Wrapping Paper Options.

Everyone knows there is an abundance of Christmas wrapping paper available to the public. Sometimes we just want something a little different. Here are some tips to help you change things up a bit.

I have noticed some different types of wrapping paper on the market the last few years. One is a more sheer paper that I have seen printed with traditional Holiday scenes. This type of paper is beautiful when you first wrap the item in a dark contrasting color then put the sheer paper over top. This also works for the clear cellophane wrap that is becoming increasingly more popular and even comes in colors. I find cellophane wrap in red and blue but green is more difficult to find. Cellophane is perfect for wrapping homemade backed goods or jars of jam.

Another option for wrapping paper is to decorate your own. You can find white and some colored papers on rolls at paper or stationary stores. Decide on a theme and use either a rubber stamp with black or better still colored ink and stamp your chosen image onto your paper. This works with stenciling as well. Stencils come in all kinds of images and are used with acrylic paint that needs to be thinned with water. There are stenciling brushes or simple sponges for stenciling your image to your paper. You can embellish your design by using a gold or colored paint pen to make scrolls, swirls or dots.

Don’t forget tissue paper! Tissue is now coming in all kinds of colors and pre printed designs. Try spraying plain white or solid color tissue with a little multi of solid color glitter. It is great for wrapping soft items such as clothing or stuffed animals but is still delicate so rewrapping the item in cellophane wrap is not only very attractive but protective.

Storing and Organizing your wrapping paper and supplies is much easier now with the Wrapping Paper Storage Bags. These will store up to 14 rolls of paper, 18 to 20 rolls of ribbon, bows, bags and gift boxes. There is a slot to feed the paper through so you can cut a straight line.

Gift Bags and Boxes.

Gift bags are beautiful and very easy! They work for nearly everything. There are even solid color bags that you can decorate with rubber stamps or stencils.

Gift Boxes are a must. But you don’t have to cover the box with wrapping paper. You can spray paint an empty box any color you choose and again use rubber stamps or stencils to decorate it or just spray the box with multi or solid color glitter. This is especially good for large gifts.

Trimming Your Gifts.

The most important part of gift wrapping is adding the final trims. The most popular trim is Ribbon. There are many styles and types of ribbon, such as grosgrain, Velvet Ribbon, Satin Wired Ribbon, curling ribbon, the list is almost endless. For a very elegant look there are sheer Organza ribbons in various widths and colors. I personally like the ones with a shimmer effect to them. Raffia is very attractive and also comes in many colors. For a more creative effect go to the notions counter at a fabric store and look at the different trims like cording and braid trims. These can add a very elegant touch to your gift. A hint here is that a small amount of clear glue on the ends of the trim will keep it from raveling.

Gift tags can be purchased pre printed or you can create them yourself. You just need some card stock and a rubber stamp. You can either punch a hole in your tag and hang it from the ribbon or use double sided tape and stick it on the package.  Another idea is to take greeting cards with pictures or scenes you like and cut them out using regular scissors or ones with a decorative edge. These can either be glued onto card stock, leaving room to write the information or hole punched and tied to the ribbon with the information written on the back of the picture.The finishing touch is add a sprig of greenery or an ornament. If your gift is themed you can add an ornament complementing that theme. For instance if the gift is a Nutcracker you can add an Nutcracker Ornament, a Sports Ornament for a sports enthusiast or even a Coffee Ornament or Iced Latte for someone loves Coffee.

What ever Gift Wrapping style you choose, like your gift, make it uniquely yours.

Click to see all our Christmas Decorations Ideas, for the upcoming holiday season.