Stamped Wrapping Paper
Make the paper part of the present!
The Set Up
This is printmaking with a very real purpose. You’ll need long rolls of paper and space to spread out. Kraft paper is our favourite because it makes colours pop and instantly feels special, but white paper absolutely works too.
For stamps, create your own using cardboard or wooden blocks as a base. Draw a bold shape and build it up with foam stickers, keeping everything roughly the same thickness so the stamp prints evenly. Stars, trees, circles, stripes and simple festive shapes work so well here. But really, the sky's the limit!
Set out paint in trays. Poster paint is perfect, especially if you mix in a little white to boost opacity. If you want a more refined print, block printing ink is beautiful and only needs the tiniest amount.
Roll out at least one to one and a half metres of paper per child.
The Making
Ink up the stamp using a roller or sponge brush, then press it down firmly onto the paper. Lifting straight up gives the cleanest print, but a bit of wobble or overlap only adds character.
Encourage the artists to think about rhythm rather than perfection. Repeating a shape. Leaving gaps. Turning the stamp as they go. Swapping stamps with a friend to see what happens. This is pattern-making in the most playful way.
Some kids love creating a steady repeat, others prefer scattered prints or layered colour. Both are fabulous once the whole length is filled, and I just adore how individual they all are when finished!
Why we love this one
It connects process art to everyday life. Kids see their work used, folded, tied and given. There’s pride in that, and a quiet understanding that art doesn’t have to live on a wall to matter!
Variations
Limit the colour palette for a more graphic look.
Try printing vertically by taping paper to the wall if floor space is tight.
Use the stamps to create Christmas cards and present tags to match.
Materials
Kraft or white wrapping paper
Cardboard or wooden blocks for stamp bases
Foam stickers
Poster paint or block printing ink
Rollers or sponge brushes
Paint trays
Drop sheets
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Stamped Wrapping Paper
Make the paper part of the present!
Bookmark
Print Making
The Set Up
This is printmaking with a very real purpose. You’ll need long rolls of paper and space to spread out. Kraft paper is our favourite because it makes colours pop and instantly feels special, but white paper absolutely works too.
For stamps, create your own using cardboard or wooden blocks as a base. Draw a bold shape and build it up with foam stickers, keeping everything roughly the same thickness so the stamp prints evenly. Stars, trees, circles, stripes and simple festive shapes work so well here. But really, the sky's the limit!
Set out paint in trays. Poster paint is perfect, especially if you mix in a little white to boost opacity. If you want a more refined print, block printing ink is beautiful and only needs the tiniest amount.
Roll out at least one to one and a half metres of paper per child.
The Making
Ink up the stamp using a roller or sponge brush, then press it down firmly onto the paper. Lifting straight up gives the cleanest print, but a bit of wobble or overlap only adds character.
Encourage the artists to think about rhythm rather than perfection. Repeating a shape. Leaving gaps. Turning the stamp as they go. Swapping stamps with a friend to see what happens. This is pattern-making in the most playful way.
Some kids love creating a steady repeat, others prefer scattered prints or layered colour. Both are fabulous once the whole length is filled, and I just adore how individual they all are when finished!
Why we love this one
It connects process art to everyday life. Kids see their work used, folded, tied and given. There’s pride in that, and a quiet understanding that art doesn’t have to live on a wall to matter!
Variations
Limit the colour palette for a more graphic look.
Try printing vertically by taping paper to the wall if floor space is tight.
Use the stamps to create Christmas cards and present tags to match.
Materials
Kraft or white wrapping paper
Cardboard or wooden blocks for stamp bases
Foam stickers
Poster paint or block printing ink
Rollers or sponge brushes
Paint trays
Drop sheets
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
