- Laura Bliss Morris
- Friday, November 15, 2019
Tis' the season...
As a child of the 80s, I spent many a fall day trudging up and down our neighborhood streets hawking the finest wrapping paper, bows and packaging available in the school fundraiser catalog. Those were the days…
Now, as an adult with kids of my own, I often find myself grabbing cheap paper and bows from the grocery store, the big box store or wherever I can get my hands on it.
I’m always a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to wrapping (read as everything holiday-related) but this year, instead of run-of-the-mill packaging, I thought I’d try my luck at some more decorative finishes. I’ve got time, right?
I’m a Pinner through and through but I’ve fallen in love with Creativebug—thanks to the library. I spent a few minutes browsing the tutorials and have assembled a pretty solid list of holiday wrapping projects to put the perfect pizazz on all my handmade gifts.
Here’s my selection criteria:
1. Beginner to Intermediate skill levels.
2. No specialty equipment needed.
3. Bonus points for projects my kids can help with.
DOUBLE LAYER PAPER WINE WRAP
★★★★★ (59)
Beginner | 10 min
Learn how to layer two simple pieces of paper in an elegant and simple way that creates a multi-dimensional effect. You’ll learn how to use leftover scraps of decorative paper to achieve a sophisticated look—perfect for all those seasonal spirits.
STAMPED AND EMBOSSED CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS
★★★★★ (184)
Beginner | 6 min
The wrapping of a present should be as special as the gift inside. Courtney Cerruti shows how to create custom paper gift tags using rubber stamps, ink and embossing powder – perfect for topping off your gifts. This quick embossing technique is ideal for working in large batches. (Maybe you’ll even have some tags for next year, too!)
HOW TO TIE A BOW
★★★★★ (347)
Beginner | 5 min
Wrapping picture-perfect gifts is all about the bow, and in this simple tutorial, Courtney Cerruti shows you the proper way to tie one—a life skill that will make all the difference in your gift wrap game.
HOW TO FOLD A PAPER BOX
★★★★★ (485)
Beginner | 13 min
Create custom-sized boxes using decorative paper with Liana from Creativebug. These pretty paper boxes have their roots in origami, coming together with a series of simple folds. You'll learn how to make box tops with matching bottoms, which make cute gift containers for any occasion.
P.S. I know I said no specialty equipment but if you don’t have a bone folder (like me) here are some easy household substitutes you can try.
DIY PAINTED GIFT WRAP
★★★★★ (292)
Beginner | 5 min
In one afternoon, you can create enough painted paper to wrap gifts for any occasion. Courtney Cerruti teaches several quick and easy dry-brush techniques, from sophisticated crosshatch designs to loose geometric squiggles – no prior painting experience required. At the very end, Courtney shares unique ideas for mixing and matching papers to wrap any gift.
Here’s to trying a few and seeing how they turn out! Find more video tutorials, gift ideas and wrapping inspiration from Creativebug Libraries, here or check out our full line-up of holiday=themed making events. Tweet me your creations using #LibraryDIY.