DIY Wrapping Paper Tutorial

Thank you to my Tuesday Baby Link Up co-host, Shannon of Growing Slower, for this fun guest post!

Whether it's purchasing green gifts for your children, using LED Christmas lights, or spending more quality time with family, it seems we're all looking for a way to be a little more green and simple this Christmas.  Making your own wrapping paper is a great way to slow down and simplify your holiday season. You can spend some special time with your kids while adding a personal touch to the gifts you're giving. There's no pressure to make it perfect. Just have fun! Grandma and grandpa will love whatever the kids come up with. 

What You Need: 

• Recycled Paper Grocery Sack or Brown Craft Paper
• Paint, Markers, or Ink
• Paint Brushes, Stencils, or Stamps
• Sparkles & Glue?! (Only for the most brave moms among us!)

Many of these you will already have on hand making this a very affordable Christmas craft, and you won't have to spend money on wrapping paper. If you don't have any paper grocery bags, a roll of craft paper can be purchased for under 2 dollars.  You can cut out your own stencils using recycled cardboard and an online printable template. You can even make your own stamps out of sliced apples or potatoes.

Meaning of the Season

Working together on a Christmas craft is a great time to spend intentional family time. Take this time to talk about the true meaning of the season while you decorate special wrapping paper for your loved ones. Ask the children to paint or write about the meanings and values you discussed. They may even want to write a special message to the individual who will receive the wrapping paper they are making.

Little Hands, Little Feet

Using handprints and footprints as a stamp is a great way for kids to paint. No matter what their age or skill level, they can create a cute design of which they can be proud. Who doesn't love seeing those sweet little reminders of how small they still are even as they're growing so quickly? 

A Little Learning

Making your own wrapping paper is a great opportunity to incorporate a little learning. Make it a letter tracing activity by lightly writing your favorite verses or holiday sayings. Then, ask younger kids to trace over your writing in paint, marker, or crayon. Older kids can practice their handwriting on their own by writing special Christmas sayings on the wrapping paper.

More DIY Wrapping Paper Ideas

For many more ideas on making your own DIY wrapping paper and other crafts with kids, follow my Green Christmas Pinterest Board. The options are limitless, and the creativity of your children will undoubtedly surprise and impress you. I'm wishing you a simple and happy holiday season!

Shannon writes about natural birth, attachment parenting, & simple living at GrowingSlower. She is an architect turned work at home mom. She is wife to the only man who can read her mind and  is the exhausted mom to the busy BabyE. She would love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.