MAKING WRAPPING PAPER

Presented By the Residential Habilitation Program, providing in-home therapeutic services to adults and children.

Although this activity is designed for children, adults can also take some ideas from this project. Children will most likely choose to personalize the wrapping paper by favorite colors, animals, or geometric shapes. Adults can personalize the wrapping paper by including the gift receiver’s preferences, the theme of the gift, or a specific hobby. Or, an adult can assist the child in creating a unique wrapping paper design to match the gift and the recipient.

Before starting this project, read through the entire activity and remember to ask for help when needed. Check the list of supplies, to make sure that you have all of the supplies needed. Have fun creating your own personalized wrapping paper!

Supplies/Materials:

Poster Paints (pick your favorite colors)

Finger Paint Paper or Craft Roll Wrap (either can be purchased at a nearby craft store)

Sponge Shapes

Sponge Painting Tray

Stirring Utensils

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Ask a family member or a friend to drive you to a nearby arts and crafts store to purchase all of the necessary items. (Helpful Hint: Most of the items except the paper can be purchased as a kit.)

Step 2: After you have purchased the necessary items, carefully set up the items on a table where you will work on this project. (Helpful Hint: It is best to work in an area where there is plenty of room to create. Also, it is a good idea to cover the table with old newspapers so that the paints do not spill on the table).

Step 3: Open the paint bottles and pour the different colors into the paint tray. Carefully, spread the paints around in the tray with a stirring utensil. (Helpful Hint: Before opening up the paint, remember to put on a pair of gloves and a smock or old shirt. Also, spreading the paints around in the tray will allow for more paint to stick to the sponge shapes.

Step 4: Place a piece of paper on the table. (Helpful Hint: Tape the paper down very carefully at the edges. This will make it easier for you to work.)

Step 5: Choose a sponge and place the entire sponge in one of the paint trays. (Helpful Hint: Make sure that the sponge is covered with enough paint so the figure comes out clearly on the paper. You can “test” out the imprint on scrap paper).

Step 6: Press the sponge onto the paper. Hold the sponge down on the paper for about 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat this step as many times as desired. (Helpful Hint: Be creative! Use different colors and shapes. Don’t be afraid to try something different.

Step 7: When you are done creating, place the papers on a flat surface. Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for the paint to dry. Once the paint is dry, you can now wrap up that special gift with your personalized wrapping paper! Remember to wash all your painting supplies in warm water with mild soap. Gather all the newspapers covering the table and throw them away.

Additional Suggestions: Any soft, absorbent item can be used to make the paint imprints. A lint free cloth or paper towel “bunched up” into a small size can create a very unusual design. Use stencils to create specific letters or shapes by pressing the sponge (with a little paint at a time) onto the stencil cut-out. Cut out your own shapes out of ordinary kitchen sponges. Hope you had fun!!!