CRAFTS
perfect
surprise
HANDMADE WRAPPING PAPER
ADDS PERSONAL TOUCH TO GIFT
BUBBLE WRAP
Create a large surface to work on that
cleans up easily. Tape the bubble wrap
to the table surface, bubble side up. Set
out the paint in separate dishes with a
sponge brush for each color. Paint the
bubbles with a variety of colors that
look good together. Choosing colors
that are next to each other in a rainbow
usually results in a harmonious look.
Brush on some white in places to lighten
the colors. Cut a 4 or 5-foot length of
white kraft paper and place it on top of
the painted bubbles. Press the entire
surface of the paper lightly and then
peel away. If there is a blank area on
the paper, repaint the bubble wrap and
place the white paper on top, being sure
to line up the blank area with the bubble
wrap. The entire piece of white paper
can be covered in this way.
FLOWER STAMPING
Cut a 4- or 5-foot length of brown
kraft paper and tape it to your work sur-
20
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | (201) FAMILY
face. Decide on a color scheme for the
wrapping paper. Brush the first color
onto the flower head, gently covering
all the petals. Press it onto the brown
paper in a random fashion, making several prints before repainting the flower.
Rinse off the flower under cool running
water and blot dry. Now paint the flower head using another color, and stamp
randomly on the paper. An interesting
effect can be achieved when stamping
the second color partly over the first
color, causing the colors to blend where
they meet. Do the same with a third
color. Be sure the paper is evenly
covered with stamped flowers.
Hint: White paint looks striking
against brown kraft paper and also
blends well with any underlying colors.
BLOCK STRING PRINTS
Check that the wood block has no
splinters. Sand it lightly, if necessary.
Cut a length of string about 18 inches
long. Tape one end of the string to the
back of the wood block. Wrap the string
around the block three or four times;
the pattern can be random, but be
sure to wrap very tightly, as the string
stretches when wet with paint. Trim off
the excess string and tape the loose end
to the back of the block. Tape the end
of another 18-inch length of string and
wrap it around the block at a 90 degree
angle to the first string. Trim and tape
the end. Cut a piece of white kraft paper
to the desired length and tape it to the
work surface. To “ink” the string block,
either dip it in paint or use a sponge
brush to apply the paint. Stamp it
several times on the kraft paper, re-ink,
and stamp again. Use at least three
colors for a lively effect, rinsing the
block under running water and blotting dry before applying another color.
Superimpose the images if desired.
ALMOST DONE!
Paper can dry flat, or, if the paint is
not too drippy, be taped to the wall. ●
– TINA MUNSON
YOU’LL NEED
• roll of brown kraft paper
• roll of white kraft paper
• masking tape
• tempera paint in assorted colors
• sponge brushes
• scissors
• a 3-inch length of bubble wrap
• small block of wood,
about 3 inches by 3 inches
• a yard of string
• shallow bowls or dishes to hold the
• paint, one for each color
• dahlia or chrysanthemum flower
head, 3-4 inches in diameter
• paper towels
• small piece of sand paper
• bubble wrap print
201magazine.com
ANNE-MARIE CARUSO
M
ake your own
handmade
wrapping paper,
suitable for every
occasion, by
using a variety
of stamping and printing techniques.
The process is easy and success is
guaranteed, even for the little ones!