Best Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas
How to Create Unique Holiday Gift Wrap, Boxes, and Bags
Nov 2, 2009
Homemade gifts, baskets and boxes are from the heart. Crafting gift wrap is as unique and personal as the gift itself. It is also a way to celebrate with loved ones while keeping the holidays green.
Fabric Gift Wrap
Fabric remnants can be bought in bundles in any notions department or store with sewing supplies. They come in different sizes, and are wonderful for wrapping presents.
When using fabric gift wrap, affix a small piece of tape just as you would with paper, but use strait ribbon around the box to secure the fabric. Self-stick bows are not good because the glue may not hold well to the fabric.
Gift Wrap Ribbon
- Raffia looks best on hand crafted gift wraps. After tying raffia around a gift, tie a bow four or five times to make one big bow.
- Cotton or wool yarn is a nice, warm touch when tied around fabric gift wrap.
Gift Wrap Paper and Gift Wrap Bags
Start with a large roll of recycled butcher paper or stack of recycled papers. Artist acrylic paints will not crack or flake after drying when the paper is folded.
- Stamping and Painting: Use a fingerling potato cut in half to make a circle. Dip cut end in red paint and stamp in small groups on the paper. Take a paintbrush and add stems and holly leaves. Paint tiny gold stars in blank spaces around the paper.
- Sponging: Large sea sponges deliver fabulous results. Sea sponges are easy to find at craft supply and hardware stores. Dip the sponge lightly in the paint. Dab it on another paper plate to remove excess, then touch it repeatedly to paper for a unique effect.
- Combing: Cover the paper with a thin layer of paint. Immediately run a comb through the paint. The design will become permanent as the paint dries. Try using both fine tooth and wide tooth combs, and experiment with both strait and wavy lines.
- An especially green gift wrap is brown paper shopping bags opened up and decorated on the plain inside. Use these to wrap smaller presents.
- Start with plain craft bags and decorate the outside using the above techniques. Place presents inside and cover with tissue paper for unique gift wrap bags.
Gift Wrap Boxes
Prepare this craft project ahead of time. This is fun for the whole family to do together.
- Gather empty boxes, such as shoe boxes, mailing boxes, jewelry boxes, etc. Use all shapes and sizes.
- Collect remnants of wallpaper. Either dig out the leftover ends of rolls that are stashed in a closet, or pick up an outdated sample book from a wallpaper store. (A sample book will not have large pieces.)
- Apply pieces of wallpaper to boxes and lids, separately. Allow to dry. Mix a little water and glue (such as Mod Podge) in a bowl, and apply to wallpapered boxes using a big, soft paintbrush. Allow to dry.
These make wonderful, reusable gift wrap boxes.
HOL101
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