Making your own wrapping paper is a great way to make a gift.The process is simple, and mostly requires applying paint to a sheet of paper that is big enough to wrap your gift in.If you don't like painting, there are lots of other options, such as stickers or markers.You can create all sorts of unique designs if you know the basic techniques.
Step 1: Pick a medium-weight paper and tape it to a flat surface.
The best paper for this project is thicker.The paper may end up getting warped from the paint if it's too thin.Since most paints are opaque, you can use any color of paper you want.The paper should be large enough to wrap your gift.If you want to have more paper later, you can stamp a larger roll of paper.
Step 2: Q-tips can be used to make a polka dot pattern.
You can get craft paint, poster paint and tempera paint.To make it easier to use, pour it into a small dish.Press the Q-tip against your paper after dipping it in the paint.A repeating pattern can be done.For a more unique effect, try different colors.For each color, use a new Q-tip.You can combine this step with any of the others.
Step 3: Wrap bubble wrap around a pin.
Cut bubble wrap to the same size as your rolling pin.Wrap it around the pin and secure it with a piece of tape.Roll the pin across the paper after applying paint to the bubble wrap.You can use poster paint or tempera paint for this.You can use more than one color.There is a new foam brush for each color.
Step 4: Cut a lemon in half and use it as a stamp.
Cut a lemon in half with a sharp knife.Pick out the seeds and use one of the halves.Then dip the lemon into the paint.Press the lemon against the paper.As needed, dip the lemon into the paint.When you're done, discard the lemon.Craft paint, poster paint and tempera paint will work well for this.The best results can be found in yellow, orange, or green.You can also do this with limes, oranges, and grapefruits.
Step 5: A potato stamp is a more hands-on activity.
Press a cookie cutter into a potato and cut it in half.Use a knife to cut the potato away from the cookie cutter.Take the cookie cutter and pat the potato dry.After dipping the potato in the paint, stamp it against a sheet of paper in a repeating pattern.There are many great choices for this.You can use any type of paper you want.Each time you stamp the potato, the paint will fade.You will need to dip the potato into the paint again after 2 to 3 stamps.Add different designs on top of the paint to make a more unique pattern.
Step 6: Cookie cutters can be used to create a pattern.
Take some craft paint, poster paint or tempera paint and put it on the palette.You can dip the cookie cutter into the paint.Lift the cookie cutter out and press it against your paper.The paint fades when you use the stamp.After every 2 to 3 stamps, dip the cookie cutter into the paint.You can also use this technique with other items, such as plastic cups, metal bottle caps, and even empty toilet paper rolls.
Step 7: You can use a kitchen sponge as a stamp.
A clean kitchen sponge is what you should get.Use a cookie cutter and a marker to trace your design, then cut it out with scissors.The sponge should be dipped into the paint.As you pat the sponge against the paper, hold it by the edges.You can use a variety of paints.If you want to use a different color, rinse the sponge.Keep rinsing until the water clears.The paint will spurt out if the stamp is pressed hard against the paper.
Step 8: For a quick activity, use traditional rubber stamps.
You can use paint or rubber stamps.You should use a brush to apply paint to the stamp.The stamp needs to be pressed against the paper.If you want to use more colors, wash the stamp.Let the ink or paint dry first if you want to create a complex design.You can use a variety of paints and paper for paint stamps.White paper is the best choice if you are using ink stamps.Regular printer paper can be used for ink stamps.Light ink won't warp printer paper.
Step 9: Pick out a medium-weight paper.
A heavier paper would be sketchbook paper or butcher paper.Put it on a flat surface and tape it down.The paper needs to be large enough to wrap your gift.You can wrap multiple gifts with a larger sheet of paint.Any color of paper you want can be used for this section.The paint won't show if you stick with white paper for watercolor paper.
Step 10: Thin pin-stripes can be created using a coarse-bristle brush.
You can get a coarse-bristle brush that is at least 2 inches wide from the hardware store.After dipping the brush in some paint, lightly run it down the page.Keep working from one side of the page to the other.The pin-stripe pattern will be created because of the jagged bristles.You can use other types of paint, including watercolor, as long as you use the best craft paint.The stripes may not look right if you use too much paint.Before you run the brush against the paper, wipe it against a towel.
Step 11: To make a grid-like design, run the brush horizontally across the page.
Use a coarse-bristle brush to paint vertical stripes on your page.If you want to paint horizontal strokes across the page, first let the paint dry, then repeat the process.You should start at the top of the page.You don't need to use the same color of paint as you did for the vertical stripes.First, wash the brush if you choose to use a different color.If you want to speed the process up, you can use a hairdryer or set the paper out in the sun.
