing on the gift-giving traditions of her Japanese heritage, Inouye explores how the act of giving a thoughtfully wrapped gift can be a creative, caring act for both the giver and the receiver. Using recycled and repurposed materials, Inouye’s approach inspires readers to think intentionally about the presentation of every gift, whether it's a tip for an unseen hotel housekeeper, a simple gift of fresh fruit for a neighbor, or a special birthday gift for a beloved family member. Detailed step-by-step photos teach Inouye's artful approach to every aspect of wrapping—including tape-free folding, paper and fabric bows, clever message tags, and one-of-a-kind approaches for odd-shaped items—and guide readers in creating their own unique gift presentations.

About Megumi: The presentation of a gift - and the wrapping it comes in as part of that presentation - is an integral part of the gift according to Megumi Inouye. Done right, it amplifies the gift within, tells rich stories, and deepens the connection between the giver and recipient.

The Japanese of course, are the masters of the thoughtful package, inspired by the culture of gift-giving. Megumi, born in LA, but whose parents hailed from Japan, knows all about that. Her packaging which often incorporates recycled and found materials is 3D, ingenious, modern, and sculptural. And as any good design should be, it’s often highly functional, practical and sustainable. In her words “there is beauty and transformational power in giving a second life to things that otherwise might be overlooked or discarded.”

For Megumi, though, gift wrapping is a profoundly creative and personal act. “I put my heart and soul into packaging – it’s my vehicle for expressing my thoughts, intentions, wishes.”

Living in the midst of a fast paced consumer age, there is something to be said about rethinking our relationship with gift exchanges and wrapping. It can transform the most quotidian of gifts into something pretty extraordinary, a moment of magic and sublime grace making the recipient feel very special. Therein lies the point and purpose of Megumi’s work.

This program will be recorded and is made possible through a partnership with the Ashland Public Library.