In the early 1900s, wrapping paper as we know it did not exist in America. People “dressed” their gifts in tissue paper. But in 1917, the greeting card company Hall Brothers (which later became Hallmark) ran out of tissue paper right before Christmas.
Rollie Hall rummaged through the company’s inventory to see what he could come up with, and found decorative French envelope lining that was almost the same size as tissue paper. The pretty paper sheets sold like hotcakes, and the industry of wrapping paper was born.
All Wrapped Up focuses on an era – the 1960s – when wrapping paper was in its glory in terms of its art and design. Wrapping paper companies like Hallmark were scouring not just the US but the world for wrapping paper artists. They also hired artists such as Norman Rockwell, Paul Coker Jr. of Mad magazine, Sir Winston Churchill, and Jackie Kennedy to design their wraps. This book showcases the spectrum of design styles that emerged in the ‘60s, from 1950s-influenced geometric shapes and patterns in sweet pastels to super cute scenes of kids and animals, to groovier paisley, daisies, psychedelic swirls, op- and pop art. Each page in this book is a visual treat and an inspiration for anyone interested in design.
All Wrapped Up!: Groovy Gift Wrap of the 1960s
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