Nature Inspired Wrapping Paper

The beginning of Autumn also happens to be the start of the “birthday season” for our little family, so we continued with our frugal and FUN Fall wrapping paper tradition!

Emily gathered several leaves from the yard — lots of different sizes and shapes for variety! We used masking tape to secure them to a long sheet of freezer paper.

She could not wait to start painting over them! Use washable paint, and a dry paintbrush (no water, except to switch between colors). Once I showed her how to paint starting on top of the leaf and to work the paint away from the edge of the leaf, she took off on her own!

Clara’s wrapping paper was a teensy bit messier, and featured ALL PURPLE, but was TOTALLY worth it to see her happy smiles!! (I pink-puffy heart washable paint!)

I LOVE all the different colors Emily chose for her wrapping paper! Remember to work the paint starting on top of the leaf and work it outward. Once the leaves are outlined with paint, carefully peel off the leaf for a fun reveal, and move to a different spot to paint over it again (and again)!

This little project kept the girls happily occupied for a looooong time, and I love how pretty it turned out!

Lots of fun with this one, and super-frugal! I just LOVE this time of year, don’t you?? To see last year’s wrapping paper project, click here.

Have fun!!

Comments

  1. Dear Valerie,

    As more and more leaves fall off the trees, can I count on you to crank up the wrapping paper factory? That way we can sell wrapping paper AND take care of the leaves at the same time. win-win!

    Love,
    Mark

    • Wow, we really need to increase production. Have you seen the front yard lately?? Our kids are such slackers.

      πŸ˜‰

  2. This is an awesome idea and the one that we might be using. The result is striking!

  3. Oh I should give that a try for our Christmas paper……

    • Have fun, Ticia! Any sort of wrapping paper project is always a hit here – I’m sure your kiddos will love it! πŸ™‚

  4. Can I just say that I always enjoy your husband’s comments here? I love it! You guys are so blessed!

    • LOL — Thanks, Sofia! His comments always make me smile too — and now that Emily’s a bit older, SHE’S started leaving comments here too!! πŸ˜€

  5. Oh yay yay yay! Let me see – frugal – tick, FUN – tick, tactile – tick, involves leaf hunting – tick, involves paint – tick, creates more home made wrapping paper – tick. School hols start tomorrow for us so this be will added to the FFFB activity list πŸ™‚ PS Love Emily’s colours too πŸ™‚

  6. So pretty! We’ll be doing this!!!!!!!

  7. That is really pretty paper. What a great idea.

  8. Very cute!
    I love it!

  9. Valerie, this is so pretty! Very inspiring =)

  10. I remember doing the same with crayons as a child and have been wanting to do that with my 3 year old. But paints look like they’re so much more fun! Thank you for sharing!