Lewis Maclean December 2017

3 CREATIVE GIFT WRAP

ALTERNATIVES

There’s something magical about

seeing a stack of presents wrapped in bright, multicolored paper. However, that enchanting scene quickly evaporates a few hours later when all those wads of wrapping paper and plastic bows are chucked unceremoniously into the garbage. What if we told you there are countless ways you can still

When you’re in the market for a new heating system, there are several things to consider. There’s more to buying the right unit than knowing the square footage of your home. Many people are surprised to learn it’s possible to buy the wrong sized furnace for their home, even after taking the square footage into consideration. Should you buy a furnace that is too small, chances are you won’t discover the mistake until the day you need that furnace. This kind of situation can be averted when you work with a furnace expert who knows what factors create the ideal furnace. The expert and installer will communicate to the homeowner when a furnace will not be adequate. If you find yourself in need of a new furnace, here are four mistakes you want to avoid when making that important purchase. Buying the wrong size furnace. As we discussed, you should always consult with a professional to determine the right size unit for your home. Determining the right size involves more data than square footage, such as ceiling height and window size. Falling for limited-time offers or discounts. Going for the cheap option can mean the heating contractor you’ve hired is cutting corners, either on installation or products — or both. Hiring untrustworthy installers. Some companies or installers make you wait for days or longer before installing your furnace. Then they may come in poorly-trained or ill-prepared for the job. Always check for reviews online or ask for references if you can’t verify a work history. The installer doesn’t give you a written guarantee of work. If the installer you hire can’t or won’t provide you with a written guarantee of their work, either demand one or look for an installer who will deliver. If something goes wrong with the furnace after installation, this kind of guarantee lets you know they’ll be there for you when you need them.

enjoy wrapping and unwrapping presents, without all the waste? Here are a few creative gift wrap alternatives to consider this holiday season.

Brown Paper Bags With the holiday season comes holiday shopping, and if you opt out of plastic grocery bags, you’re sure to have a surplus of brown paper bags in the pantry. Drop a present into the bag, tape it shut, and you’re good to go. Add some simple lace or a ribbon for an old-timey feel or get creative with stamps and hand-drawn artwork. This wrap job lets your imagination run wild. Old Maps and Calendars These days, pretty much every phone has a built-in GPS, so you probably won’t need the map from your 1999 road trip anytime soon. If you still have an old map, why not use that for wrapping? The unusual designs guarantee your gifts will be one of a kind. And don’t worry if there are notes scrawled across the paper. Old events or directions will add some unique flair to the presents. Furoshiki Fabric is an excellent substitute for wrapping paper. You can use a scarf to create two gifts in one or pull out scraps of fabric from old projects. The traditional Japanese practice of furoshiki is all about wrapping goods in fabric. Described as “functional fabric origami,” you’d be amazed at how a few well-placed folds can turn your gift into a work of art. Learn how to wrap anything, from boxes to bottles, at ceas.ku.edu/ furoshiki-instructional-videos. You don’t have to follow the same gift wrap habits year after year. After the effort you put into finding just the right present, you should be able to make your gift wrap just as special. Find a method that’s uniquely you and get started!

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