Creative Gift Wrapping Tutorial

Creative Gift Wrap

Have you ever spent the day shopping for the perfect gift, only to arrive home and discover you forgot to pick up wrapping paper?

How many times have you set aside a day to wrap gifts for the holidays or another special occasion, only to run out of gift wrapping essentials mid-stream?

When was the last time you wanted to create a custom gift wrap for a loved one’s present, but weren’t sure where to begin?

When these situations occur, you need an alternative plan. Today, I’d like to inspire you to look for creative solutions to your creative gift wrapping needs by using the supplies you already have in your craft room and throughout your home!

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

The DCWV Stack III

1. How many of you have more scrapbooking paper lying around your craft room than you could ever possibly use? Have you considered using some of your excess papers for creative gift wraps?

If you are a scrapper or card-maker who has purchased huge stacks of 12 x 12 patterned paper in the past and don’t know what to do with it all – those stacks are perfect for this task!

DCWV Paper

For my project, I picked a pretty paper that I thought would make a lovely backdrop for a girl gift from one of those old stacks of DCWV papers. How many of you remember – or have – these sitting in your craft room?

Scrapbooking paper is perfect for wrapping small gifts! Because they were made for crafting, the papers are sturdy and opaque and come in every color and design imaginable!

Similarly – if you sew and have lots of fabric lying around – or if you’ve recently remodeled and wallpapered your house – fabric and wallpaper could make great packaging for your gifts as well!

Wholeport Bunny Embellishments

2. Once you’ve picked your paper, the fun begins! How will you decorate your package? It’s time to pick your embellishments!

Since I chose something old for my backdrop, I decided to choose something new to dress the package up! I felt that WholePort Decorative Packing Tape and WholePort Decorative Buttons would make the perfect whimsical embellishments for my package!

3. Express your creativity – decorate your gift!

A Beautiful Package

I wrapped my gift in the 12 x 12 DCWV scrapbook paper, which provided a thick, beautiful foundation to build upon.

Next, for pizzazz, I added a strip of Wholeport Bunny Tape. I love using Wholeport decorative tape on my projects because it is low-tack and easy to pull up and re-apply if the need arises. As you can see, the tape is translucent – should you want an opaque effect, simply apply it to a strip of solid paper before attaching it to the package.

Then, I created an adorable, re-usable tag spotlighting one of the Wholeport Bunny Buttons! I distressed the tag and added ribbons in colors that coordinate with the papers.

Finally, I slipped my calling card – a Mini Moo Card – behind the handmade tag so that the recipient will know who the gift is from!

I hope this article inspires you to use your crafting supplies in new and exciting ways and, with the holidays just around the corner, to save a little money on your gift-wrapping needs!

What supplies can you use to create beautiful gift wraps?
Please share your ideas in the comments!

Have a wonderful week! For more creative ideas, join us for Inspire Me Monday and Friendship Friday!

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115 Responses to “Creative Gift Wrapping Tutorial”

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  1. I love this. I do this often more for being thrifty and then I get the added bonus of being creative with it. We have put gifts in cereal boxes – which has really thrown the gift receiver. One of my better finds has been using foil balloons. You can get them fairly inexpensively at a store (uninflated or old inflated ones). Cut the seam and they make really great wrappings! Some even have designs on them.

    I had them sitting in a corner waiting to be inflated one day when I needed wrapping paper and then I was thrilled to find the new use for them. Of course, your added pizzaz puts mine to shame but we all have to start somewhere. 🙂 Have a great week!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Christina, that is such a fabulous idea – foil balloons are SO festive and colorful!
      The added flexibility of the foil makes it perfect for odd-shaped items!
      Thank you so much for sharing!
      Have a wonderful week! 🙂

      • Speechless. We are speechless. A package arrived today that looked just like that beautiful gift above. You made my daughter’s day! What an amazingly sweet and angelic thing to do. Despite me giving you the wrong zip code, it still arrived. Sorry about that! I don’t think I know where I am living yet. 🙂

        Seriously, the book is absolutely perfect and was read immediately upon arrival. Your thoughtfulness is more than words can express.

        Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

        ~Christine 🙂

      • Create With Joy
        Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
        says:

        Hi Christine,

        I am SO happy the package arrived safely! I was concerned that something had happened when I had not heard from you but was trying not to inquire to soon because I really wanted to surprise you and your daughter! 🙂

        Yes, that package was designed especially for your sweet daughter! I thought she would get a kick out of the papers and the book!

        I’m glad I had the opportunity to make her day. It gives me joy to encourage such a gifted young writer! 🙂

        P.S. You might want to send me the CORRECT zip code when you have a chance!

      • Seriously. We are still smiling. We have the wrappings in our living room. I told Darling Daughter that it was on your blog and she went to look it up immediately, yesterday. I let her follow your blog posts, too. That was even cooler. 🙂 I will send you our correct zip code. 🙂 Thanks again!
        PS – Oh! My daughter was quite puzzled b/c she had no idea who the sender was. She gets the mail for us. Came in and said, “Mom, I have a package but I have NO IDEA who it is from.” Way cool all around. We’ll be sure to review that book. 🙂

      • Create With Joy
        Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
        says:

        I’m so thrilled that DD was surprised and I was able to brighten her day!
        Hope you both are enjoying the book! 🙂

  2. Melissa @ My Recent Favorite books
    Twitter: RecentBooks
    says:

    I love the idea of using things around the house for wrapping gifts!
    I remember getting a gift once wrapped in the Sunday comics! =)

  3. Deedra says:

    This happend to me last weeknd so I wish I would have read this last weekend. I did do something like this once, I used news paper to wrap my mothers day gift to my mom. She loved it.

  4. Those little rabbits are so cute.Nice projects.
    Judy #9

  5. Tera says:

    Happy WOYWW, cute idea for gift wrapping!

  6. Nikki C says:

    Your homemade gift wrap is wonderful its’ so pretty to look at 🙂 .I use craft paper and will stamp on it along with tissue paper and fancy ribbons. Hugs Nikki 10

  7. Tera says:

    opps forgot
    -Tera #3

  8. sandra says:

    Clever idea and lovely instructions.
    Sandra @22

  9. Voodoo Vixen says:

    Any way to use up those paper stacks is a good idea to me! I use mine to wrap gifts and make envelopes which makes me feel less guilty about having them sitting about! Annette #2

  10. I love this! I totally have scrapbook paper lying around! I have even used plain colored paper and cut embellishments from other scrapbook pages.

    I love the tape you used. I’m going to have to get some. So easy, but so nice!

    My uncle used to always wrap gifts in the comics!

    How.about wrapping gifts in something the recipient could use like a dishcloth, handkerchief or scarf?

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      That’s a brilliant idea Angela! Wrapping gifts in useful items like dishcloths, hankies and scarves is a brilliant way to add cheer during the holidays and special occasions like showers and housewarmings! 🙂

  11. I have been known to use scrapping paper for wrapping paper. Thanks for the ideas. Happy WOYWW…#43

  12. Julie Ann Lee
    Twitter: woletz1hotmail.co.uk
    says:

    Some fabulous ideas both in the post and in the comments! I’m really inspired now! I do like to wrap gifts in brown paper stamped with my favourite stamps and I have used fabric, also pretty tissue napkins with ribbons, fibres or yarns from my stash and handmade labels! At Christmas I always re-cycle last year’s Christmas cards as the raw material for handmade gift tags. But I love the idea of wrapping a gift in comic papers! When he was a little boy, my son received the gift of a kite with brightly coloured sweets attached to the wrappings! Julie Ann x #42

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas – I am really enjoying reading the comments as well!

      Love your idea of using those decorative napkins as well. I’ve had some beautiful ones over the years that would have been perfect for giftwraps!

