The use of paste paint is a great way to create one of a kind designs on paper. The paste paint adds another dimension to a project. Creating your own wrapping paper and gift bags is a great way to engage kids in the gift-giving time of year. Get this easy and fun project started by using the following products and instructions.
DIY Holiday Gift Wrap Paper and Bags Supply List
Product List:
Paste Paint Recipe:
- 1 pkg. Elmer’s Paper Mache Paste
- 1 gallon distilled water
- Paint, you can use acrylic or tempera paint
- Seal-able Utility Cups with lids
- Medium Cups
- Medium Lids
DIY Holiday Gift Wrap Instructions
Mix the Elmer’s Paper Mache Paste according to directions on package.
I mixed in the gallon bottle of distilled water after pouring out half of the water into another container for another use.
Once the Paste is ready, takes about 20 minutes with stirring and resting time, I pour ¼ cup of paste into the utility cups and put in about an 1/8 of a cup of paint. Mix the paint and paste together and you are ready to start making paste papers.
This was a good ratio and can be sized up for classroom use. I like using the utility cups with lids because I could come back a day or two later and the paint was ready to use just had to mix it. Teachers could use larger containers with lids.
The paste mix will hold together for some time. I mixed a half gallon on 3/30 and it is still good. I feel that if you do not contaminate your original paste it will hold together for probably a month. I am leaving my mix to see how long I can keep it. The mixture of paint and paste also held up but I just did not have the space to keep it. Again if this mixture is not cross contaminated with other paints and materials it should hold up.
I used Chroma Acrylic paint and Sargent Magic Metallic paint for my projects.
I used foam brushes to apply the paste paint to the paper.
The sky is the limit when it comes to materials used to create patterns. Students can use everything from old credit cards and room keys, to bubble wrap, paper towel rings, etc. They can make their own paint scrapers out of pieces of old mat or chipboard. Old credit cards and room keys can also be made into paint scrapers. I also cut the foam brushes creating teeth – great for painting stripes on paper.
Holiday Gift Bags
For the paper bags, I recommend using half sheets of 70 to 90 lb paper as a base for the paste papers. This way students can make a number of papers. Once done students can cut holiday shapes out of the paste papers. These shapes can be applied to the colored paper bags with a basic white glue to create one of a kind holiday gift bags.
Holiday Gift Wrapping Paper
Using the Creativity Street sponge alphabet have students choose two different letters and create an all over pattern with these two shapes. Sponge rollers and daubers can also be used to create overall patterns. The large sponge brushes can be notched to create stripes.
More Holiday Themed Arts & Crafts for Kids
Looking for more great ways to engage the creativity of the kids in your life? Consider reading more Holiday Arts & Crafts ideas and getting some more winter projects on the schedule! Don’t forget to stop over at the School Specialty online store to find all the supplies you need and hundreds of great educational gift ideas.
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