Crafting Holiday Cheer: Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper Ideas
It’s officially that time of year, so let’s talk about wrapping paper for a minute!
The way I see it, there’s just no reason you, such a fabulous creative being, need to purchase store-bought wrapping paper (or cards for that matter).
Here’s the thing. What you can CREATE with your own beautiful hands is way more interesting, meaningful, beautiful, personal (you get the idea) and probably more environmentally friendly than store bought wrapping paper.
MAKE YOUR OWN!
In fact, I’m guessing you might already have stacks of gelli plate papers, colour studies, sketches, and collage material that would all make fabulous wrapping paper. If so, you’ve already got what you need, no work required, except maybe a little cutting and taping.
If you’re not already stocked with ready-to-use art papers, or you’re in the mood to create something new, here are ten fun and easy ways to make your very own one-of-a-kind wrapping paper…let’s do this.
First things first, upcycle your paper!
Before you reach for your new, fancy art paper, consider creating on brown grocery bags, parchment or deli paper, crossword puzzles, newspapers, magazines, butcher paper, old maps, letters, paintings, or pages from your sketchbooks. You can always add gesso or paint to simplify the surface before you begin.
First things first, upcycle your paper!
Second, use any art materials your heart desires.
I love acrylic paints and inks, coloured art pencils (Stabilo are my fav!), water soluble crayons and paint pens.
Remember, ANYTHING goes with homemade wrapping paper, here are 10 ideas to get things started:
Paint out a poem or letter to the person receiving the gift. Water down your paint to help with the flow. The drippier and artier, the better. If you would like a neater look, use your art pens, pencils and crayons.
Close your eyes and draw with both hands while listening to Christmas music. Pick out your favourite shapes in the drawing and colour them in or develop them…or just go with the wild, abstract lines.
Catch the drips from your larger paintings by taping your “wrapping paper” to the wall behind your canvas. Or under it on your art table.
Finger paint. One of my favs. Pick out your favourite Christmas colours and off you go!
Play with blind-contour drawing. Only look at the thing you’re drawing and at your paper. Let it be free and fun.
Doodle. Anyway, anywhere, any colours. If you are a neater artist, create a Mandala.
Spill some ink (or watered down paint) and tilt the paper around, see where it flows.
Make “stamps” with fruits (cut a lemon), vegetables, flowers, leaves, or things you find around your house. Use fluid or watered-down paint for easier stamping.
Use cookie cutters to create a delicate pattern. Wrap some bubble wrap around a rolling pin.
Nature bonus! Take a walk in the woods and add some greenery on as a finishing touch or use it as a mark making tool.
Remember, this is a great time to step out of the 'holiday rush' and let go of perfection, embrace creative play, have fun, and know your wrapping paper will be like no other!!
If you are not convinced that this is the best thing ever, here are a few more things to consider:
If you want to make a gift stand out, there is no better way than to wrap it with your creativity.
No one else’s gift will look like yours. It sends the gift recipient the message that they are special. That they are worth the time and effort you took to make the gift as pretty on the outside as the thought you put into the gift inside.
One final thing! Making your own gift wrap is great for last-minute presents. You might be surprised by how creative you can be under pressure:)
Have fun this holiday season! xo