Fresh Holiday Traditions | Painted Wrapping Paper
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on December 4th, 2013 in Fresh Holiday Traditions
Last year, Dave and I did something special with our wrapping paper—we decorated it ourselves. We used brown paper and drew on it with white paint pens. It was a great creative exercise and so much fun. Have you drawn lately? I swear, it makes you feel young again.
This year, we turned it into a family affair with getting the kids involved. This project is easy and adaptable for a variety of ages. Our kids are older and can handle paint on their own.
If you have young kids, say preschool-age, you can modify this craft by using stamps, dot paint, washi tape or round stickers.
You’ll need:
Brown kraft paper
Craft paint
Paint brushes
This craft is pretty self-explanatory, but there are a couple things to note:
First, keep it simple. The simpler it is for kids to do, the more inclined they’ll be to complete the project (and if you’re like me, the more inclined you’ll be to complete the project too).
Second, it’s helpful to chat briefly before everyone gets started about patterns. Not only will you get nicer paper out of it, you’ll actually cover a math lesson. That’s good multi-tasking.
And finally, brown kraft paper—like the kind for wrapping parcels—works amazingly well for this project. However, you will need a bit of extra tape when it comes time to wrap. Bits of packaging tape work best.
That’s it! Let everyone go to town.
One of my favorite things about this tradition is that the kids get to see their art under the tree. It also lets them gift their artwork as part of their presents. How cool is that?
My other favorite thing is it helps me slow down a bit during the hectic season. There was no checking emails or answering the phone during our painting party. There was only the sound of we Christmas music while we painted and sipped cocoa. It was lovely and what the season should be about—togetherness.
Check out the other posts in this series…
5 Minute Gratitude Journal
Pumpkin Pancakes for Thanksgiving Morning
Gratitude Star Garland
Hand Stamped Thank You Cards
December Party
About Fresh Holiday Traditions…
I’m teaming up with my friends Melissa, MJ and Alexandra to bring you eight fresh holiday DIYs. Visit our blogs each Wednesday for a jolt of warm fuzzy goodness.
