Put a bow on it

My very first job was as a gift wrap girl at Kessler's Department Store in Riverside.

I've always enjoyed pretty presents, going so far as to craft my own wrapping paper. (I sliced a potato in two, stamps of a Christmas tree, pressed them in green paint and applied to -- what else? -- newsprint.)

Over the years, I've glued miniature pine cones to ribbons and tucked sprigs of pine and holly into bows of twine.

For those who also love to wrap, gift stylists at The Container Store at Cherry Hill Mall will teach techniques on creating crisply turned corners and sumptuous nows at free demonstrations to be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23.

In addition to learning how to produce perfect packages, participants at each session will have the chance to win a $25 gift card. For details, call (856) 317-7134.