We spend hours agonising over wrapping our Christmas gifts, cutting neat corners and folding perfect bows, only to be left with an unholy mass of ripped paper on Christmas morning. If you, like us, can’t shake the guilt of your inner environmentalist, then you will love these creative ideas for recycling your Christmas wrapping in a fun way.
Make some bunting
A string of bunting always adds a really nice and personal touch to your décor, whether you’re celebrating an occasion or you just want to add a new feature to your wall. To make it, all you need to do is cut your paper into triangles (try and get them to the same size!) and staple onto a line of plastic or light cloth.
Shred some confetti
New Year’s Eve is only just around the corner, and a confetti drop at midnight always boosts the party mood. Your leftover wrapping paper scraps, crepe filling and foil ribbon provide the perfect material for some multi-coloured confetti – just get shredding!
Create book covers
This is one that the kids will absolutely love: wrap their books in different coloured, patterned paper, securing with tape or staples on the inside cover. Not only will this protect the books, but it will also brighten up the room and get the little ones excited about reading.
Frame it
Have you ever been given a piece of wrapping paper or foil that was so exquisite you couldn’t bear to rip it open and throw it out? Well, this is the tip you’ve been waiting for. Rather than throw the paper out, try and be as careful as possible when opening it; then flatten it out (between two books) and frame it as a wall feature. This will be particularly nice in the playroom, adding a splash of colour to the walls.
Line a drinks tray
A particularly fancy piece of wrapping paper or foil should be on display for all of your guests to see, and a great way of doing this is lining a drinks tray for serving up those glasses of celebratory champagne on New Year’s Eve. Again, flatten out your paper before starting the project, and cut it to size.
Make a princess hat
What little girl doesn’t dream of owning their own princess hat with flowing train? Take your wrapping paper scraps, bows and ribbons, and get creative! For the hat, just roll some soft card into a long cone shape, measuring around your child’s head and stapling together. Coat the hat in glue, then either roll in one big piece of paper or get your little one to stick on pieces of their favourites. Finish by topping off with a streamer or ribbons. Endless adventures lie ahead!
Wrap your stationery
We’re heading into 2016, and a new year calls for a desktop makeover. Rather than going out and purchasing new supplies, why not cover your pencil holders and stationery pots with the wrapping leftovers? You’ll be the envy of everyone in the office!
Use as stuffing
We’re always caught short when we need to stuff fragile items that we are either gifting or putting into storage – this is where your Christmas wrapping comes in. Shred your papers and foils into long strips, then gather them together and line boxes containing glasses, bottles, vases or anything that requires a little extra packaging support.
Create a clipboard cover
This is possibly the simplest but most effective craft for your Christmas wrapping leftovers. Measure out a length of paper to fit your clipboard, then attach it with some glue. Use in the office to organise your day, or at home to check off the family chores.
Line your shelves and drawers
Looking to spruce up your home interiors a little? Need to add a splash of colour to the playroom? Then get creative with your wrapping paper scraps, as they serve as great lining features. Stick them along the bookshelves or in your child’s toy box to give a unique and colourful finish to everything from your sitting room to your little one’s bedroom.
For some great tips and advice on recycling your leftover Christmas packaging, visit the Repak website here.
Images via Pinterest
