DIY TUTORIAL: Upcycled Birch Gift Wrap
Three things hold true for me where gift wrapping is concerned, most every year.
1) It's bound to be different than any other present you'll receive; I want it to make an impression.
2) I take package presentation seriously, v e r y seriously. No cartoony paper here.
3) You'll have a heckuva time opening it, by design- merely so it makes it entertaining for moi.
Combine those with a hefty dose of my im-so-terribly-cheap-err-frugal that I really want a boutique look for well, next to nothing. Don't we all? So this year, after I completed the book, I did a big ol' clean-out in my studio and stumbled upon this massive roll of vintage wallpaper that i got for $1 at a salvage store when I lived in Raleigh, it was either here or here ... I honestly can't remember. It's off white, has a subtle birch pattern and simply lovely. I decided right then and there to use up some of it as gift wrap.
Wallpaper as gift wrap? Perfection! Heavy, doesn't tear easily, folds nicely - the roll will wrap 300+ gifts i think... talk about economical. (I'll be lining my drawers with some next!) The only slight drawback is that this paper repelled tape - so I had to improvise and used hot glue.
Yes, Hot Glue.
A dab here, a dab there... just enough to keep those flaps shut. (you can get one here if needed)
Once upon a time... I had an online supply store and sold lovely vintage ribbons and trims.
This red fabric trim, was one of those. Christmas Red. Birch Paper.
A match made in my studio, or heaven...
then again heaven is a studio to me...
Anyway, I digress.
With a massive, massive wholesale roll I am still trying to use up this stuff! (This appears to be similar, if you wanted a stash of your own)To adhere it to the package: I cut each piece so that when tightly pulled, the ends met in the middle. I secured it with a dab of hot glue. After a gazillion burns on my finger, I got a wee bit wiser and used scissors to press the ends into it - keeps it all nice and taut.
With the ribbon all done, that just left the gift tags.
I'm a nature girl at heart. I had a big ol' bag of birch bark that I had collected from forest floors, the parking lot by UNO's where the birch trees are and a jumbo bag that I swapped Donna for awhile back. It was a no-brainer to delve into that stash. To secure it to the present: Arrange pieces in a formation you like. Dab hot glue (betcha didn't see that one coming) to the back and press for a moment or two. Continue until happy with your placement. Write recipient name in Sharpie.
Sidenote: Why oh why do we hoard supplies as if they are precious and shouldn't be used? What good do they do collecting dust anyway? I'm on a mission to use what I have. Join me!
All in all, I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. For a bit of variety, I used the plain side of grocery bags and Kraft paper too.
I think you could add a sprig of evergreen for a nice finishing touch as well.
I already love, love, love the memories that I will have watching those I love open these gifts. I'm sure I shall be cussed at as they manipulate the hot glue, but in a loving sort of way. Ahhh, family.
Are your gifts all wrapped? Have creative wrapping ideas to share? Bonus points for anything that is upcycled, creative, cheap and/or eco-friendly. Share your link in the comments so we can all delight in the goodness too and most importantly, have a happy, happy, happy, holiday filled with memories and optional cussing.
Warmly,
Christy
P.S. More photos of the gifts + my holiday decor can be found here.
Raleigh, North Carolina art supply shopping resources mentioned : The Scrap Exchange & Habitat for Humanity Resale