So this year, I tried something new. I got creative with my gift wrapping and made it fun. Using bits and pieces of supplies from past DIY projects over the year, twine, craft paper and some paint, the task of wrapping became quite fun.

It’s been several years since I’ve traveled by plane around Christmas time, but I know several airlines ask that you don’t bring wrapped presents in your luggage. So to avoid buying last minute wrapping paper and bows, you could actually just pack a few of the things listed below in a zipped plastic bag accompanied by craft paper and you are set!

My favorite Christmas wrapping essential: Plain Brown Craft Paper

You can get a massive roll at craft stores for a fraction of the cost of Christmas wrap or as mentioned earlier, if you are traveling and need to wrap presents at your destination, craft paper comes in small suitcase -friendly rolls as well. It is just really versatile, which is what I love about it.

List of embellishments for your wrapped presents:

• Felt cut outs
• Twine (can be found at most dollar stores)
• Christmas picks
• Small pieces of Pine
• Ribbon Scraps
• Lace (I found mine at a thrift store)
• Paint
• Decorative Scrapbook paper
• Old Magazines
• Fabric Scraps
• Coffee Filters

And here are just a few of the things I came up with:

Using a toilet paper roll, my mom dipped it in green acrylic paint to create the pattern on the craft paper. I then taped a leftover piece of glittery scrapbook paper off center and added ribbons and a little piece of a Christmas decoration to complete the look.

Using coffee filters, I folded the filter in four, then just started cutting shapes to create snowflakes. This would be a great project for the kids to do. I varied the sizes of the snowflakes then attached them to the craft paper and twine with a dab of hot glue, completed with a few little rhinestones I found in my craft room!

The above present is leftover ribbon I had from a previous DIY project and then pieces of a Christmas pick. Christmas picks can be found during the holidays at crafts stores and in with Christmas decorations. They are usually used to create your own wreaths and to put in trees, but are great for adding a little character to a present. The particular Christmas pick above was $.79.

This present was wrapped very similar to the one above it. I used lace from a thrift store in the center, followed by a few layers of twine and a little piece of a Christmas pick I had left over from another project. It’s simple. It’s fun and you can get reallycreative without spending a lot of money. Even better?  Everyone will be impressed with your awesome wrapping skills!

Lastly, if you’d like to complete your presents with beautiful gift tags, here are a few free printable tags available:

[Free Gift Tags courtesy of MommybyDayCrafterbyNight]

[Free Gift Tags courtesy of PenNPaperFlowersINC]

[Free Gift Tags courtesy of sharonrowanphotodesign.blogspot.com]

Enjoy!