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WRAPS FROM SCRAPS

You can put more of your money toward gifts if you do not have to buy wrapping paper. And most presents can be wrapped attractively with scrap materials you already have at home.

Wrap gifts for children in the pages from the Sunday comics. Make a string bow from a scrap of yarn or colored twine. Or wrap a child's present in brown grocery sack paper. Cut the paper to fit the present, wrap, then draw a picture with crayons, colored pencils, or marking pens on the front. Write "Happy Birthday" or Merry Christmas" in large letters across part of the picture. If you have children of your own, let them do the drawing and coloring. They'll love doing it, and it's a good "shared" activity. (Children can help with almost any of these wraps...and children love wrapping presents!)

Gifts for adults can be wrapped with scraps from home, too. Odds and end of old wallpaper and pieces of shelf paper or aluminum foil can be used just like the wrapping paper one buys at the store. Top these packages with brightly colored bows or ribbons. Of course, you should save the bows and ribbons from packages you receive and reuse them on packages you give. Or buy bolts of ribbons on sale after Christmas and other gift-wrapping holidays. Mark-downs on actual ribbon in sewing departments is something to look for, too. Concoct your own fancy bows.

Another gift wrap can be made from scraps of sewing material. Cut one piece of cloth to wrap the package, another (of a different color) in a narrow strip long enough to go around the package for tying in a bow or knot. You don't need to sew material ends under, but do cut off any loose strings or use pinking shears for fewer strings and a fancier ribbon design. For a name tag, lay a pair of scissors on bright construction paper. Trace the outline of the scissors, cut it out and tuck it under the cloth bow.

For other tags, use craft scissors with fun edges to cut shiny papers or construction paper. Get creative! Use various colors and textures to "build" up smiley faces, dressed teddy bears, floral tags and other designs. Children's coloring books are great places to find traceable patterns for tags.

Mostly...learn to have fun wrapping presents. And making your own wraps is a lot more fun than just buying the paper or a gift bag.

Learn more about this author, Margaret Shauers.
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