DIY Network

Gift-wrapping tips:

• Use stencils or stamps (figure C) to add designs to Kraft paper.

• Sponge metallic paint onto single-color paper (figure D).

Materials:
White butcher paper
Scissors
Various sizes sponge rollers
Craft paint
Paint pens
Pipe cleaners

Steps:

1. Starting with a sheet of plain white butcher paper, first paint wide stripes in a grid pattern using a sponge roller (figure E). Let dry.

2. Use a narrow brush to paint smaller stripes between the wider ones (figure F).

3. With a paint pen, draw very thin stripes on top of the wide ones (figure G).

Gift-wrapping tip: Use a "ribbon" and bow made of pipe cleaners for an added touch of elegance and fun (figure H).

Wrapping gifts in paper too traditional? Pay a visit to your local fabric store to discover a whole new world of wrapping possibilities ....

	Figure I
	Figure J

Fabric

Gift-wrapping tip: To cover a gift with fabric instead of paper, wrap the gift as you usually do, and tie the corners of the fabric into a "bow" on the top (figure I).

Materials:
Burlap
Yarn
Yarn needle

Steps:

1. Pull up the burlap ends just as if your were wrapping a gift, folding under the exposed raw edge.

2. With a yarn needle and a length of yarn, cross-stitch the ends together (stitching as you normally would: all in one direction, then in the opposite direction, for the result shown in figure J).

   Note: It will take about 10 minutes to stitch a medium-size box.
   
   

3. You can also, if you wish, embroider the recipient's name on the top.

Gift-wrapping tip: It will take about 16" to 18" of ribbon to make half a bow.

Steps:

1. From the end of the ribbon, estimate 16"-18" or so, then hold that in the middle of the package where you want the bow to go.

2. Wrap the ribbon around the box, twisting it so you can wrap it in the other direction.
   
   
3. Use the cut end of the ribbon to measure the other end; cut to match.

4. Slide the end of the ribbon under all the layers to hold them, pull tight, then tie the ends in a simple bow.

Rubber bands (figure K)
Yarn
Raffia
Bead cording
Upholstery cording

Gift-wrapping tip: Make gift bags (figure L) by sewing together pieces of crepe paper and tying them with ribbon.

Figure K

Figure L

RESOURCES :

Country Christmas
Websites: www.countrychristmasonline.com and www.longdisplay.com