Pretty {and FREE} Gift Wrap

 

Each year I watch at least two large garbage sacks of gift wraps, ribbons, tissue and bows head for the garage to mostly be thrown out.  I save every bag, flatten and reuse the tissue, but there is still so much leftover.  Not to mention what good quality gift wrap can cost for a pile of presents.  So in an attempt to see if I could create pretty gift wrap from found objects in my home, or free items while I am out running errands, here are a couple ideas I came up with.

 

 

I used brown kraft paper (can be found at the Dollar Store or WalMart) to wrap one gift, and it would have looked really pretty with twine or raffia around it.  But I realized something.  By taking a very basic item and adding an over the top flourish to it, it looks pretty high-end and unique don't you think?  I pulled some trims and fancies from my sewing bins and found some inexpensive lace that I have had for-ev-ah.  Not only would this look gorgeous under a Christmas tree, but what about birthday's, Mother's Day...we can be creative and thrifty when we wrap all year.

 

Next I wrapped a book in some newspaper I picked up while leaving the library last week.  Again, really basic wrap with a pretty ribbon and little silk flower hot-glued on.  The ribbons, lace and flower could all be used again for crafting, and the kraft paper could be used to color on.  My kids LOVE it when I tape a large piece of kraft paper or butcher paper to the kitchen table.  They color on it for days!

Some other items that you can wrap gifts in that are free or can be used again are:

• fabric
• a fun cereal box with yarn and crayons tied around it for a child's gift
• burlap and pretty ric-rac
• book pages taped together to form a small sheet of gift wrap
• spray paint a coffee can and place a plant or cellophane wrapped goodie inside with ribbons on the top
• scrap book paper for small boxes
• a square cut from an unwanted sweater , hot glued in place and baker's twine wrapped around it

 

I hope this has inspired you to make the outside of your gift just as creative and thoughtful as the contents on the inside.  And, if you can make something gorgeous on the cheap {or free} you are awesome.  As always, thank you for reading, I appreciate you so much.  Hugs from me to you :)

 

xoxo, Tanya



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