Unleash your creativity! Learn 7 unique ways to craft stunning, nature-printed wrapping paper that makes for personalized, eco-friendly gifts.
Are you looking for a fun craft that gets the kids outside and adds a personal touch to your gifts? It’s time to skip the store-bought rolls and get creative. You can explore 7 ways to make wrapping paper with nature prints right from your own backyard.
Before you get started, choose the right paper. For nature-print wrapping projects, you’ll want something that can handle rubbing, stamping, paint, and even a little hammering. Kraft paper (brown or white) is the most versatile and comes in big, gift-wrap-friendly rolls. Butcher paper and banner paper are great for paint-heavy techniques, while lightweight drawing paper or newsprint work best for leaf rubbings. If you’re trying flower pounding, reach for watercolor or mixed-media paper, which won’t tear when it gets damp. Pick the paper that matches the technique, and your handmade wrapping will turn out beautifully.
1. Leaf Rubbings
This classic activity never gets old. Place a leaf under your paper and rub the side of a crayon over the top. The leaf’s veins and shape will magically appear. Combine different colors and layer designs for a unique effect.
2. Flower Pounding
Flowers can create beautiful, colorful stains on paper. Place a fresh, vibrant flower on your paper, cover it with a paper towel, then gently tap it with a hammer. The petals transfer their pigment directly onto the paper for a watercolor look.
3. Fern Stencils
Ferns have a delicate and pretty shape, which makes them perfect stencils. Lay a fern frond flat on your paper and use a sponge to paint around its edges. When you lift the fern, you’ll have a perfect silhouette. For bigger projects, you’ll want durable paper that holds up to paint. You can craft custom wrapping paper with sturdy bond paper, which is great for stenciling.
4. Veggie Stamps
Did you know you can use vegetables to create fun stamp designs? For example, cutting an apple in half makes a great stamp, and bundling celery stalks together creates a rose-like pattern. Just dip them in paint and press them onto paper!
5. Acorn and Nut Rolling
This one is a little messy, but it’s tons of fun. Dip acorns, nuts, or small pinecones in paint and let the kids roll them across the paper. The random tracks and patterns are always unique.
6. Twig Painting
Who needs paintbrushes? Use small twigs to paint lines, dots, or abstract designs. The irregular shapes of the twigs create interesting textures that you cannot get with a regular brush.
7. Pinecone Prints
A pine cone’s texture is perfect for prints. Roll the side of a pine cone in paint and press it onto the paper. It creates a neat, almost geometric pattern. You can also press the bottom of the pine cone onto the paper to make flower shapes.
Your Gifts Will Look Great
These ideas will make gift wrapping fun and unique! Try these 7 ways to create wrapping paper with nature prints, and see what creative designs your family comes up with.