HOMEMADE WRAPPING PAPER
Don’t buy wrapping paper when your kids can make it! Only need a few supplies and provides lots of fun entertainment!
Materials:
- tempera paint
- paint brushes
- water cups
- cookie cutters, sponges
- brown kraft paper
- marker
- paper plates
Process:
Choose ahead of timewhat supplies you need. Begin by laying out the kraft paper (as much as you can). Best to work in an open space, outside or hallway with wood or tile floors (not as easy to get paint out of carpet).
#1: Paintbrush: Allow your child’s imagination to go wild and paint whatever they want. Or suggest some Christmas images to draw & help them. There are lots of “how to draw” handouts online- just google to find them. It all depends on what look you want on your wrapping paper. Place paint on a paper plate, get a water cup and brushes to use- all set to go!
#2: Sponges: Place a cookie cutter on top of the sponge. On the inside or outside of the cookie cutter, trace with a washable marker. You will now have the image from the cookie cutter outlined on your sponge. Cut out.
Put each color of paint you are using on a separate plate. Make sure paint is evenly spread out on the plate. Press sponge in the paint. Then place sponge on the kraft paper and press it down firmly (to make sure paint comes off). Continue this process until done. Let dry!
#3: Cookie Cutters: Put each color of paint you are using on a separate plate. Make sure paint is evenly spread out on the plate. Press cookie cutter int the paint and then immediately onto the kraft paper. Continue this process until done. Let dry!
Notes:
- If you want to get babies involved, have them make prints of their hands or feet on the kraft paper.
- If you want to stay less messy, use stickers and crayons/markers. You could also trace the cookie cutters with markers to create Christmas images.
- Use paper plates- easy clean up!
- Let your kids help wrap gifts too! My daughter loved helping. She would give me the supplies I needed when I asked her for them. Her favorite was giving me tape. If multiple children, each could have a job- cut paper, tape, fold.
- Gift Tags– I cut out a few stars to use, then made a small hole for the string to go through with a hole punch.
Happy creating & gifting!
MAT Create 