Hello everyone! If you are wondering where the first half of December went, then you’ve probably just started gift wrapping now. Just a few more days until Christmas, and still more gifts to wrap. Where did the days go? This year went pretty fast. I still have a couple of presents to buy… for a cousin, my grandmother, and some gifts for my employee’s children. I’ve been busy wrapping during pockets of free time. I love packaging things and yes, I boldly declare that I love recycling ribbons and small wrapping decor from past year’s presents. I don’t believe in saving gift wrapper though because it takes the fun away from tearing and opening a present.
Combining paper with the perfect ribbon and ornaments can excite me. I love creating bespoke packages!
I’ve been more interested in making use of material that can be sourced around the house and turning it into a beautiful package. Printed gift wrapping paper can get costly, and reducing our carbon foot print is something that we should all try. Here are some of my favorite gift wrapping ideas:
1. Use old soup cans to hold your presents.
Simply peel of the label, and add ribbons and trinkets. possibilities are endless as you can even spray paint the can and stencil on a print or glue beads or jewels on to it.
2. Tear off pages from old maps and make an interesting present.
We must have old encyclopedias or big maps that we really don’t use anymore. (Thanks to Google maps) These add a cool vibe to any package. Top it off with a bright colored ribbon and even some other little decor if you wish.
3. Use muslin cloth and sew together to make a sack
I love using muslin or katcha because of it’s vintage look and neutral color. It can work with any kind of ribbon, yarn or accessory. Pine cones or Christmas berries tied together are great accents for this too. Stencil a design or simple hand paint is also a creative option.
4. Sew newspaper pages together with colored thread to make unique wrapping paper.
Get 2 layers of newspaper and fold the edges twice then sew together with bright colored thread. Go ahead and wrap any present with this and top it off with ribbons and accessories.
5. Gather large leaves and flowers to use as wrapping paper and decor.
You know those large banana leaves from the tree in your back yard? Put them in between some small blankets and run an iron over it to soften it. This makes it more pliable so it does not crack when folded. Wrap your presents in it and tie with twine or raffia to continue the organic look. Add fresh flowers or dried ones if you wish.
6. Use recycled brown or white paper and decorate with dainty flowers.
Some stores still sell recycled paper. You can also glue scratch paper together to make bigger sheets. Adorn these with pretty flowers for a dainty look. Tie with raffia or lace. You can even print or draw on the paper for added dimension.
The possibilities are endless with gift wrapping! You can adorn them with whatever trinket, bead or jewel you have. I usually keep a craft box and I have a dedicated bag that holds all my paper, ribbons and add- ons. A package lovingly put together and made of earth- friendly material is something your loved ones will truly admire. Happy gift wrapping!
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