How to Make Your Own Wrapping Paper and Bows

Gifts are expressions of love, respect, gratitude or reward and for virtually every occasion, you may present gifts for any of these reasons. Now imagine adding a personal touch and value to your gift, by presenting it in your own homemade wrapping paper.Well, don't raise that eyebrow or frown, because making wrapping paper is really very easy to do. What's important, is to let your imagination roll and you'll be able to create a variety of designs. Here's one simple example of how to make your own wrapping paper.

Things You'll Need

• Brown paper bags
• Paint Brushes
• Scissors
• Stamps (assorted designs)
• Stamp pad
• Stencils (assorted designs)
• Colored markers
• Oil Paint (your choice of colors)
• Rolling pin

Instructions

1. Organize your work space. You won't require much space to make wrapping paper. All you'll need, is a flat table or surface and a little more space to store base material items and supplies.

2. Purchase material and supplies. Make a shopping list, then get to your nearest stationery or craft store. Select all the necessary material for the wrapping paper design you have in mind.

3. Create designs with brown bag paper. The next time you visit your grocery store, request for carry bags made with brown paper instead of the usual polythene bags. Brown bag paper is ideal for designing gift wrapping paper.

4. Prepare the paper to work on. Hold the top of the bag and open. Cut carefully along one folded side of the bag, as well as across the fold at the bottom. Now, open it up and you'll have one large sheet of brown paper to work on.

5. Color the paper. Paint one complete side of the brown paper, using any colors that please you. Then keep it aside to dry.

6. Start designing the paper. When the painted side is completely dry, create different designs, anything you can think up or want. Use your stamps and colored markers for this. It's best if you keep your work to dry overnight.

7. Apply the finishing touch. While painting and designing, the paper is likely to have minor wrinkles and air bubbles. Use the rolling pin to iron out these to ensure that you have a smooth, flat finished product.

Tips & Warnings

• You can easily glue on, or embellish this paper with stickers and rub on transfers due to its thickness and weight. In this manner, you can create a variety of designs.

• Involve your kids, they'll have lots of fun designing wrapping paper for their friends.

• Kids can use glitter glue, stickers, transfers, puff paint, stencils and more.

• Make sure that all painted surfaces are completely dry, before you embellish the paper with other add on items.

• Keep an eye on your little ones, especially when they use paints for their designs. Some paints can be toxic.