wrapping paper is not just for wrapping gifts!

Wrapping paper is not just for wrapping gifts. And here's 10 DIY project ideas to inspire you.

I created these projects with holiday entertaining and decorating in mind but you can use the same projects with whatever wrapping papers you want for a wedding reception, party or holiday entertaining. 

I used three co-ordinating wrapping papers that are currently in stores and online. One wrapping paper is solid gold, one has a simple gold and white confetti dot graphic and the third one has a fun hand lettering print in gold and white. 

1. Use wrapping paper as a matte for photos. Simple frames work best so your wrapping paper and photo take centre stage.

Tip: If you are using a wrapping paper with a print, your photo should have a white border.

2. I framed this beautiful gold wrapping paper and used a white marker to add a message to the outside of the glass.

Tip: Use a solid paper so your hand lettering stands out. You can trace an image onto the glass if you don't have great handwriting. Use a water based marker that can be removed from the glass.

3. Here's one more framed wrapping paper idea. This time I framed the wrapping paper and glued a mini clothespin to the glass to hold a photo.

I love this concept of adding the clothespin to the glass to hold a photo. It makes changing photos easy and quick. Think of it. You could change the photos that you display every day during the holidays. You could even use this as a holiday countdown and feature cards with numbers.

4. Got lots of books? Use wrapping paper as book jackets.

You can use the books as decorative elements in your decor. You can also use them in food displays to elevate serving dishes. 

5. You can also use bands of left over wrapping paper on boxes. Decorated boxes can be used in displays and like books, in food presentations to elevate cake stands and serving dishes.

6. Wrapping paper bands can also be added to mason jars. I spray painted my mason jars and added satin ribbon to finish.

Jars can be used in so many ways. As a vase for flowers, as a base for signs on a sweet table and as a container for utensils to just name a few.

7. You can create your own cake liners by laminating wrapping paper. I showed you how to do this here. 

8. Flameless candles will match your decor when you add a band of wrapping paper and finish with a simple ribbon.

Tip: Flameless candles work best for this project. There will be a fire issue with real candles.

9. Wrapping paper and tissue paper were used to turn ordinary chocolate bars into pretty favours. I wrapped the chocolate bars in gold tissue paper first and added a band of wrapping paper to finish. Stack these up on a sweet table. Add a ribbon and maybe a name tag to use as escort cards at table settings.

10. Make your own favour packaging like these using wrapping paper. I've shown you how to make the paper tube favours before and I'm going to show you how to make the small flat bag now ... 

Supplies: download template file, wrapping paper, scissors, two-sided tape, pencil, ruler, bone folder.

1. Print and cut out the flat bag template. 

2. Use a pencil to trace out the template and mark the areas that need to be folded.

Note: If your wrapping paper has a pattern like my example, make sure that it will be right side up when you trace the template.

3. Score the fold lines on the wrapping paper bag as indicated on the template. 

4. Cut the wrapping paper bag and fold. 

5. Add two-sided tape to the bag in the two areas as indicated on the template.

6. Peel and stick the two-sided tape on the back side as shown above.

7. Peel and stick the two-side tape on the bottom flap of the bag as shown above.

8. Here's the fun part - you can make these simple bags your own by using decorative scissors to cut the top. I used a hole punch to create two holes so I could add ribbon or twine to close.

We'd love to see if you make any of these wrapping paper ideas. You can share your finished projects with us on Instagram using @creativebagco and #creativebaginspire