Crafting the Holidays:: Handmade Wrapping Paper

Before I begin my post today, I just want to take a minute to send my deepest prayers to the parents, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and friends to those affected by one of the most tragic stories that I have ever heard. The shooting in Connecticut brought me to tears Friday, it is unthinkable and incomprehensible.   

It breaks my to change the subject, but today I wanted to share with you a creative way to treat the people on your list this year by making your own wrapping paper.  It is incredibly easy, not to mention fun and the options are limitless. Here, I created a Greek key in homage to our trip to Greece in May. Continue for directions...

Supplies

Linoleum Cutters (like Speedball)

Carving Block (like Speedball)

Speedball Acrylic Paints, color of your choice

Pencil

Craft Paper

Paint Roller or Paint Brush 

Directions

Draw desired pattern on the carving block with pencil.  Carefully begin to cut out what you plan to be negative space in the design.  When ready to stamp, apply paint with either roller or brush (I used a brush).  Carefully stamp on the paper and soon enough you will have your own roll of bespoke holiday wrapping paper.

Design Ideas

Polka Dots, Chevron Pattern, Stars, Stripes

(Carving the block into the Greek Key)

(The finished design using Speedball Blue Acrylic Paint)

*All photographs by Alison