Craft: Give Your Old Wrapping Paper a New Lease of Life
Instead of throwing away your pretty wrapping paper, put it to use for various household projects
The aftermath of Christmas morning often involves a whirlwind of half-eaten candy canes, sticky marshmallow Santas, gifts piled up on the coffee table and, of course, endless piles of wrapping paper. Instead of throwing all that wrapping paper into the bin or attempting to haphazardly fold it into a big box for next year, considering putting artful, non-seasonal paper to use in your home. From shelf liners to party banners, quality paper scraps can help add colour and interest to every room in the house. Iron any crinkled pieces on a low heat setting, and they will be ready for the following DIY projects.
Brighten up a dark shelf or drawer
Make use of leftover giftwrap of all shapes and sizes by lining some drawers and shelves. Not only will it add a dash of colour to a dark or dreary space, but having some pretty paper in your drawers may help you stay organised. Iron out any wrinkles, cut the paper to fit and slide it into the drawer. Use double-sided tape or glue it down for a longer-lasting solution.
Make use of leftover giftwrap of all shapes and sizes by lining some drawers and shelves. Not only will it add a dash of colour to a dark or dreary space, but having some pretty paper in your drawers may help you stay organised. Iron out any wrinkles, cut the paper to fit and slide it into the drawer. Use double-sided tape or glue it down for a longer-lasting solution.
Cover books for that decorator look
Book covers might not be for everyone, but covering books with pretty pieces of giftwrap (no glue required) can bring extra style to a bookcase.
Book covers might not be for everyone, but covering books with pretty pieces of giftwrap (no glue required) can bring extra style to a bookcase.
Add excitement to recycled crates
Vintage crates are great for storage or display. But if you’re tired of the salvaged and worn wood look, brighten things up with a new coat of paint and some wrapping paper, attached with a strong adhesive.
Vintage crates are great for storage or display. But if you’re tired of the salvaged and worn wood look, brighten things up with a new coat of paint and some wrapping paper, attached with a strong adhesive.
Line a bar cart
Transform a bland bar cart with wrapping paper and Mod Podge decoupage sealer, as Monica Ewing of Crafty Nest did with this cute cart she found via Craigslist.
Transform a bland bar cart with wrapping paper and Mod Podge decoupage sealer, as Monica Ewing of Crafty Nest did with this cute cart she found via Craigslist.
If you have an extra-long piece, frame it in a single large frame for easy statement art.
Piece together scraps for eclectic wallpaper
If you manage to collect a supply of extra-pretty prints, consider patchworking them together with wallpaper paste for a feature wall in a studio or office.
Discover how to create a unique feature wall
If you manage to collect a supply of extra-pretty prints, consider patchworking them together with wallpaper paste for a feature wall in a studio or office.
Discover how to create a unique feature wall
Make a cheerful banner
If Christmas morning leaves you with a pile of random giftwrap scraps, a banner could be a great way to make use of all the colours and sizes.
If Christmas morning leaves you with a pile of random giftwrap scraps, a banner could be a great way to make use of all the colours and sizes.
Cover clipboards for office inspiration
In lieu of a bulletin board or pinboard, use a few clipboards to hang inspirational images in front of your desk. Cover the clipboards with giftwrap and hang them on your office wall with a nail or hook.
Learn how to stay organised with a modern pinboard
Other ideas for reusing gift wrap
Shred and use it to pack or ship delicate items, make your own gift bows and tags, or iron out the wrinkles and save it for next year.
TELL US…
How do you reuse leftover giftwrap? Share your most creative idea in the Comments below.
In lieu of a bulletin board or pinboard, use a few clipboards to hang inspirational images in front of your desk. Cover the clipboards with giftwrap and hang them on your office wall with a nail or hook.
Learn how to stay organised with a modern pinboard
Other ideas for reusing gift wrap
Shred and use it to pack or ship delicate items, make your own gift bows and tags, or iron out the wrinkles and save it for next year.
TELL US…
How do you reuse leftover giftwrap? Share your most creative idea in the Comments below.
I can’t be the only person with a wardrobe shelf full of empty shoe boxes. Instead of throwing them into the recycling bin, cover them with extra gift wrap for storage you’ll want to show off.