Non-Recyclable Wrapping Paper? Just Say No!
Eco Friendly Gift Wrapping
You’d be surprised how easy it can be to replace wrapping paper with more eco-friendly options. Giving gifts wrapped with care is a delight. Instead of buying new wrapping paper that will end up in the landfill, use a produce bag, tea towel, bandanna, newspaper, sheet music, map, or scarf… the possibilities for creative wrapping are endless! Plus, your present will look unique and beautiful.
After five minutes of looking around Art From Scrap we had so many ideas!
Maps: The easiest way to start is just grab some old maps and wrap your presents with them. Bonus if you can find maps that have a special meaning for the person receiving the gift. Some bright yarn makes for an easy bow on top. Then add a leather scrap for a cool gift tag that could become a key chain after all the presents are unwrapped.
Fabric: Fabric is a great reuse wrapping material that can be used again and again. The art of Furoshiki, Japanese fabric wrapping, uses folding and knotting the fabric to create beautiful packages. No tape is required for this incredible technique. A google search will show you lots of tutorials and methods, but we like to use this simple technique. First, get a square or rectangular piece of fabric that can cover the thing you want to wrap. Place your gift in the center of the fabric. Next, take one corner and fold it over the gift. Then take the adjacent corner and fold that over toward the first corner you folded. Your gift should now be covered with a corner out on each side. I bring these corners together at the top center of the package and tie them in a knot. You could also twist them to create a handle. Then you have your beautiful reuse wrapping without a piece of tape in sight!
Cork Stamping: If you are wanting to decorate your gift boxes or wrapping paper yourself we suggest cork stamping. Take a cork and draw the shape you want to stamp on the top. Simple geometric shapes seem to work the best. Draw the shapes you want, then use an X-Acto knife to carefully cut around the shape. Dip the cork into any thick paint. Press it firmly, then test it on a scratch paper to make sure you are getting your image. Then stamp away! If you want to keep it low tech and kid friendly. use veggie stamps! The base of a celery bunch makes a gorgeous rosette. Brussels sprouts cut in half look amazing.
Visit the Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store to see what inspires you this holiday season. We are open Wednesdays through Saturdays 11:00 – 4:00. Art From Scrap will be closed from December 19th until January 2nd, reopening on January 5th.
Happy Holidays!
Joey is grateful to have grown up with an abundance of nature around him and is happiest in the water or in the sun. From a young age, Joey felt a responsibility to take care of the Earth in return for all the ways she has taken care of him. This led Joey to pursue a degree in
I love coming to work and getting pets from everyone. In my spare time, I like to sleep, eat, hike, and explore nature. Did I say eat and sleep?
Emma Serr is an artist and a student studying Studio Art at SBCC. Emma has a background in art and customer service, having worked as a camp counselor at sewing camp and assistant for sewing events and classes, and display manager and cashier in previous positions, and was recently a nanny to several young children. Emma first found us as a customer who loved what Art From Scrap represents!
Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent her last four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife. Veronica is very passionate about conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Veronica has spent many summers working in environmental education at various zoos and museums and loves introducing kids to the plants and animals that coexist with us. In her free time, she likes to sit at the beach and read, take dance classes, roller skate, and walk around fancy neighborhoods to look at the houses.
Lu’s love of all things Earth began at James Madison University in Virginia, where they got their Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Lu has a Master’s degree in Spatial Ecology- the study of how creatures interact across landscapes- from East Carolina University, where they studied rock pools along a river and the critters that dwell in them. Lu is thrilled to be teaching budding scientists about the Earth and why it’s important for us to protect and preserve the environment. 
Lydia
Jenny joined Explore Ecology first as an Environmental Educator, then as a Program Coordinator, and most recently moved into the newly created Programs, People & Culture position. Prior to Explore Ecology Jenny worked in science research and consulting, however her passion has always been science education and outreach. Jenny loves all things related to the ocean, especially free diving, and enjoying the beauty and wonder that is the underwater world. Her greatest life passion is traveling, which she hopes to do more of again soon.
Ian Docktor
MELISSA BROOKS
Lindsay Johnson
