Wrapping paper is the go-to material when it comes to gift wrapping. But you can make your gifts even more unique by reusing the different kinds of paper that you have around the house. Do you have some old newspapers somewhere? Or some music sheets, magazines or even books that you don’t need anymore? Well, it’s time to get them out and use them! Because rest assured, even the most boring page of your daily paper can be used for beautiful gift wrapping.
The traditional wrapping technique
Let’s start with the most simple way of creating a nice and simple handwrapped gift.
What you need:
- – Your creative wrapping paper of choice
- – Scissors
- – Tape
Step 1: Measure the right amount of wrapping paper. Roll the paper around the box and use a pen to leave a mark. Make sure you have a couple of centimeters extra. Repeat for the sides. Then cut the paper based on the marks.
Step 2: Fold one end of the paper over the bottom of the present. Tape the paper to the present. Take the other side of the paper and fold it so it overlaps the taped side. Pull it a little tighter to get a smooth edge.
Step 3: Turn the present so that a side is facing you. Fold the top of paper down and the bottom up. Crease the paper to make two triangles. Fold the left triangle to the middle, then tape it down. Then fold the right triangle to middle and tape it down. Make sure to fold tightly to make straight edges. Repeat for the other side.
When your paper isn’t big enough
There are a lot of creative ways to wrap a gift when you don’t have enough paper. This a a simple and easy way to decorate your gifts using several smaller pieces.
What you need:
- – Your wrapping paper of choice
- – Scissors
- – Tape
Step 1: Place the box on the paper, leaving the top part of the paper enough to cover more than half of that side, and the bottom part of the paper enough to wrap over three fourth of the box.
Step 2: Tape the bottom all the way around the top of the box.
Step 3: Press one of the sides inwards and create a triangle shape on top. Pull the triangle part on top of the box. Repeat for the other side.
Step 4: Take the lower triangle on the first side and pull it to overlap on top of the box. Repeat for the other side. Tape to secure the pattern.
Step 5: On the side of the box you did not cover yet, wrap this the traditional way.
For small gifts
The size of a gift doesn’t mean a thing. Small gifts can have big meaning, but they’re often overlooked. Such a pity! Let’s make them even more unique.
What we need:
- – Your wrapping paper of choice – Scissors
- – Tape/glue
- – Old fabric (scarf, leftover shirts or sweaters, bandana…)
Step 1: Glue two ends of the paper together.
Step 2: Fold up the bottom, then open one side of it to create two triangles on the side.
Step 3: Fold each of the wings in half, one overlapping the other. Glue them together.
Step 4: Fold the top down, create a hold on the folded part. Secure with ribbons or strings.
Furoshiki wrapping
This wrapping style is inspired by the Japanese Furoshiki – a traditional way to wrap and transport all sorts of goods and items.
What we need:
- – A piece of fabric (like a leftover fabric, turban, small scarf)
Let’s start wrapping
Step 1: Lay your gift in the middle of the fabric at a degree, so the sides are facing the corners.
Step 2: Wrap the top and bottom corners of the fabric triangles around your gift.
Step 3: Pull up the other two corners, fold them a bit inwards and then tie them in the middle.