Upcycle and Map That Birthday

I thought I'd share another fun gift wrap, perfect for those who love to upcycle. I have an old world atlas book I've been pulling pages out of for various projects. Most recently I decided to use a page to wrap a birthday gift. I used a page that had our actual location on it for a little whimsical fun.

Rules of the Wrap

I know I've said it many times but I really enjoy wrapping presents...there's just so many possibilities that makes it so much fun. But there's a few rules I like to follow when I wrap a kids gift. Especially, when you're wrapping a toddlers to let's say 4 yrs old, young kids just love bright colors. So, I try to wrap with fun brightly colored patterns and if there's more than one item I wrap them separately in coordinating wrap. Why wrap it all up in one box when visually you can make it feel so much more grand for them. If you're thinking for green reasons, there's so many possibilities that are still earth friendly. Repurposed papers such as Sunday comics, old maps and children's art work, gift wrap made from recycled paper or even fabrics that can be reused/repurposed. Be creative, if their birthday is in the summer you could use a bright colored beach towel...you get the idea. Same goes for the ribbon. Some of my favorites are raffia (comes in so many colors), grosgrain and satin ribbon that can always be reused for something else. I try to stay away form the plastics, curling ribbons and bows that end up in our land fills and harming birds. Why just slap a bow on it when you can embellish it with so many other fun items whether it's pretty ribbon, or another fun little toy.



This age is also around the time when kids start to recognize their name in print and get so excited when they see it. For this reason, I love to make sure I tag the gift with their name in large print. What's more exciting for a little kid than receiving a fun colored package that has there name on it? Well I guess maybe opening it! Yippee! I usually just use a shipping tag that I embellish with stickers, stamps, or markers. When you make your own tags, it's so much more personal, made for that specific individual, you can't get more personal than that.


So those are just a few of the things I keep in mind when wrapping a gift. Most importantly, have fun with it, you can't wrong when it's your own creation.

Artful Thursday: Cake Time

One of Aidan's classmates is celebrating her birthday tomorrow. We (Aidan and I) decided to give her a small gift in recognition of her special day. When it came time to wrap this gift, I realized I had robots, trucks, sports and a masculine plaid paper, but nothing for a girly girl. I guess that's what happens when you have 3 boys. So I decided I would make her gift wrapping and..... what perfect timing with Artful Thursday.




Using supplies on hand, this is what I was able to come up with. I had a kraft paper bag, scrapbook paper, glitter left over from valentine's day, PITT art markers, rhinestone and tag embellishments. It all came together to make a whimsical birthday cake.