I have a sister that is green minded and frugal. What are the chances? Marian has two young children that love to draw and paint on their easel.
Instead of buying individual sheets of paper to hang on the easel, my sister found a cheaper alternative. She purchased a roll of recycled paper and cuts off pieces depending on the artist’s request and creative mood. (!)
My nieces produce a prolific amount of drawings. They have a pile of pictures too valuable to part with. It is difficult for kids to discover their masterpieces in the recycling box. (Oh noooo, not that picture!)
Marian figured out how to recycle the artwork without offending the artists. She wraps birthday presents and holiday gifts using colourful paper from the art pile. When she originally told me about the idea, I thought it would look…um…kind of silly…
Presents wrapped in art
…but I was wrong. It looks good! What do you think? I think it makes a gift different and special.
If you are looking for a greener option to wrap presents this holiday season, dig through your children’s artwork. I think there are many kids willing to gift their artwork and feel good about the important contribution.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I think this looks amazing. I’ll be filing this one away for future use for sure.
Glad you liked the idea Lynn.
Thank you Aunt Laura for putting my pictures on the computer. You make my heart feel special. XOxo
Thank YOU miss B for letting me share your lovely pictures/turned wrapping paper with everyone.
This is a fabulous idea, I’ll be using it in the future for sure! Thx for sharing
Hi Krista – thanks for the lovely comment and the shout out on twitter too.
This is awesome! I will definitely pass it on to my sister who has 2 girls!
Maybe you’ll receive a present wrapped in your nieces art for the holidays?
This is a lovely idea. Miss B and her sister’s artwork is amazing and the wrapping is much nicer than store bought and far more personal too. I only wish my kids would draw.
Hi Eden, my youngest niece only draws in lines and squiggles. Believe it or not, her art looks more like “real” wrapping paper. lol
What a beautiful idea! I thought of using art but couldn’t figure out how to wrap bigger presents – it is brilliant to use easel paper! My daughter was just given a roll as a gift yesterday – perfect timing! Another great idea – if your kids aren’t artistic, is Lyziwraps. They were invented by an eighth grader and are reuseable giftwrap. They save time and waste. They are especially good for gifts you give your family – for gifts that are wrapped just to be unwrapped. Giving Gifts carries Lyziwraps in Canada.
Thanks for the tip Lisa. I will check out Lyziwraps.
I think that it is really great. I would be touched to receive a present wrapped like that. Only problem is that the kids may now be pressured to produce more art work and it might count as child slavery.
You’re right LGS, never thought about the child labour potential. At least it’s “green” child labour…not quite as bad. (!)
I loved the idea! Can’t wait to share it with Martina!
I’m sure she will make beautiful gift wrap.
I love to do this. I keep most pictures made. The granparents love them!
I wish I knew about this when my kids were younger. That’s great that you already do this.
What a great idea!! And much easier than sneaking the artwork out into the recycling
Yes, it is hard to get the art out the door sometimes.
Hey, that’s a great idea! I should buy a roll of recycled paper (Where did your sister buy it?) and make some “festive” wrapping paper! It would be good for birthdays too!
I was thinking of using old magazines to wrap presents, but none of them are “Holiday” issues, so it may not look as good for this time of year!
Hey Pauline…she got her paper at a craft store in the U.S. I’ve tried to track it down here in Canada and I’m having difficulty. Here is the paper
http://www.pacon.com/paper_products/artKraft_rolls/kraft-easel_rolls.php
Alternatively, Ikea sells rolls of unbleached easel paper for $4.99. (It is not recycled)
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