Easy Gift Wrapping

Easy methods for dressing up presents (see photos at bottom).

• Cut a brown grocery bag so that it lays flat. Wrap the present with the paper, then create geometric patterns on the paper with thin masking tape. Tape down a fresh flower instead of a bow.
  
  

• Lay out simple white copy paper in the size you need with edges touching. Arrange natural materials such as leaves or flowers along the seams and tape down with clear packing tape. Wrap present.
  
  

• Use craft paper, available at craft and grocery stores, to wrap presents. Decorate the paper with vegetable stamps. For example, dip a carved potato half in latex paint or cut a raw beet in half. Dot over the paper to create a vivid pattern.
  
  

• Use wax paper to wrap odd-size gifts like a houseplant. Cut a piece of paper long enough to go around the object, plus four or five inches. Fold the two ends over several times. Make two holes in the fold with a hole punch. Thread with ribbon and attach a natural object such as bamboo shoots and leaves.