Extra Buttons and Yarn Gift Wrap

Use those extra buttons you have laying around the house to create a fun, whimsical gift wrap design.  I wrapped the gift in double-layered crinkled tissue, threaded the buttons onto textured yarn and wound the yarn around the box in a random pattern.  I tied the yarn in a double knot on the back of the box to secure. You can also attach the buttons onto the gift with craft glue.

Pillow Boxes

Reused wrapping paper or paper towel tubes are used to make pillow boxes accented with household items. Small items or candy can be placed in these adorable and easy to make treasures. Make sure to tape the ends after they are filled so the goodies don't fall out.

Snowflakes

Snow flakes shapes are cut from a plastic bag to create an icy look. Apply glue only to the center of the flake and attach it to a box wrapped in double layer crinkled tissue paper. Accent the snowflakes with glitter glue to complete the winter theme.

Recycled Envelope Wrap

A colored plastic bag and recycled paper are used to create stylish envelope wraps. Yarn is wrapped around the gift to secure -- extra buttons and small river rocks accent the gift. This eco friendly gift wrap is perfect for small items and gift cards.

Recycled Gift Wrap Using Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are used to create unique gift wrap that is sure to be a conversation piece as well as an economical solution for gift wrapping.

Reused red tissue and a white plastic bag is used to wrap the gift. The gift is accented with twine made from twisted strips a red and white Target bag. Candy is taped around the gift for an extra treat.

Holiday Photo Gifts

A photo gift makes a great alternative to a bow. You can attach a holiday picture to the top of the gift to show the recipient. Not only will it become part of the gift but it will be easy to distinguish who each gift is for. This is especially nice if you have a tree surrounded with lots of presents.

Wrapping Large Items

For large items, don't use an entire roll of paper to wrap the gift. Save your paper -- print out the picture of the gift on nice cardstock along with the gift’s secret location. Place the card in a small box and wrap it as if it is the gift.

Paper Towel Tubes

Reused paper towel tubes are used to make pillow boxes accented with household items. Small items or candy can be placed in these adorable and easy to make treasures.

Cut the size of the tube desired and press in the ends to create a pillow box. Use yarn, buttons, fabric and anything else of interest to wrap around the tube and glue. Insert the gift and use tape to seal each end to secure.

Save Money and Reduce Waste with Recycled Gift Wrap!

You can save money and give back to the environment by using recycled and household items to wrap and accent your gifts. Packages decorating with natural elements and on hand materials will not only create beautiful one-of-a kind gifts but will also save money and reduce waste during the Holidays. Here are some of my designs. I will be updated this section daily so check back often to see my new ideas.

Popping Fire Crackers

These safe firecracker favors are made from paper towel rolls and filled with bubble wrap. They are decorated with red, white and blue scrapbooking paper and ribbon. The fuse is made from a silver pipe cleaner and a red star is glued to the end of the fuse to make it look like it has been lit. The bottom of the tube is left open so you can pop the bubble wrap to make a firecracker sound.

Click here for instruction to make Popping Fire Crackers

American Flag Masks

American flag masks make great favors and are fun to create with your kids. Inexpensive plastic masks can be found at a local craft store. They are painted with acrylic red and blue craft paint. Small stars are cut from scrapbooking cardstock with a star craft punch and glued onto to the blue part of the mask. The blue and red areas are then outlined with glitter glue to add a sparkly look.

Click here for instructions to make the American Flag Masks

Patriotic Napkin Rings

Patriotic napkin rings can be used for a place setting or displayed on the buffet table. They are created from tubes cut from paper towel rolls and covered with ribbon and star buttons. They are accented with red white and blue flowers, made from ribbon loops.

Click here for instructions to create the Patriotic Napkin Rings

Star Dessert Display

A Fourth of July themed dessert or appetizer display is accented with hand-crafted decorative stars. These patriotic stars can be used an accent for cupcakes or appetizers or placed around a table to dress up a plain table cloth. Small American flags placed in the center of the display add to the charm.

Click here for instructions to create the Star Dessert Display

Safe Sparklers

Sparklers are a fun way to celebrate Fourth of July but these are a safe alternative for your kids. They are created from BBQ Skewers, multi-color star garland and silver duct tape. The white stars are painted with glow in the dark paint so they come alive after dark.

Click here for instructions to create Safe Sparklers

Fireworks Centerpiece

A fireworks centerpiece adds a festive touch to the celebration and serves as a great conversation piece. The fireworks are created from BBQ Skewers, star garland, foil tissue and silver duct tape. A flower vase is filled with red, white and blue floral beads to complete the patriot theme.

Click here for instructions on how to make the Fireworks Centerpiece.

Creative Gift Wrap

Tissue Box Wrap

Rather than tossing a tissue box into the recycle bin, cover it with reused wrapping and tissue paper to create a fun, reusable gift box. The top opening is cut larger to accommodate a gift and reused tissue inserted into the opening creates a playful display. Attach small pieces of reused ribbon and accents you have on hand add to add to the box's charm.

Decorative Planter

Pull out a plain terracotta planter from the garage and sponge paint it and decorate with natural elements such as small stones, twine or leftover glass floral beads. Add soil to the pot, plant a pretty flower and you have a perfect Mother's Day gift from the heart.

The same planter can also be used as a decorative gift container. Cut out a flower from recycled gift wrap or a magazine that has been glued to reused cardstock. Insert reused tissue and the flower inside the planter for a creative alternative to a gift bag that is sure to bring a smile.

Hand-Made Cards

Mother's Day is the third biggest card giving holiday of the year, behind only the winter holidays and Valentine's Day. Rather than purchase a card, try creating a hand-made card from recycled materials. Here are a few of my ideas.

Brown Paper Bag Card


A great way to recycle a brown paper bag is to create a beautiful card. The brown paper is sponge painted with metallic bronze and gold tones. Reused tissue is used to create the flowers and accented with beads recycled from an old piece of costume jewelry. Leftover yarn is wrapped around the card for finishing touch. This card was created from 100% reused and recycled materials.

Reycled Gift Wrap Card

A floral card design can be created from reused pieces of wrapping or tissue paper. The card shape is cut from a white shirt box and decorated with shapes cut from decorative tissue paper. The stems are created from leftover embroidery floss and the flowers are accented with extra buttons. This card was created from 100% reused and recycled materials.