Tue, Dec 15, 2020
Michaela Clark-Nagaoka
An Eye for Design: DIY Wallpaper
Sometimes when you are working on creative projects, you can get stuck.
When I am designing graphics for the MAH, and it’s not coming together, I like to use a layering technique to break me out of a creative slump. By layering a few elements of art & design like color, pattern, and texture you create a lot of visual interest and it’s a simple way of making a project look finished and pulled together.
This technique can also be applied to art and craft. Below you'll find step-by-step directions to make DIY wrapping paper by upcycling a paper grocery store bag that you may have around the house since the pandemic restrictions on reusable bags.
This project is one of the many ways people are using their creativity during quarantine. You can look forward to seeing more art made in these pandemic times in our upcoming community-sourced exhibition, In These Uncertain Times which is set to open in Early 2021.
How to Make DIY Recycled Gift Wrap
Materials
You’ll need:
- A paper bag
- Scissors
- Paint Brush
- Acrylic or Tempera paint
*Note: I found that a darker, antique gold was very subtle. A brighter gold paint has greater contrast and shows up on the brown paper more clearly. I liked both, it just depends on the look you are going for.
Materials
You’ll need:
- A paper bag
- Scissors
- Paint Brush
- Acrylic or Tempera paint
*Note: I found that a darker, antique gold was very subtle. A brighter gold paint has greater contrast and shows up on the brown paper more clearly. I liked both, it just depends on the look you are going for.
- String, Ribbon, or Bow
- Gift Tag (Make your own by cutting shapes out of paper. You could also use paper snowflakes from the Community Craft: Wishy Wonderland)
- Optional: Washi tape, pine tree sprigs, eucalyptus clippings or dried flowers
- Cut the paper bag down the fold of one side. Cut out the bottom of the bag. Remove handles. This will leave you with a rectangular piece of paper.
- Paint a pattern on the paper by repeating a simple shape. I used circles, dashes, diagonal lines, stars, and trees.
- Cut the paper bag down the fold of one side. Cut out the bottom of the bag. Remove handles. This will leave you with a rectangular piece of paper.
- Paint a pattern on the paper by repeating a simple shape. I used circles, dashes, diagonal lines, stars and trees.
Let dry, and wrap your present (If you need ideas, see our gift guide!) Then we start layering. The painted paper adds the pattern in this composition (your present). A sting or bow adds texture and dimension, and the gift tag, washi tape, snowflake, or greenery adds color (and more texture). Play with the positioning, add more to make it fun or whimsical, or pare down to make it simple and elegant.
Fin!
I hope this inspires you to get crafty with your paper bags and provides you with a simple strategy to help with any creative project. Want more environmentally conscious content? Explore how artists are addressing the climate crisis in our exhibition, Beyond the World’s End.
