DIY Projects to Repurpose Christmas Wrapping Paper

The festive season often leaves us with an abundance of colourful wrapping paper that seems too beautiful to throw away. 

And Christmas wrapping paper often cannot be recycled with other paper due to its manufacturing process.

Instead of adding to the waste, why not repurpose it into creative and practical DIY projects? Here are some fantastic ideas to give your leftover Christmas wrapping paper a new lease on life.

1. Create Decorative Book Covers

Transform your old books or notebooks into eye-catching pieces by using wrapping paper as covers. Simply cut the paper to size, fold it around the book, and secure it with tape or glue. This is a great way to protect your books while adding a personalised touch.

2. DIY Envelopes

Turn wrapping paper into unique envelopes for cards, letters, or small gifts. Use an existing envelope as a template, trace it onto the wrapping paper, cut it out, and fold it into shape. Seal the edges with glue or double-sided tape, and you’ve got a bespoke envelope ready to impress.

3. Paper Bunting

Add some charm to your home or next party with DIY bunting. Cut the wrapping paper into triangles, circles, or any shape you like. Attach them to a string or ribbon using glue or staples, and hang your festive decoration wherever you need a splash of colour.

4. Gift Tags

Save money on future gift-giving by turning wrapping paper into gift tags. Cut the paper into small rectangles, circles, or other shapes, and punch a hole at the top for a string. Write your message on the plain side, and you’ve got a beautiful tag ready to adorn any present.

5. Origami Creations

Wrapping paper’s thin and flexible texture makes it ideal for origami. From cranes and flowers to stars and boxes, the possibilities are endless. These creations can be used as decorations, ornaments, or even small gifts.

6. Drawer Liners

Brighten up your drawers with a pop of colour by using wrapping paper as liners. Measure the interior of the drawer, cut the paper to fit, and lay it inside. For added durability, consider laminating the paper or securing it with double-sided tape.

7. Shredded Paper Filler

If you have a shredder, turn wrapping paper into filler for gift bags or boxes. The colourful strips add a festive touch to any package and are an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought filler.

8. Collage Art

Unleash your creativity by using wrapping paper scraps for collage art. Whether you’re decorating a canvas, making greeting cards, or embellishing photo frames, the vibrant patterns and colours will make your projects stand out.

9. Wrapping Paper Beads

Make your own beads for jewellery or decorations by rolling strips of wrapping paper into tight cylinders and securing them with glue. Once dried, these beads can be strung together to create necklaces, bracelets, or garlands.

10. Placemats and Coasters

Cut wrapping paper into placemat or coaster shapes and laminate them for a durable and decorative addition to your table. These are especially handy for themed parties or seasonal decor.

11. Decoupage

Use wrapping paper to make stunning and vibrant decoupage features. 

Bonus Tip: Save It for Next Year

If the wrapping paper is in good condition, carefully fold it and store it for future use. You’ll save money and reduce waste at the same time.

Repurposing Christmas wrapping paper is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a chance to get creative and add a personal touch to everyday items. Which project will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

How to use decoupage to create stunning art piece Christmas gifts using polystyrene heads

What was the genesis for this blogpost? My wife and I visited a charity shop and I saw a decoupaged head that was life-sized. 

I examined it and realised that it was a polystyrene model's head designed for displaying hats and wigs. 

As I have experience with decoupage, I realised that I could make these heads myself and that they would make excellent Christmas gifts.

This is the basic instructions of how you can make them, too.

Decoupage is a fantastic way to create stunning, personalised Christmas gifts, especially with items like polystyrene heads, which offer a unique 3D canvas. Here’s a detailed guide on how to transform these foam forms into festive art pieces using decoupage techniques.

Materials You’ll Need:

Polystyrene heads (commonly found in craft shops or online from some hairdressing supply retailers, Temu or Amazon.)

Decoupage glue (like Mod Podge or PVA glue)

Decorative papers (tissue paper, Christmas-themed napkins, decoupage paper, images cut from newspapers or magazine, or thin wrapping paper)

Acrylic paints (optional for base coat)

Paintbrushes (one for glue application, one for painting)

Scissors

Craft knife (for intricate cuts)

Foam brushes or sponge applicators (for smooth application)

Fine glitter, ribbons, sequins, or embellishments (for extra decoration)

Clear acrylic sealer spray (for a durable finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Polystyrene Head

If desired, paint the head with an acrylic base coat to hide the white foam and create a coloured background for your design. Allow it to dry completely.

Lightly sand the surface if it’s too rough to make the decoupage smoother.

2. Select and Prepare Your Decorative Papers

Choose papers with Christmas themes such as holly, snowflakes, or festive patterns.

If using napkins, separate the top patterned layer from the plain ones. You only need the thin, printed layer.

Cut or tear the paper into manageable pieces. Tearing the edges creates a more natural, blended look.

3. Apply Decoupage Glue

Use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of decoupage glue on a small section of the polystyrene head.

Carefully lay your decorative paper onto the glue-covered area. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles using your fingers or a foam brush.

4. Layer and Build the Design

Continue adding paper pieces, slightly overlapping them to ensure full coverage. Work in sections to prevent the glue from drying too quickly.

Once you have covered the entire head, let it dry for 30-60 minutes.

5. Seal the Surface

Apply a final layer of decoupage glue over the entire head to seal the design. This will give it a subtle sheen and protect the paper.

For a more durable and shiny finish, you can spray a coat of clear acrylic sealer after the glue has dried.

6. Add Extra Details and Embellishments (Optional)

Use glitter for a sparkling effect: brush a thin layer of glue on selected areas and sprinkle the glitter.

Add ribbons, sequins, or other embellishments to enhance the festive look. You can also glue on small accessories like miniature hats or holly sprigs.

For a whimsical touch, use acrylic paint to draw on features like eyes, or leave it abstract and focus on texture and patterns.

7. Final Touches

Once everything is dry, check for any areas that might need extra glue or a touch-up.

Allow your art piece to dry completely for 24 hours before wrapping or displaying it.

Gift Ideas Using Polystyrene Heads:

Festive Centrepieces: Arrange a few decorated heads in a holiday-themed basket with fairy lights.

Personalised Gifts: Customise the decoupage patterns with themes that reflect the recipient’s interests or favourite colours.

Ornaments: Attach a hook or ribbon to the top and use the heads as unique, oversized Christmas tree decorations.

With a bit of creativity, decoupage can turn simple polystyrene heads into eye-catching art pieces that make for memorable Christmas gifts. Happy crafting!