  13. Darnell says:

    You hit a nerve with this great post, Christina! I am doing a sort out and have a stack of 12×12 paper that isn’t anything I would use to make a card and I was conflicted about what to do with it. Ta Da! I will use it for gift wrapping! I feel rather silly that I didn’t think of it myself, but I had you for that this time – thank you! Happy WOYWW! Enjoy your week! Darnell #24

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      So glad I could help you use your 12 x 12 stacks! I really hate to see all of that beautiful paper go to waste!

      P.S. Have some patterns you really don’t like? Flip them over so the blank side shows – then use the blank canvas for stamping or decorating with pretty tapes, fabrics, ribbons or other embellishments! 🙂

  14. Anne says:

    Brilliant idea. Happy WOYWW Anne x #69

  15. John-W says:

    Some great ideas for gift wrapping. Trouble is, if I received something as nice as this, I wouldn’t just want to keep the present inside, I’d want to keep the wrapping paper as well! Happy WOYWW, John-W #58.

  16. What creative ways to finally use those crafting supplies we all have lying around. I love repurposing things.

  17. Winnie says:

    Such great packaging you created. Those bunnies are soooo adorable and happy. I like to keep a roll of white and a roll of kraft paper at home so I can make my own wrapping paper with all my inks/paints/stains and of course stamps. Makes if fun to customize the papers for the gifts. Much cheaper as these rolls are soooo big and cheap. Enjoy the day! Winnie#79

  18. Robin says:

    I love making my own wrapping paper. I’m into the rustic look. Every year, for Christmas the kids and I make our own wrapping paper using brown packing paper and whatever we can find to decorate it with. It’s a lot of fun!

  19. How cute. This could really add up in $$$ though.

  20. Elizabeth says:

    A great tip … there’s always some paper in a stack that, for whatever reason, doesn’t get used up and it would be perfect for wrapping little gifts. This is one I will have to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week. Elizabeth x #55

  21. Thanks for sharing! I am a horrible gift wrapper but your tips looks so creative. I am tempted to try it out.

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Have fun with it! If you have trouble getting precise wraps with traditional materials, try experimenting with different things until you find something that works for you.

  22. This is a very cute project! While I love the idea of using thrifty items to wrap presents, I am way too lazy to ever put out that kind of effort. I do recycle all my gift bags so I haven’t bought a gift bag in at least 6 years.

  23. popcosmo says:

    Definitely love using what we have around the house! Such a cute idea and we also have a bunch of washi tape that we add to just plain brown wrapping paper — but those bunnies rock!
    xo ~kim & chloe

  24. Spyder says:

    yes! Not only do I use wrapping paper on cards I use card making papers to wrap pressies too! I love those rabbits!! Thanks for my snoop! HaPpY WoYwW?!
    ((Lyn)) #53 ooops… now #60
    🙂

  25. What a great tutorial for the crafty and energetic. Okay, I’m crafty but no one has mistaken me for being energetic. I just use whatever I have on hand. Birthday, baby, Christmas, wedding, brown paper bag… I figure as long as it is covered up. And truly people are usually appalled at how poorly I wrap. I guess they figure I should come up with some of your ideas. Are you available for hire for the holidays??!

  26. Val Frania says:

    I like to creatively wrap my gifts too. Almost all of my Christmas gifts were fancy, almost looking like a scrapbook page. It’s a fun thing to do and shows the recipient that you enjoy giving them gifts and want their gift to be special. It looked really good under the tree too.

  27. I never thought of using scrapbook paper! I always have a bag to use, I stock pile gift wrapping bags!

  28. Laurie says:

    What a great idea. I once had a book on Christmas wrapping that I loved but don’t know where it is. Good ideas that I think I can use. Bags are easy but these are too cute!

