Bubble Wrap Art: DIY Wrapping Papers Made By Kids

What to do when you realise you’re out of wrapping paper? Have your kids create one!

This absent-minded mom got the presents ready but forgotten to buy wrapping papers. I always assumed we had some leftover. Well, this gave us an opportunity to DIY, plus, it’s a great wet-weather activity too!

We turned an everyday packing material – the bubble wrap as our design tool.

Materials:
Bubble wrap
Paper towel roll, cling-wrap roll or aluminium foil roll
Double-sided tape
Paint
Paintbrush
Mala drawing paper or mahjong paper

Instructions:
1. Using a double-sided tape, wrap the bubble wrap (with bubbles facing upwards) over the paper towel roll, cling-wrap roll or aluminium foil roll.
2. Paint the bubble wrap with a paintbrush.
3. Roll the painted bubble wrap across the drawing paper or mahjong paper, like you would with a rolling pin.
4. To change colours, use a wet rag to wipe the paint off the bubble wrap. Alternatively, make several bubble wrap rollers for each colour.

Here’s a snapshot of the little princess in action. She’s into pirates and princesses these days.

Lessons on Giving and Contentment

Other than engaging Hannah in the gift-wrapping process, this was a chance to emphasise the joy of giving. As a first-born and the first grandchild in my family, Hannah gets showered with lots of presents all the time. And it doesn’t help that we are surrounded with ads that tell us to buy, buy, buy!

I wanted to focus on the good feelings generated from giving. The heartfelt thought and time taken to choose and wrap the presents.

When Hannah saw the presents for her friends, she naturally asked if she could have one too. We discussed the differences between needs and wants, if it was important to have everything she set her eyes on, and what the Bible talks about contentment.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:5

I know Hannah doesn’t quite get it yet but at least, it was a start.