Sticky Trick
Plain paper and washi tape can make an eye-catching combo when used as gift wrap. After covering the item with white paper, cut out or arrange the washi tape in shapes of your choosing, or simply stick on strips in a random fashion for a fun punch of pattern.
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Custom Colors
Rolls of packing paper, which come fairly cheap, can be easily and attractively transformed into pretty gift wrap using this glitzy idea. Lay out sheets in a well-ventilated area, then spray-paint them any color you desire. Try varying the coats to create an ombré effect, or add a spritz of metallic paint for a gorgeous sheen.
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Map It
Old maps or atlases are easy to come by at yard sales and thrift stores, and their generous size make them ideal for wrapping gifts. Once you've covered your package, finish it off with some fluffy yarn, a pipe-cleaner bow, or a feather, and it’s ready to travel to its next destination.
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Brown Paper Packages
For an appealingly organic effect, go to the backyard and gather an array of twigs, leaves, and berries. Wrap your goodies in brown paper or tissue paper, tie a length of twine around the center, then use the greenery as the super-simple yet stunning finishing touch.
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Read All About It
This clever crafter used her sewing machine to stitch newspaper pages into large sheets of gift wrap. Ribbons made from old VHS tapes further highlight the recycled theme and complement the black-and-white color scheme too.
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Playful Prints
Need a fast and easy wrapping fix? These adorable gift tags and eye-dotted paper are designed to be printed right at home. For the best-looking results, use glossy photo paper for the tags and card stock for the gift wrap.
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Bundle Up
Squares of fabric or silk make for lovely reusable wrapping paper, especially when you start with a double-sided material that offers a contrasting color or pattern to amp up the elegant effect. Place the package in the center of the square, tie opposite ends together in a knot, and then tuck the tails of the knots underneath to complete the decorative display.
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Drop Cloth DIY
A fabric drop cloth from the paint supply aisle at the local home improvement store can provide a surprising solution for a gift—particularly a large or oddly shaped one—that needs a festive finishing touch. Cut the cloth to size, stitch the pieces together, then decorate using paint and stencils for a holiday package that goes that extra-special mile.
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Photo Op
Your favorite Instagrams can be transformed into wrapping paper that's as fun to look at as it is to create. Simply tile your photos in a photo-editing program, then print them at home. (For larger paper, take them to a copy shop.) Trim off any white margins for a clean look.
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Pyramid Play
Good things really do come in small packages, especially when presented in these nifty boxes, each made from just one piece of card stock and some ribbon. Print the template onto a piece of card stock, and then cut around the shape. Next, punch a few holes, fold at the lines, and tie together at the top for a final flourish.
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Bow Show
To craft this cute gift topper, cut a rectangle out of brightly colored crepe paper. Fold it in thirds, cinch it at the center, and glue on a strip of contrasting paper to hold the center in place.
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Joyful Jar
Marvels with a million uses, mason jars are genius containers for gift-giving too. Fill them with cookies, hot cocoa mix, sewing supplies, or just about anything else that can fit inside. Top it all off by covering the lid with a circle of cheerful fabric secured with a rubber band or ribbon.
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Snowy Stamps
With a stamp and an ink pad, plain gift wrap or brown kraft paper can be upgraded into sweet and personalized packaging in almost no time. To make your own inexpensive custom stamp, use a lino cutting tool to carve a shape into an eraser.
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