In preparation for the approaching holiday at the end of the month, I've been giving a lot of consideration to wrapping. Since I have a tradition of DIYing an aspect of every gift I give, I've been browsing Pinterest for new creative ways to upcycle what I have already. To substitute buying gift wraps or gift bags (because I never have any on hand) I usually use tissue paper, newspaper or book pages. It helps me stand out from the fluorescent, shiny, glittery decor in stores and feels more personalized. I take pride in making the outside of a gift look just as throughout as the actual gift inside.
When it comes to making gifts for people, my current go to is a Patchwork shirt. This is a practical gift since it can be worn for years to come and the options are endless in making something that fits the personality of whoever it's for. This craft isn't just exclusive to t shirts so it can easily adapt to your winter closet staples like crewnecks, sweatpants, jeans, and even scarves. I use my stash of fabric squares to cut out names or words and then the only thing I have to buy for the gift is the actual shirt. Then I use my peel and stick fabric adhesive to stick the fabric to the shirt. I made a few shirts for friends over the summer and I've perfected my technique in the many months since. I spend the most time mapping out my patterns, general color scheme, and font for the shirt's saying. Then the only thing left to do is cut out the letters and adhere them on.
In addition to my usual anti wrapping paper packaging, and my homemade gifts, this year I'm adding in even more upcycling. This year I'm acting on my love for collage and collage lettering by labeling gifts like ransom notes. Cutting words and letters from magazines I have lying around is a way to give them additional purpose. Its quick, unique and eliminates the fear of sloppy handwriting. Applying collage to cards can be a way to decipher one person's gift from another without labeling it by name. While there's nothing wrong with writing a name on a gift, you could say so much more by collecting cut outs that remind you of them.
Get crafty this holiday season! Even if you're wrapping a gift you bought last minute, you can add a thoughtful, homemade element like a hand wrapped bow or written note to show anyone you care.
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