I grew up with a mother who made every package under the tree a true work of art! Even though it all was torn to shreds on Christmas morning, she took immense pride, pleasure, and time in creating beautiful packages with festive wrap and fluffy bows. Seeing her packages stacked up under the tree is still one of my favorite holiday memories, so it’s no wonder I take my gift-wrapping pretty seriously. While stores this time of year are brimming with limitless options for decadent packaging, it can add up fast as you toss fancy papers, ribbons, bows, tags and embellishments into your shopping cart. Instead, I have found that creating stunning, one-of-a-kind packages can be done simply and inexpensively with some basic craft supplies that can be found in any craft store (or in my case, my well-stocked craft room!)
It can be tempting to load up on all the beautiful wrapping options available in stores, but to give yourself a simple, inexpensive (and blank!) canvas for all your holiday gifts, reach for rolls of white and natural paper. Not only is this combo simultaneously rustic and chic, but it also allows for a huge variety of elements to be layered over top to create some truly stunning packages.
Want to see what I mean? By playing around with paper, glitter and stickers, I have a whole set of beautifully festive packages to go under the tree!
Now, I realize that the holidays are an extraordinarily busy time of year, and most people may not have the time to shop for gifts much less create their own wrapping and embellishments, but hear me out! In just one afternoon or evening, you can prep everything you’ll need for the coming gift-giving frenzy. Punch circles and festive shapes from glittered cardstock, slice up strips of paper to create banding around packages, glitter cardboard letters for unique gift tags, make some paper medallions in all sorts of colors and sizes, and round up any and all festive and color-coordinated stickers (these are especially good to pick up end-of-season for next year!). With all these items ready to go, pulling your packages together will take no time at all and can be a lot of fun!
The possibilities really are endless, and this approach to gift wrap is super kid friendly too! Keep all your accessories and embellishments in the same color family to create a coordinated look under your tree. Or, punch and cut shapes from every shade to give your family maximum opportunity to get crafty and creative!
Ready to see how quick and easy these beautiful gifts came together?
One of the simplest techniques is to cut some basic shapes from glittery cardstock and layer them onto plain paper however you wish! Here, die-cut Christmas trees are a simple and subtle touch to a small package, while glittery circles punched and sewn together make an uber festive garland that can be wrapped around boxes!
Just as easy, this gift features strips of glittered cardstock (which is cheaper than fancy ribbon!) fitted and taped around the box to create a band. Simple circles and a gold letter stickers create a chic monogram tailor-made for the recipient!
This next package couldn’t be any easier! End-of-season-clearance stickers from last year are arranged in a repeating pattern on neutral brown craft paper. Try to use larger stickers in a consistent and repetitive pattern to mimic the look of wrapping paper!
To bring a little more pizzazz to plain paper, consider dressing it up with some metallic paint (which comes in any color you can think of!) This is far easier than you might suspect. After the gifts are wrapped, pounce on some metallic paint with circular dobbers in a random pattern. In less than 10 minutes, the paint is dry and the package is ready for accessories!
Patterned and glittered cardstock really goes a long way in making packages extra special. Here, paper medallions, glittered circles, and sparkly letters come together to create really special arrangements.
Creating stunning one-of-a-kind holiday packages doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be limited to the papers and embellishments you find in the Christmas aisles. Instead, grab yourself a $10 pack of glittered cardstock, some punches, stickers and metallic string, and you can easily pull together some packages that will be the shining stars under your tree or at your next gift exchange!
In need of more DIY gift wrap ideas. ForRent.com has lots more great ideas here!
