DIY Collage wrapping paper

How to make collage wrapping paper!

You put all that effort into finding the perfect gift. Now, it’s time to think about the wrapping.

Sure, you could go the easy route and pick up a package of roll-o-wrap, or you can devote time to making a statement. If the latter is what you are aiming for, there are plenty of options from which to choose.

My favorite is to make custom collage wrapping paper!

The holiday season is a time for gift-giving, right?

But it’s not always about the actual gift. It’s also about the intention. 

Why DIY your wrapping paper?

It makes your gift even more special. While store-bought wrapping paper is convenient, creating your own wrapping paper is a great way to incorporate storytelling, happy memories, and conversation.

It allows you to customize the look and feel of your gifts. 

You can choose the colors, patterns, and designs that fit the personality of the recipient and the occasion. This can add a personal touch to your gifts and certainly make them even more meaningful.

It’s sustainable, too!

In addition to being customizable, homemade wrapping paper is often more sustainable than store-bought options. Many store-bought wrapping papers are made from non-recyclable materials, such as plastic or foil, which can end up in landfills after the holidays. By contrast, you can use recycled materials to make your own wrapping paper, such as newspaper, brown paper bags, or even fabric scraps. This not only reduces waste, but also helps to conserve natural resources.

RELATED: Pop Art Collage Canvas

It’s more creative than store-bought paper

Making your own wrapping paper can also be a fun and creative activity for the whole family. You can involve your kids or grandchildren in the process, allowing them to express their own artistic talents and get into the holiday spirit. 

That alone makes for happy memories! 

Another benefit of homemade wrapping paper is that it can be more economical than store-bought options. You can use materials that you already have on hand, such as scrap paper or fabric, rather than spending money on expensive wrapping paper from the store. This can save you money and allow you to allocate your budget towards other holiday expenses.

Collage wrapping paper – two ways:

Digital. Create a collage using Canva or another photo editing tool. Print it out on lightweight gloss paper or take to a local printer. 

Get crafty! Use a blank paper (or scrapbook paper for a fancy background!) and create a collage using photos and other embellishments. Take a photo or scan it and print out copies. Again, use a lightweight paper for easy creasing.

Ideas, supplies and directions

-Theme your paper to a memory, a dream goal, a favorite hobby – or to the theme of the gift inside.

-Make the whole theme about achievements from the year, or memories. you can grab images from the recipients social media pages.

-Create one design that fits everyone, or make a design for each person, fine-tuned to them.

-Whip up a scrapbook page and incorporate pictures of you and the recipient.

-Assemble gift tags and/or greeting cards! 

Supplies:

For digital, collect images and arrange them via the computer program.

For the crafty versions, use photos, cut words and phrases from magazines, add in small objects such as buttons, pins, charms and any fun memorabilia to fill in the white space, creating a flat assemblage.

When I say “photos” – get creative and snap pics of spots around your house or city. Incorporate them. Holiday lights, your Christmas tree, cups of coffee, etc.

Directions:

1. Use a glue stick and create a tangible collage. Start with the biggest items first, then fill in the open spaces with smaller elements.

2. Fill in with text, photos, sequins, etc.

3. Print it out and make color copies. I printed mine the standard 85.x11″ size and used it for smaller gifts. But you can ask you printer to make larger sheets. 

Other ideas for collage wrapping paper:

Other wrapping paper and paper crafting ideas: