If the thought of buying single-use wrapping paper makes your heart hurt, this DIY wrapping paper idea is for you! Create or buy stamps to decorate paper you already have in your house! This is a really easy and fun way to turn your trash into treasure. You can also make as much or as little as you need, so there’s no extra waste. 

Supplies for your stamped DIY wrapping paper:

• Stamp-making supplies- see below for specific supplies depending on the option you choose
• Ink: Stamp pad or acrylic paint
• Paper: Use anything you have! I used the paper from a baguette wrapper, the paper padding from another package, and recycled tissue paper. You could also use newspaper, old envelopes, junk mail, the sleeve of a baked good, or a paper bag.

I included some more tips on shopping for supplies in the steps below, so don’t forget to take a look before heading to the craft store!

How to make your handmade wrapping paper: 

There are a few ways you can make stamped wrapping paper. Whether you’re looking for a creative time-saver, a sustainable Christmas DIY, or a totally handmade holiday season, there is an option for you. Since this is Craftmas, I decided to go full on with the most involved stamp-making process, which you’ll see detailed in the images, but you’ll follow a similar process for each one. 

The easiest option:

1. If you’re looking for something quick and simple, or you aren’t feeling very creative or artistic, buying a stamp is the best option. Head to any craft store, and you’ll likely find a cute stamp section. You only need one stamp, but if you want variety or to put your own creative flair on it, you can buy a few. You will also need to buy a stamp pad. I recommend buying a good-quality stamp pad. This will make sure the design pops! I did not do that this year, and regretted it. I prefer dye ink, which is a much watery but richer color, over a pigment ink, which usually comes on a foam pad. 
2. Find some paper (tips above) and get stamping!

Supplies for your easy stamped wrapping paper:

• Store-bought stamp
• Stamp pad
• Recycled paper

Zero-waste option:

1. Stamps can easily be made out of household objects or even food! You’ve probably seen the potato stamp. If not, take a look at this crafter’s DIY. Potatoes are easy to carve into, especially if you’re doing a basic shape, such as a Christmas tree. There are other fruits and veggies that make interesting shapes, too! I recently cut the end off some bok choy and realized it made a beautiful flower, and the stalk was durable enough to function as a stamp.
2. Once you have your stamp, you’ll want to dip it into ink. If you’re working with produce, you might not want to dip a damp vegetable into a stamp pad, so I recommend using acrylic paint instead. Paint the surface of the stamp, or paint a flat surface with a thin layer of paint and dip the stamp into it. 
3. Then stamp onto a sheet of paper.

Supplies for your zero-waste stamped wrapping paper:

• Produce stamp
• Acrylic paint and a paintbrush
• Recycled paper

Artsy option: 

1. Break out the linocut supplies and make your own block-printed wrapping paper. This will be the most time-consuming and artistic option, but great for anyone who wants to really spend a day crafting or create really personalized wrapping paper. You could carve your cat, a name, a funny saying, or anything you want. 
2. Draw your design onto a block. You can draw directly onto the block (remember, if there is any writing, you must write it mirrored), or you can draw with a pencil on tracing paper to transfer the design onto the block.
3. Carve out your design. 
4. You could use block printing ink and printmaking tools to finish this off, or you could save some time and mess and just use a stamp pad. See the easiest option for stamp pad tips. 

@craftshy

Craftmas day 6! Turn your trash into personalized wrapping paper with stamps! This is the block printed version, but you can also find an easier and zero waste option on my blog. Someone please get me a better stamp pad for Christmas! I’m sharing 12 easy craft ideas for a very homemade Christmas! You can find diy Christmas decor, gift ideas, and things to do while you watch your favorite Xmas movie! Find the full guide and the tutorial for this DIY wrapping paper project on my craft blog! #diywrappingpaper #craftmas #christmascrafts #giftwrapping #christmasdiy

♬ original sound – craftshy✨kiana –

Supplies for your block-printed wrapping paper:

• Lino carving rubber
• Carving tools
• Marker or tracing paper and pencil
• Blockprinting ink or stamp pad
• Recycled paper