  29. Angel
    Twitter: Sewcraftyangel
    says:

    Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing with us at our Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. I normally use bags because I’m not a very good wrapper. My wrapped gifts usually look like my 2 year old wrapped them, tore them open and rewrapped them, lol.
    Angel

  30. Allergy Warrior Annie says:

    What a very cute idea! I love to Scrapbook, but I guess I never thought outside the book before. Love it!

  31. Some great ideas and I do have quite a bit of lovely origami paper now to play with!
    You ideas would dress up any present however small
    Wrenx

  32. Ananasa says:

    A beautiful post, thank you for your inspiration!

    Ananasa.com- Home For Handmade

  33. Sarah @ She is Clothed with Strength says:

    WOW!! I am so not a creative gift wrapper. I guess I’m more of a “get the package covered” kind of gal. You did a beautiful job!!! Makes me think how I could do better. 🙂

  34. Amber says:

    Never thought about getting that creative with wrapping. Definitely going to have to step up my game. Thanks for the inspiration!

  35. Cazzy says:

    Your gift looks beautiful, and what a great idea if the gift is small to use old papers. I have something to wrap soon so I will do that because I don’t think I have any pretty wrapping paper.

    Cazzy x #87

  36. Wow, you’re very talented! You’ve given me a lot to think about when I don’t have any wrapping paper. Might end up wrapping up more than just gifts! 🙂

  37. kim says:

    This is awesome. You do not know how much scrapbook paper I have lying around. I am going to give this a whirl! Thanks for being so inspirational!

  38. This is great! I have a lot of scrapbooking paper that’s unused in different sizes. It’s so pretty and I hate to throw it away. This is a great suggestion!

  39. Krissa says:

    Great idea! I have tons of scrapbook paper that I doubt I’ll ever use and this is a great use for it!

  40. Jil says:

    I can’t tell you all the times I have gotten ready to wrap and did not have everything I needed.
    You have inspired me to be more creative and get tied up in a knot when it is time to wrap a present!
    Thank you, so much for all of your ideas!
    ♥ Jil

  41. Alicia
    Twitter: alleychook
    says:

    I used one of my daughters kindy paintings for fathers day. Not only is it a creative, personal idea, I had nothing else to use!

  42. These are some really great ideas! I don’t scrapbook but you’ve gotten my creative juices rolling when it comes to wrapping gifts. Thanks for sharing.

  43. Dee says:

    Love your blog header, first of all — very colorful and pretty! Drew me in… Anyway, I actually have that Stack in your first photo! I just unpacked my scrapbooking stuff a couple of weekends ago (just moved into a new house) and I happened upon that one as I was loading them onto the shelf. Great ideas for unique wrapping, thanks for sharing! I have a long way to go!

  44. Carrie says:

    What fantastic ideas! I’m the kind of person that has to make sure that I ALWAYS buy the wrapping paper when I buy the gift. But I’m also a scrapbooker, and I went to digital scrapbooking about a year ago. I have all this paper leftover that I hated to throw away and now you’ve given me the perfect use for it! I think the personalized gift wrapping is much more elegant and thoughtful than store-bought as well.

  45. Pam
    Twitter: anartuflmom
    says:

    What great ideas!! I can’t believe I have never thought to wrap gifts in paper from these many stacks of scrapbooking paper. (I have, though, used many ribbons from my craft stash to wrap around the gifts.) The rabbits are so cute.

  46. Nice personal touches! I am not sure I could take the time…only to know the work may be torn off quickly and tossed aside. Gorgeous, though!

    My creativity lacks in wrapping, I am known for the gift bag!

  47. Pam says:

    How adorable. Just love it. I am not a creative person and I usually buy gift cards for gifts and they don’t require much wrapping. I have use newspaper in the past and decorated it with pretty bows and ribbons and it actually looked pretty nice.

  48. Yvonne says:

    The holidays are fast approaching. These instructions should on gift wrapping, hopefully, will upgrade the gift presentation under our tree — from gift bags to beautifully wrapped presents.

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