DIY Wrapping Paper

The holidays usually come swathed in layers of wrapping paper, which can be a big waste, though there are some lovely recycled options out there. But if you're feeling creative (or if your kids need something to do), you can make your own wrapping paper. The video above explains how; basically you cut out pictures from old magazines or catalogs and glue them to a sheet of newspaper, making an attractive collage. Old Sierra Club calendars would also work beautifully, we must say.

One tip: The video above advises to make the wrapping paper, then wrap your gift. However, if the pictures you're cutting out are on stiff paper that doesn't bend easily, wrap your gift in newspaper and then do the collage.

-- Année Tousseau