The Challenges Behind Creating the Perfect Gift Wrap

When you’re working on a project that combines art, design, and nature, you might think the biggest challenge is capturing the beauty of it all. But let me tell you—sometimes, the hardest part is something entirely unexpected.

For this collaboration with the Latvian Ornithological Society (LOB), artist Marta Gotlība and I worked together to create a unique gift wrap showcasing over 20 species of birds found in Latvia. It’s beautiful, informative, and even doubles as an educational poster. But for me, as the designer, the most formidable challenge wasn’t the design or the coordination—it was cutting out those birds!

From tiny feathers to delicate petals, this wrapping paper isn’t just for gifts—it’s a year-round celebration of nature, art, and sustainability

Table of Contents

A Vision of Birds, Beauty, and Timeless Design

The project began with a noble vision: to create something that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful. The idea was to bring awareness to the incredible bird species found in Latvia while promoting sustainable practices.

Marta’s illustrations are masterpieces, capturing the details of each bird. My role was to take these illustrations and create a harmonious design that felt cohesive and versatile—not just something for the holiday season but a design that works year-round.

To achieve this, I incorporated botanical elements from all seasons. This way, the gift wrap isn’t tied to winter or Christmas; it’s equally suitable for summer birthdays, spring celebrations, or autumn festivities. It’s a timeless design that adapts to any occasion, ensuring it’s as practical as it is beautiful.

The Art of Bird-Cutting

Sounds simple, right? Just arrange the illustrations and call it a day. Oh, how wrong I was.

Every bird had to be carefully “cut out” digitally, ensuring no detail was lost. Their feathers, beaks, and postures—all needed to look natural and alive in the composition. Add in the seasonal botanicals, and the task became even more intricate. It was a meticulous, almost meditative process that took hours upon hours.

At times, I felt like a digital ornithologist, studying these birds and plants closer than I ever imagined I would. But the end result—a design that balances nature and elegance—made it all worth it.

Sustainability at Heart

When designing this wrapping paper, sustainability was at the forefront of our minds. We received non-standard Amber Graphic 70 g/m² paper with no direct application at that moment. In most cases, such paper would either be sent for recycling or used to create products with lower added value. Instead, we saw an opportunity to breathe new life into it. By transforming it into wrapping paper that blends beauty, education, and sustainability, we created a product with significant added value—one that tells a story, educates about nature, and makes gift-giving a more meaningful experience.

This decision reflects a commitment to thoughtful design, where every element contributes to a purpose greater than itself. It’s a testament to the idea that sustainability isn’t just about recycling—it’s about reimagining and repurposing for maximum impact.

A Multi-Purpose Creation

This isn’t just any gift wrap. You can use it for wrapping presents, of course, but it’s also perfect for covering books or even as a decorative poster. With its combination of birds and botanicals, it brings nature into your everyday life.

Its versatility means it’s not limited to Christmas or winter. The addition of seasonal botanicals ensures it’s a design you can use for any occasion, in any season. Whether you’re wrapping a summer gift or creating a spring-inspired display, this paper fits the bill.

A Gift With a Purpose

The gift wrap is available in two ways:

By registering for the “Report Birds in Your Garden 2025” campaign (participation fee: €20).
By purchasing it from select retailers soon.

The campaign invites participants to spend an hour observing and counting birds in their gardens on January 24–26, 2025, using the Dabasdati.lv mobile app to report their findings. It’s a fantastic way to engage with nature while supporting the LOB’s important work in bird research and conservation.

A Timeless Celebration of Nature

This project wasn’t just about gift wrap; it was about creating something that connects art, design, and nature in a way that inspires and educates. By including elements from all seasons, I hope it becomes a staple for any occasion, a timeless celebration of nature’s beauty.

Call to Action:
Want to wrap your gifts in something meaningful? Join the “Report Birds in Your Garden 2025” campaign or keep an eye out for this gift wrap in stores. Let’s make every gift a story, every occasion a celebration of nature!

Thank You, Agnis Bušs for this opportunity, to be in this project!