Painted Bubble Wrap

I am always looking for new ways to reused what I already have on hand. For some reason, I had the idea of painting bubble wrap to give my gift bags and boxes a nice textured...almost beaded look. I was surprised how nice it came out. At first glance, it doesn't even look like bubble wrap. I created this heart gift box out of a tissue box where I cut out hearts shapes on all sides and decorated with my painted bubble wrap.

Materials

• Tissue Box
• Bubble Wrap
• Foam Brush
• Acrylic Paint
• Gold Cord
• Craft Glue
• Tissue or Decorative Mesh Fabric

1. For box design, cut off the top of a tissue box and cut the top edges into a heart shape on all sides of the box. It is best if you make a heart pattern to fit the box because you will be using it to cut out the bubble wrap as well.
2. Paint the heart box light pink.
3. Paint the bubble wrap with the foam brush. It is nice how the paint only attaches to the bubbles.


I am always looking for new ways to reused what I already have on hand. For some reason, I had the idea of painting bubble wrap to give my gift bags and boxes a nice textured...almost beaded look. I was surprised how nice it came out. At first glance, it doesn't even look like bubble wrap. I created this heart gift box out of a tissue box where I cut out hearts shapes on all sides and decorated with my painted bubble wrap.

Materials


• Tissue Box
• Bubble Wrap
• Foam Brush
• Acrylic Paint
• Gold Cord
• Craft Glue
• Tissue or Decorative Mesh Fabric
   
1. For box design, cut off the top of a tissue box and cut the top edges into a heart shape on all sides of the box. It is best if you make a heart pattern to fit the box because you will be using it to cut out the bubble wrap as well.
2. Paint the heart box light pink.
3. Paint the bubble wrap with the foam brush. It is nice how the paint only attaches to the bubbles.
   
   
4. Cut out four heart shapes to match the ones cut out on the box and attach with craft glue.
5. Glue the gold cord around the heart to outline the heart.
6. Fill the box with tissue or decorative mesh fabric.


I liked the look of the painted bubble wrap so much that I also used it to cover votive candle holders. They have such a pretty glow when the lights are dimmed.



Paint a strip of bubble wrap the size to wrap around the votive candle. Attach it to the votive with double-sided tape. I only use battery tea lights with these because I don't want to risk melting the bubble wrap.



7. Cut out four heart shapes to match the ones cut out on the box and attach with craft glue
8. Glue the gold cord around the heart to outline the heart.
9. Fill the box with tissue or decorative mesh fabric.
   
   

 
I liked the look of the painted bubble wrap so much that I also used it to cover votive candle holders. They have such a pretty glow when the lights are dimmed.
 

 
Paint a strip of bubble wrap the size to wrap around the votive candle. Attach it to the votive with double-sided tape. I only use battery tea lights with these because I don't want to risk melting the bubble wrap.

Tissue Box Stockings

I love the look of Christmas stockings…they add a warm festive touch to holiday decorations. As much as I love them, I have never cared for the way they look when they are full. They get all lumpy and lose their stocking shape. I came up with a solution to the warped stocking look. Anyone who is familiar with my designs knows about my love for reusing household items. I decided to use my empty tissue boxes to make fun stockings that can sit on a shelf or mantel and will still look pristine when filled with candy and gifts. Here I am showing them sitting on some candle sticks.

I cut top of the box in a rectangle shape and left a 1/2 inch border on the sides and 1-1/2 inch border in the front. I punched holes out in the wide part of the border so I can poke some candy canes through. I then painted the boxes with acrylic paint to match the color stocking I am going to attach.

I made a stocking shape that would fit nicely on my tissue boxes. The gold stocking is a brocade fabric that I stiffened with some sturdy iron on interfacing. I glued cord, a sequence strip and fringe to give the stocking fancy embellishments. The red one was very easy because I used glittery gold sparkly stiff felt and outlined the shape with glitter glue. I bought a furry border and bells and attached it the the stocking with glue.

Once the stockings are dry, just glue them to the front of the box on the side with the wider border and holes. Add some candy canes and put them on your mantle. This is a really easy and fun project that kids would love create. The nice thing about this design, is you really don't need much of anyone piece and can decorate however you want to make it special.

If you would like the pattern for stocking shape used here, just email me and I will send it to you. If you make this design, send me a picture, I would love to post it on my blog.