Posted on

Myanmar basket weaving

Myanmar basket weaving

Coming from Australia, I always thought my self as green and one that recycles, reuses and rehashes.  But after travelling to Myanmar I realise how little we actually do in the West. One example is how they reuse everything. I met a man last week who makes flip-flops from old car tiers, I almost bought a pair, but decided not to. Now I wish i did. I guess I’ll get pick up a pair next time were back to Mandalay to skid around town.
 
These bags are made from the plastic packing tape. I first saw them here in Myanmar/Burma over a decade ago, then they became popular across SE Asia. In the West we use this tape to tie and tighten up a cardboard box, then banded or heat sealed to make it tight and secure. Here in Myanmar locals use this same packing tape to weave the bags. Better yet, the metallic inner band of car tires are used to strengthen them. The color combinations are endless, the sizes, shapes and sizes all vary. If you need a specific size, shape or colour, it only takes a day or two to get one ordered, and sometimes custom made while you wait.

Posted on — Leave a comment

I wrapped up Hong Kong

TRENDING

November 10, 2026

I wrapped up Hong Kong

I have to admit, the last time I was in Hong Kong was when the English were in rule. But this time with no more English, I fell in love with the Island City and planning another return next year. The three hour workshop included European and Japanese wrapping techniques, rope making, the finer art of potato stamps, tassel making and finally finishing with wrapped bangle making. The attendees were so easy to teach, soaking up allot of the techniques and making allot of tassels.    

latest posts

Whenever I have the opportunity to return to Battambang, my former home in Cambodia, I always enjoy visiting and teaching at Phare Ponleu Selpak, an art school with around 1,000 students.

Noosa Awards 2026

Woven History of Murrayville Over a six month period, I worked with about 40 locals to create a body of artwork for …

Posted on

Wrapping Julie’s Christmas cookies for Westinghouse

Christmas wrapping for Julie Goodwin

Westinghouse and Julie Goodwin owner of Julie’s Place cooking school has teamed up with stylist, Morrison Polkinghorne.

Julie Goodwin made a batch of Christmas chill mango chutney and some Ginger cookies but I was in Myanmar at the time, so Westinghouse especially flew me from Rangoon to Sydney to teach how to wrap the jars in fabric.

www.juliegoodwin.com.au

With Julie’s Ginger Christmas cookies I packaged them in a small waxed box, lined in a handmade crepe paper and trimmed with an origami paper strip. Topped with a heart cut from a local Myanmar newspaper that I had in my suitcase.

Master the art of gift wrapping with Morrison Polkinghorne.

1. Embrace imperfection.
When it comes to wrapping use what you have, says Morrison. If your paper is crushed, crush it some more and enhance the distressed nature. Keep it very “wabi-sabi”; this is a Japanese term centered on the acceptance of imperfection. Alternatively you can iron crushed paper to give it distinct pleats but please don’t try to make it perfect and new, let it age.
2. The world is your wrapper.
If you’re not one for tradition and you are after a more cosmopolitan feel, bring back a local newspaper when you’re travelling overseas to wrap your gifts.
3. DIY
. The finishing touches really make a beautifully wrapped present stand out. If you can’t find any ribbon, make your own decorative string by twisting colourful twines together. These little handmade touches stand out a mile and creating something bespoke is the most generous and beautiful gift you can give.

latest posts

Whenever I have the opportunity to return to Battambang, my former home in Cambodia, I always enjoy visiting and teaching at Phare Ponleu Selpak, an art school with around 1,000 students.

Noosa Awards 2026

Woven History of Murrayville Over a six month period, I worked with about 40 locals to create a body of artwork for …

Posted on

Wrap a present and finish it with a decorative knot.

Wrap a present and finish it with a decorative knot.

To estimate the length of cord:
To make a single layer knot, measure the circumference of the box + 30cm of cord
To make a triple layer knot, triple the above

Step 1
Fold the cord in half and start with this point.
Pull the bottom cord under and up to the top right

Step 2
Pull the bottom cord under the package and then over the loop then under this top cord

Step 3
Bring this cord down and over it at the original point then under.
Pull the top cord under the box and to the top left of the package.

Step 4
The cord will then go under, over and then under where the other cord ends.
Then with a mother cord, the same length, repeat  this process two or three times.,
or simply stitch the two ends together  and died it with the original cord.