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Our superstar guide to gift wrapping shows you how to make each present elegant, unusual and totally unique…
ESSENTIALS: Brown paper (we got ours from Daintree) – Scalpel (take care!) – Metallic spray paint – White paper – White card – Twine – Ribbon – Scissors
1.NEON NEWSPRINT. This is a great way to recycle old newspapers.
YOU WILL NEED: Washi tape (this pink tape is from Daintree), old newspaper, white paper.
HOW TO: Choose sections covered with mostly black and white text for this look, and finish off with neon washi tape. If you’re feeling ambitious, fold white paper into a star to pop on top (or cheat and buy one from an art supply shop).
2. COOKIE CUTTER CUTIES. Try this simple-to-make clay gift tag that the recipient can keep and use as a cherished Christmas tree decoration.
YOU WILL NEED: Star-shaped cookie cutter (from 95c at Stock), plain twine, air-dry clay (€3.99, Art & Hobby).
HOW TO Roll out the clay, cut out star shapes using the cookie cutter, then allow each one to dry before making a hole and threading the twine through.
3.STAMP OF APPROVAL. Love this! Make a star stamp on your pencil rubber and join the dots to create your very own constellation.
YOU WILL NEED: A rubber-topped pencil, a ruler, black ink.
HOW TO: Carefully cut the eraser on the top of your pencil into a star shape using a scalpel. Then simply dip it in the ink, dot some brown paper with stars and use your ruler to connect them all. Black decorative paper star, €12, April and the Bear.
4.A CUT ABOVE. Simple, but really effective.
YOU WILL NEED: Brown paper, plain white card.
HOW TO: Using a scalpel, carefully cut several half-star shapes into plain paper at regular intervals and fold each one back on itself to create 3D pop-up stars. Slide some card in behind for contrast (we’ve used white, but you can use any colour you like).
5.BERIBBONED BEAUTIES. Go graphic with selective colour pops and reams of ribbon.
YOU WILL NEED Ribbon, gold spray paint (as before), white card
HOW TO: Use a scalpel to carefully cut out star shapes from white card, and then spray-paint one or two of the stars in gold. Use double-sided tape to stick a star on each present, then finish off with brightly coloured ribbon.
Words and styling Sheenagh Green Photography Naomi Gaffey