This post shares how you can make your own homemade wrapping paper using objects you likely already have in around your house!
Homemade wrapping paper is a great activity to do with kids aged 3 years+. In this post, I share four options for how this can be done.
Tools you need
- Acrylic or tempera paint
- A roll of plain paper (or another paper surface to print onto)
- A rolling pin (or a similar sized rolling object, like a drink bottle)
- A paintbrush
- Bubble wrap
- Elastic bands
- Cling film
- A lid or wine cork
- An eye dropper (these plastic ones from Lakeshore Learning are perfect). Alternatively, a spray bottle also works well.
Option 1: Block Print
- Get your child to select a lid (or a similar small, flat object like a wine cork) to use as a stamp
- Apply paint evenly to the flat side of the lid. You could use a paintbrush to help with this.
- Press the lid firmly down on the paper.
- If desired, use a paintbrush to fill in the printed shape if the print has not transferred the entire shape
- Repeat Steps 2 to 4 until you have created a design you like
Option 2: Cling film + rolling pin
- Get your child to cut a piece of cling film approximately one foot long
- Wrap the cling film around the rolling pin so that the entire object is covered
- Using a paintbrush, apply paint to the cling film
- Roll the rolling pin over the paper. Press firmly and evenly while rolling.
- Repeat steps 1-4 using different colored paint until you have created a design that you like
Option 3: Bubble wrap + rolling pin
- Cut a piece of bubble wrap so that it covers the entire surface of the rolling pin
- Use elastic bands to keep the bubble wrap in place
- Using a brush, apply paint to the bubble wrap. You may like to try using different colors on different sections
- Roll the rolling pin over the paper. Press firmly and evenly while rolling.
- Repeat Steps 1-4 until you have created a design that you like
Option 4: Spray bottle or eye dropper
- Mix 10 drops of water with 4 tablespoons of acrylic paint
- Use the eye dropper or spray bottle to squirt/drip the paint onto the paper
- Repeat Step 1 and 2 until you have a design you like
Putting the final touches on your homemade wrapping paper
Once you have finished painting, let the paper dry for 2-3 hours. Your homemade wrapping paper is now ready to be used!
Once the gifts are wrapped, you can decorate the package further by tying ribbon or string around it. You could also tie a small piece of lavender, holly, or rosemary as a final touch.
Your family and friends will be so excited to receive their gift!!
Happy making!
Louisa x
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