How To Wrap Christmas Gifts Using Handmade & Recycled Things From Around The House
If you haven’t guessed yet from the shortage of posts, my life has been super busy. But not too busy to wrap Christmas presents in a new way (for me). I decided that this year I would wrap everything with materials I already had on hand. I started with newspaper, and embellished each package with decorations I cut out of wallpaper samples, left-over wrapping paper, etc. I also used rubber stamps and markers (particularly silver and gold).
Every package was unique. I also used a couple of Japanese techniques – origami and kirigami – to make snowflakes out of the left-over gift wrap.
I wrapped some odd-sized things using clear wrap (left-over of course) and the shreds from our paper shredder as a cushion. I also made my own gift cards. A glue stick is a must. I ran out at the last minute. So I suggest buying extra.
I had a few boxes that looked fairly nice on their own. So I embellished them with the wallpaper samples.
I actually had some blank cards in the closet. (I swear I didn’t buy them)! I needed them for my teenaged nieces and nephews who like cash. So I made little pockets and tied the check into the fold with ribbon. The front is my perhaps lame attempt at being cool. I’ll let you know after the New Year if it worked.
Sometimes I found a particularly interesting image on the newspaper. I also liked the contrast between the news and the spirit of Christmas. Most of all, I like Christmas being as much about the thought that goes into the wrapping as the gift contained therein.
So if you run out of gift wrap at the last minute, put these ideas to good use. Let me know if you have a recycled item you use for gifts. I’ve got birthdays coming up!
Have a wonderful holiday and a splendid New Year. I’ll see you then.
3 Responses to “How To Wrap Christmas Gifts Using Handmade & Recycled Things From Around The House”
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Posted by Jennifer on December 27th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I think I did that, too! But we used our hands. Horrible mess. But we had fun! Have a great New Year. I’m now making snowflakes all over the place – out of everything. No piece of scrap paper is safe from me.!
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Posted by Barbara on December 29th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
This year I spent over $100 on gift wrap, tags and ribbon. I admit I do like the higher end brands. The paper is heavier and the designs are nicer. I also think that the presentation is just as important as the gift. A nicely wrapped gift says you care about the person in a personal way. You care enough not only to buy something nice but to make it took pretty, too.
Having said all this, I LOVE your idea of using found objects and newspaper. I can think of lots of things I have lying around that I can use. Newspaper, tissue, a new tea towel. I think buying a bunch of white kitchen towels for the gift wrap and tying the gift with a beautiful ribbon – or even kitchen twine – would be really nice. IF you make a large gift tag that would make the gift look great and you can use the kitchen towel, too.
I’m now rethinking all the money I spend on gift wrap. I think I can make a beautiful presentation that is even more personal and thoughtful by using recycled things. How about using old clothing and a few embroidery stitches?
Jennifer, you’ve got my creative juices flowing. Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and beautiful post. It’s a wonderful reminder that Christmas should be a unique and special gift – something with thought. When wrapped in a unique way, my gifts will now let my family and friends know even more how much I care about them.
Sorry for blathering on, but this post really touched my heart. Thanks again.
You are such a clever thing, I think I hate you LMAO!!! My best attempt with newspaper was to paint my boys feet & hands with red and green paint imprinting them to decorate. Can you imagine the mess we made, it was a one year idea! Have a great Christmas, and a happy & proserous New Year