Step 12: A spiral dot can be created with a coarse-bristle brush.
You want your dots to be half the width, so choose a coarse-bristle brush.After dipping the brush in some paint, lightly touching it against the paper.The bristles will form a circular shape if you twirl the brush handle between your fingers.Lift the brush after you complete a circle.You can use any type of paint you want for this.Don't use a round brush.The brush is called a "flat" brush.They come in many different lengths.
Step 13: A wide brush can be used to make diagonal strokes.
If you use a coarse-bristle brush, the design will look more interesting.The brush should be at least 2 inches wide.If you want to make diagonal strokes on your page, you need to dip it in some paint.Work from the top of the page down to the bottom.You can either make the strokes go all in the same direction or alternate directions.The metallic paint will make this design shine.acrylic craft paint is the best type of paint for this.
Step 14: To make long skinny lines, use a pointed brush.
Take a pointed brush and dip it in some paint.From the top to the bottom, run the brush.A slightly wavy line can be created by the brush.From one side to the other, work your way across the page.For a bolder look, use craft paint and watercolor.You should stick with a camelhair paintbrush if you are using watercolor paint.A synthetic taklon brush is better for craft paint.To create thick and thin lines, use different sized brushes.
Step 15: Free-hand your design for a unique gift wrap.
After dipping your brush into the paint, begin to paint your paper.You can try different patterns.You should wash your brush first if you want to use a different color.If you want to use watercolor paint, use camelhair brushes and white paper.Synthetic taklon brushes are better for craft paint.You can use any color you want.
Step 16: If you don't want to draw them out, use stencils.
Place a stencil on top of your paper.You can dip a foam brush orouncer into your paint by pouring it into a small dish.To fill it in, lightly tap the brush against the stencil.Move the stencil to another section of the paper and repeat the process.You can use poster paint or tempera paint with this technique.The back of your stencil is a good place to check for stray paint.If you see any, wipe it off with a damp cloth.You can use a flat paintbrush.The paint should be brushed from the outside edges of the stencil towards the middle.
Step 17: A spray design can be created with a toothbrush and paint.
A toothbrush can be dipped into some craft paint.The brush should be held over a sheet of paper.To bend them, run your finger across the bristles.As you run your finger across them, the paint will splatter onto the paper and create a spray-like design.Multiple colors of paint can be used for a colorful design.Between the colors, rinse the toothbrush.The closer you are to the paper, the more focused the design will be.The design will be more wide-spread if you hold it further away.
Step 18: Use markers to color a Zen coloring book page.
There are Zen coloring book pages on the internet.Print out a repetitive pattern design on white printer paper.Use markers to color the design.The coloring book page should be black and white.Your design won't be as unique if you use one that's already coloring in.glitter glue and metallic markers can be used to add details to your design.
Step 19: Draw on colored paper with metallic or gel pens.
You can get a newspaper or butcher paper.Using pens as desired, sketch designs on it.You can use gold or silver pens for a more refined look, but you can also use gel pens in neon, pastel, metallic, or glittery colors.Geometric patterns, arrows, leaves, or feathers are ideal for a bohemian look.You can try mimicking confetti or sprinkles for a birthday.There are some things you can draw, such as stars and cats.After you wrap the gift, you can draw a fancy tag and write the person's name on it.
Step 20: Use stickers to decorate paper.
It makes a plain sheet of paper look interesting.White borders on most stickers make them look better on white paper.If you want to decorate colored paper, look for clear borders or no borders at all.It will look obvious if you use white borders on colored paper.Round label stickers or binder paper reinforcements can be used for a polka dot design.Match the stickers to the occasion.Birthday and Christmas stickers can be used.Consider the person's interests.Use Batman stickers if they really like Batman.
Step 21: Use maps, newspaper, magazine pages, or sheet music.
If you don't have time to make wrapping paper, use something that is already colorful or has an interesting pattern.The type of paper you use depends on a number of factors.Consider using a map if the recipient likes to travel.Newspaper or brown butcher paper can be used for a rustic theme.The gift can be wrapped with twine.Try magazine pages if the recipient is into fashion.Makeup ads, clothing models, and hair cut images are some of the things that might interest them.Try wallpaper as a gift.It would be better if you could find wallpaper with intricate designs.You can use sheet music for music lovers.You can find images online and print them out if you don't have sheet music.
Step 22: You can use a website to design and print your paper.
Some websites will allow you to input your own designs and then print them out on various materials, including wrapping paper.You will have your own roll of wrapping paper shipped to you after paying a small fee.Each website has its own set of instructions, so follow them carefully.You will need to input a file that has already been saved on your computer.A 6 by 6 in pattern swatch is enough.