How to Make Gift Wrap From Recycled Paper

Overview

Recycled paper makes great gift wrap. A few simple ingredients mixed into a washtub full of torn newspaper, wall sizing and dryer lint make a crisp paper that can be dyed or spray painted in any pattern. Mix your paper at least a week before the holidays so that it will be completely dry when you are ready to wrap gifts.

Step 1

Mix one package of wall sizing into a washtub full of torn newspaper. Add dryer lint to 1/3 of the tub. Add water until the newspaper is just barely covered. Mix by hand until everything is pulpy, smooth and creamy. Add bleach if you want white paper. Add food coloring or powdered poster paint for colored paper.

Step 2

Spread the paper pulp on the screen. Cover with a sheet of clear acrylic or an old window. Place several books on top to squeeze out the water. Allow paper to dry.

Step 3

Peel paper from screen when dry. Airbrush designs on your paper and allow to dry again.

Step 4

Wrap your gifts in the recycled gift wrap. Make gift tags from cardboard and decorate with greenery.

Step 5

Use some of your recycled paper to wrap gifts for needy children in your area. Wrap small gifts to include when delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly, or help prepare boxes for gifts to military service members.