Paperworld and Christmasworld 2015

Arona Khan's Let's wrap! stand at Paperworld, Germany

For a third year my presentations were a special feature at both Paperworld and Christmasworld at Messe Frankfurt in Germany.

Using products from almost twenty sponsors meant I had, once again, got my work cut out!  Pre-show preparation was hectic but thanks to the fantastic team at Messe Frankfurt the Paperworld stand looked great and the display proved popular with visitors from around the globe.

It is a marvellous opportunity not only to show retailers and others what designs, colours and materials are on-trend but also ways to use them to increase sales as well as create innovative displays.

Bearing in mind the inspirational suggestions of Stilbüro Bora. Herke. Palmisano I focussed on four themes:

  • Black and white:  Materials used included crepe paper from Italy as well as handmade paper from India and double-sided giftwrap from Germany.  To make the designs ‘pop’ I added a hint of red
  • Metallics:  Bronze was the lead colour in many different materials – American tissue paper, Indian giftwrap that could be mistaken for Ostrich leather, gorgeous glitter wrap (that didn’t shed!) from Germany as well as crushed paper from the Netherlands that was perfect for an awkward shape
  • Pastels:  Colours so calm and chic in assorted papers, packaging and boxes from countries including Germany, India and the Netherlands
  • Striking shades:  Foil or printed papers in vibrant colours from various German companies brought extra cheer to Christmas presents

There was also a fantastic selection of ribbons and accessories that added the ‘wow’ factor to even the simplest wrap.  Paper ‘ribbons’ from India offered a new look while fabric fancies from countries including Germany, the Netherlands and Italy really enabled me to show how easy it is to increase the perceived value of a gift.

Many thanks to all the sponsors and to the visitors who came to my many seminars at Paperworld and Christmasworld – some returning time and again – and for the fabulous feedback.  I am so glad that you find my tips and techniques helpful, inspirational and easy to follow.