Sponge-painted kraft wrapping paper

Sponge-Painted Kraft Paper
Martha says personalized wrapping paper is a priceless gift for your entire family. "I think one of the nicest things you can do with your family is make your own wrapping paper for Christmas," she says.

Supplies:
  • Roll of brown kraft paper (available at craft, hardware and food supply stores)
  • Natural sea sponge
  • Metallic enamel paint, in colors of your choice
Instructions:
Cut your roll of paper into pieces that will cover the gift at hand.

Dip your sponge into the paint and press the sponge onto the paper to create your own design. "Use a natural [sponge], though, because you can reuse this," Martha says. "You can clean the paint from it with whatever solvent it calls for."

When you're finished, set the paper aside to dry before wrapping. 
Metallic checkerboard wrapping paper

Checkerboard Wrapping Paper
Oprah loved the idea of making her own wrapping paper so much that she did it for Christmas one year. "It was more fun," she says. "When they just go to tear up the present, I go, 'Wait, look at the paper!'"

Supplies
  • Brown kraft paper (or plain metallic paper)
  • Metallic enamel paints, in colors of your choice
  • Small paintbrush
Instructions
Cut your roll of paper into pieces that will cover the gift at hand.

Using small strokes, create one row of metallic squares. For your next row, alternate the position of the squares until you have a checkerboard pattern.

When you're finished, set the paper aside to dry before wrapping.
Abstract wrapping paper

Abstract Wrapping Paper
A roll of kraft paper goes a long way. Create your own Jackson Pollack–inspired paper for the art lover in your life.

Supplies
  • Roll of brown kraft paper (available at craft, hardware and food supply stores)
  • Paintbrush
  • Metallic enamel paint, in colors of your choice
Instructions
Cut your roll of paper into pieces that will cover the gift at hand.

Dip your paintbrush into a container of paint. Then, swing your paintbrush over the paper to let the paint drip onto the paper. Lift up your paper so it's no longer horizontal on the table and allow the drips to run. Drip with another color if desired, and let that paint run. 

When you're finished, set the paper aside to dry before wrapping.
Peekaboo Wrapping Paper

Peekaboo Wrapping Paper
Never underestimate the power of tissue paper! Martha says you can create a sleek design to match any occasion. "You don't even need ribbon on a gift like that," she says.

Supplies
  • Tissue paper, two colors
  • X-Acto knife
  • Tape
Instructions
Wrap your gift with the color of tissue paper you want to peek through the design. Trace a design on the other piece of tissue paper.Use an X-Acto knife to cut out only half of that design. Carefully place the design (marked side against the present) onto the top of your gift. Finish wrapping the outer layer of tissue paper and turn over to see your peekaboo design.
Corrugated wrapping paper

Corrugated Wrapping Paper
Corrugated paper is often used to help ship gifts, but Martha says it's a pretty and practical way to wrap presents. "The corrugated paper keeps a soft package like a scarf or a tie from crushing."

Supplies
  • Roll of corrugated paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Ribbon
  • Tape
Instructions
Wrap your gift in the tissue paper color of your choice. Cut a piece of corrugated paper to fit the gift and wrap it around, leaving two sides of the gift exposed. Secure the corrugated paper with tape, then place a bow on top of the gift.

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Published 10/05/2010