DIY 2010 Christmas Wrapping Paper

Growing tired of the different wrapping paper same design routine and you'd rather do-it-yourself? DIY Christmas wrapping paper designs can come with messages, quotes or pictures. How to get there, what to do and what supplies to collect?

Supplies needed for various techniques include white wrapping paper (could use opposite side of ugly wrapping paper), tape, scissors, paint of many colors (I grew creative with Gouache Tempera), thick black magic marker with a standard slanted point, a glass half-full of warm water for a paint brush, a paint brush and one paper towel. The last item needed would be something you don't mind throwing away such as a sponge you can cut into any shape, an ornament shaped like an object or a shell.

Wrap up the gifts with the white paper showing on the outside then line them up or stack them neatly. As many boxes as you have is how many designs you'll need to come up with. Grab that notebook, it is time for some fun.

Our Designs

An arrow pointing to one side with the words "I'm with Stupid" on the front. This one always makes them laugh.

Footprint in black, as in hang ten, or blue in honoring the Tar Heel state. You could also make a rainbow of footprints if you wish.

Bird prints can be created by using a thin long brush that can assist in painting three lines touching at one side and a small (third of length) coming from the back. This design appears quite delicate and beautiful.

Hand prints can be done in any color, including white or black. Our choice was to create a circle of hands.

Eye Candy

Use a paint brush to brush some paint on one side of a square sponge (1"x1"), any colorful fashion will do. Lightly press the colorful sponge down on the thin side of a box - continue until all sides have paint on them (not the top or bottom, just sides). Allow to dry. Once dried, use a paint brush and colors on any of the items collected that will leave a nice print or picture. Allow to dry. For a final touch you could add borders of colors by dipping a small sponge into paint and dabbing along the edges of each corner of the box. Either paint the names or use a gift tag to indicate to who and from who.

We painted palm trees and coconuts on one wrap and Christmas trees on the other. On another project we painted a thick red line angled to resemble a candy cane appeal. Remember that sometimes you have to use two wraps so that the paint or inks do not seep through the box (depending upon your usage or if water is used as a thinner).

With the supplies suggested at the top of the page, you will not need anything else when designing Christmas wrapping paper. Unless you wish to glue some feathers near the bird prints or weave ribbon around the wrapped gift box.

Have fun and be creative!

DIY Christmas wrapping paper can be an involved task but sometimes going that extra miles can make the difference.