How To Make Easy Block Print Style Gift Wrapping Paper
Are you loving the block print fabric trend?? I am smitten with it and decided to try the technique for some holiday gift wrap. Follow along and let me show you how to make easy block print style gift wrapping paper.
This block-printed wrapping paper only requires a few supplies and is such a unique idea for beautiful packages.
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what is block printing?
Block printing is one of the oldest printing methods, dating back thousands of years.
It is a technique that involves carving patterns into wooden blocks then using the block to stamp designs onto fabric or paper.
The block is dipped into dye or paint and then pressed onto the surface, creating a mirror image of the carving.
More current day block printing is sometimes done using a linoleum block and carving tools to create a design instead of a wooden block.
other ways of creating block print patterns
Although I have some of the traditional hand carved wood blocks, I have found that it is faster and less complicated to use a rubber stamp and an ink stamp pad to create wrapping paper.
You can also dip the rubber stamps in fabric paint or acrylic paint if you want a more permanent print on a fabric.
However, I made some block print look throw pillows and some flour sack dish towels and used the ink stamp pad and it worked great.
I iron the back of the design to set the ink so it will last longer and withstand the washing machine.
block printing supplies for gift wrap
rubber stamps (available at craft shops and on-line sources)
stamping ink pad
matte white or brown kraft wrapping paper (you need a matte or flat finish paper instead of glossy, or the design will smear)
how to create unique block printed gift wrap
First thing, you will want to roll your wrapping paper out on a very flat surface.
A flat and smooth surface will ensure a good clean print from the rubber stamp.
Roll out the amount of wrapping paper you will want to stamp at one time.
Press your rubber stamp into the ink pad and make sure it is completely covered in ink. You need enough ink on the stamp to make a clean image.
I just “eyeball” where I am going to stamp the image, but you can certainly measure out placement of your design, if you prefer.
Starting at the top of your paper, begin pressing the rubber stamp firmly onto the paper.
Press firmly and keep the stamp still so it doesn’t smudge the image.
Then, move to the next place you want the design stamped.
I typically go all the way across a row, then start the next row.
I alternate the image placement on each row.
Obviously, you can make the repeating pattern as close together as you like, just try to keep it fairly uniform so it resembles a true block print pattern.
more ideas for block print creations
Another idea for block print gift wrapping is to use plain white or brown kraft gift boxes.
You can use your block print stamps and the same method as the wrapping paper to create unique gift boxes.
Using solid color gift bags is another fun idea.
There are so many rubber stamp designs available and lots of different colors of ink pads, so the sky is the limit with making these block print creations.
Rubber stamps and stamping ink pads are available at most craft stores or on-line.
You can create seasonal gift wrap, pillows, dish towels, etc., by using rubber stamps that go with each season.
Also, creating gift wrap for a certain theme is fun.
For example, if you are hosting a themed party and want to create custom gift wrap you can purchase rubber stamps that work with your theme.
Another fun and creative idea is to stamp on a fabric tablecloth, table runner or fabric napkins for a unique tablescape.
You can also use a roll of the white or brown paper to create a table runner. Cut the paper to your desired width, then stamp your design.
Brown kraft paper is usually available at craft stores, and dollar stores. I like to use the
lightweight kind found at the dollar store for gift wrap, but I use a heavy weight found in the paint department of the hardware store for a table runner.
If you are using a white paper, make sure to purchase a wrapping paper with no sheen or the design will smear. You can also use a large roll of freezer paper to stamp on. One side of freezer paper is matte.
I have made block print style pillow covers and they turned out so cute.
I have also made aprons and tote bags using the rubber stamp method.
All of these ideas are a great way to create unique and custom gifts.
helpful hints for block printing
Make sure to use a matte or flat paper or bags for stamping. The ink will not adhere well to a glossy surface and will result in a smeared design.
If you are creating something on fabric, like a pillow cover or tablecloth, it is a good idea to practice your design on a piece of paper or piece of cardboard before you begin stamping your design.
A smaller shape or stamp pattern works well on a smaller project, but you can also find larger stamps for large surface projects.
Make certain your stamp is fully loaded with ink before you stamp to ensure a clean image on your project.
Be sure and iron the back of your image if you are stamping on fabric. This will help set the ink so it will last longer.
seasonal stamp ideas
FALL
leaves, acorns, pumpkins, pinecones, turkey, sunflower
CHRISTMAS
tree shape, holly, pinecone, jingle bell, wreath, nutcracker, santa, Christmas ball/ornament
SPRING
flower shapes, greenery shapes (leaf, herb, etc.), garden tools, cross, Easter egg, bird, butterfly, bees, bunny, garden veggies
SUMMER
flag, sun, sunglasses, flip flops, straw hat, palm tree
WINTER
snowman, snowflake
These are just a few seasonal shape ideas for each season, but use your imagination and get busy stamping!
I tied pretty ribbons on my block print gifts and made cute name tags using shipping tags with my rubber stamp.
I hope you enjoyed seeing how to make easy block print style gift wrapping paper plus other ideas for creating block print creations.
If you try making your own wrapping paper, I would love to hear!
blessings and happy holiday season,
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