Thanks for clicking on our blog post! The countdown is on until Christmas day and gift-wrapping is hopefully well underway... It is not always what is on the inside that counts. Taking care in personalizing gift wrap is a fun way to make you loved ones feel extra special. You still have the opportunity to really "WOW" your recipients this Christmas with this how-to on hand-painted wrapping paper from one of our faves: Courtney Ballard at HIP South. Fun photos from Clagett Photography.
MATERIALS
White/Brown Kraft Paper
Acrylic Paint
Water
Assorted Brushes
Scissors
Tape
Ribbon
Step 1
Roll out your desired length of paper and get to trimming! Prep several pieces at once, that way when finished painting one sheet, you can put it aside to dry and jump into the next one and each thereafter.
Step 2
Get inspired! Keep things simple by choosing basic shapes and lines to create a repeated pattern. Painted circles, stripes and little smudges are always fun. If structure isn’t your thing, channel your inner Pollock and splatter it up. Or go for a more painterly look and let that brush work its magic, friends. Remember, this wrapping paper is hand painted, so embrace those accidental drips and imperfections.
Step 3
Prepare your paints. If you’re going for an all over brush stroked look or if you’d like to try your hand at splattering, you’ll need to water down your acrylic paint a bit.The amount of water will most likely depend on which brand of paint you’ve chosen to use as some are thicker than others. If it looks a bit like pancake batter you’ve hit the jackpot. If mark making and patterns are what you’re going for, no added water is necessary.
"Get inspired! Keep things simple by choosing basic shapes and lines to create a repeated pattern. Painted circles, stripes and little smudges are always fun. "
Step 4
Choose a brush. Let your brush work for you, not against you. Large sizes are great for oversized marks and covering a big amount of space quickly. Small and medium sizes are perfect for mark making and detail work. Nervous to get started? Set aside a scrap piece of paper and play. Experiment with different processes until you find the perfect fit.
Step 5
Work your holiday painting magic! Dots, splotches, stripes, splatter. Keep it neutral and let your Christmas ribbon and toppers add a pop of color, or go bright and bold and let your paper be the star of the show. Either way, your gifts are going to be so lucky.
Thanks again for reading along. Be sure to follow us on your favorite social sites: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to stay up-to-date on local events. If you are posting pictures of your super pretty presents, please tag us in your Instagram posts #elizabethtownlifestyle. This is truly the most magical time of year.
Happy Holidays Elizabethtown!
