I love to wrap gifts. But finding wrapping paper is sometimes hard to do.

I had an idea that maybe I should make some wrapping paper this Christmas. Of course, I know the wrapping paper would have to fit in my red and white theme. Years ago I used the styrofoam printing method to make art in my son’s elementary school classes. I knew someday I would find a way to use this creative printing method again. I can’t wait to see what you think.

What You Will Need

Styrofoam plates

Craft or wrapping paper

Craft knife

Acrylic paints

Brayer (you will need two. One to apply the paint and one to press down your stencil.)

Cardboard and stencil material (optional)

The first step is to cut a cardboard pattern for your styrofoam design. I cut a few sizes to use now and later on.

Using your craft knife and cardboard template, cut out five or six of the same shape from the styrofoam paper plates. Using a pen or pencil, draw your design on the styrofoam. I cut out a tree stencil because I wanted the styrofoam stamps to be the same tree with different hand-drawn designs. Re-trace your design just to make sure the indentation is well defined. This helps with the printing. (Please note, if you use words, the letters need to be written backward or else they will print backward.)

Pour some of the acrylic paint on a larger paper place and cover the brayer with paint. Roll the paint lightly on top of the stencil.

Gently place the stencil face down on the craft paper. Use the second brayer to press the stencil down on the paper. Pull the stencil off as soon as you are done with the brayer. (It can dry and stick to the paper if you wait too long.)

Don’t spend too much time trying to make the stenciling perfect. I love this method because it looks vintage so it looks better if it’s not perfect.

Once the paper is dry, you can begin to wrap your presents.

JOANN has a lot of great ribbons on sale and I love how my packages turned out.

Imagine how cute this would look if your children drew their own designs on the styrofoam. They could draw Santas, wreaths, snowmen, candy canes or Christmas trees! I hope you enjoyed this DIY.