Every year, I am torn {pun intended} over Christmas wrap. I mean, it is such a HUGE waste of money, BUT the presents look so picturesque all neatly wrapped in festive paper. What’s a money-minded gal to do? The answer: make your own. It’s 1/2 the price, all the impact, and it give you something to do with the kids over the holiday break. Win, win, win.
I decided to make my own with a simple roll of the brown paper, and a homemade potato stamp. You make the stamp, then let the kids go nuts decorating the paper.
You’ll need:
- Potatoes
- Sharp knife {or dull, if you’re into making things difficult for yourself}
- Cookie cutters
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Roll of white or brown paper
Directions:
Cut the potato in half. Using your holiday-themed cookie cutter, press the shape into the tater. Leave the cookie cutter in place and use the knife to carve around the outside of the cookie cutter. Lift out the pieces of potato that you don’t want. Once you have carved out your shape, slide off the cookie cutter. Now, you have your stamp. Paint the shape using the paint and paint brush. Now all you have to do is stamp away.
And that, my friends, is how you make it a DIY holiday.
~Mavis
**I posted this tutorial a couple years back, but wanted to re-post the idea for those of you that are just tuning into the website 🙂
Lisa Millar says
One year I wrapped everything in newspaper and then tied a bright ribbon around the presents… looked pretty good actually.
I agree tho, if you have kids that you want to amuse, the potato stamping thing is great!!