MEET WANDA WEN, SOOLIP CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE ARTS WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR
The beauty of gift wrapping goes far beyond simply covering a present. It’s an art form, a meditation on intention and beauty—an idea that Wanda Wen, the co-founder of Soolip, has spent her life perfecting. Wanda, a master of creative gift wrapping, was drawn to the art at an early age. From repurposing brown grocery bags in college, garnished with sprigs of bougainvillea, to scouring for unconventional elements, Wanda has always sought to find beauty in unexpected places. For her, it’s not about the perfection of materials, but rather the intention behind them.
In her workshop, The Art of Gift Wrapping, which is offered every year in Soolip’s Creative Arts Workshops, Wanda shares her passion for thoughtful presentation, teaching students how to choose combinations of paper, ribbon, and toppers that speak to the recipient’s heart. For Wanda, the act of wrapping a gift is a sacred process that centers on connection and care. Her favorite part? Choosing details that she knows will evoke joy in others, creating an emotional bond through the package's appearance.
Students who attend Wanda’s workshops are often surprised by how simple techniques can transform a plain gift into something extraordinary. From measuring paper correctly to tying the perfect bow with the "pointer finger-thumb" trick, her easy-to-learn methods inspire "aha" moments that shift perceptions on wrapping.
Wanda’s approach encourages participants to step outside the box—literally. She teaches students to use natural elements like twine, leaves, and even wildflowers as gift toppers. In doing so, she emphasizes the idea that less is more, guiding students to find beauty in simplicity.
Attendees leave Wanda’s workshop not only with newfound confidence in gift wrapping, but also with a fresh perspective on how to bring intention and joy into everyday presentations. Whether it’s a carefully wrapped gift or a beautifully arranged dinner table, her teachings help people transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.