Creative Gift Packaging

Today's segment on Every Day with Marcus & Lisa was on creative gift packaging. Let me just say that our time (12 minutes) evaporated! Before I knew it, it was time to wrap it up (no pun intended!! haha) and we were done. I didn't get to everything, which is fine because it leaves something to show the audience another time. : ) We had a great time and Lisa highlighted some fabulous jewelry too. Make sure to check it out.

Like I told ya'll, the purpose of the whole segment today was to show some creative ways to package gifts. I featured paint cans and some small felt purses that I had designed.

Instructions for Decorated Paint Cans:

Start with an empty paint can. These are new cans which can be purchased at your local hardware stores. (I am into recycling, but there is something about trying to clean out a paint can that isn't very appealing!)

You will also need some double sticky tape. I used Stampin Up! sticky strip tape, but have also used Terrifically Tacky tape too. Both work well.

You will need to measure from right under top rim to right above the bottom rim. The measurement from rim to rim for the cans I bought are as follows: gallon, 7 7/16 inches and quart, 4 5/8 inches.

This is a quart sized can. I put a 2.5 inch wide piece where the seam is. ***tip: I used a paper with a stripe in it so that the piecing wouldn't be as obvious.***

Cut your paper and along all 4 sides, run the sticky tape. Peel off backing and stick to can. Work carefully as it is VERY tacky and sticks easily. Gently place the paper on so in case you have to attempt to take it back off you will have a better chance.

I added the 2nd piece of paper that covered remaining surface of the can, adhering it with sticky tape as you did in the earlier step - this piece will measure 12 inches long, which is the full width of a piece of a 12 x 12 inch scrapbook paper.

Then I embellished it with a chipboard star, the letter "P" and some twine and in went a bundle of hand-stamped onesies for a sweet little friend. I hammered it shut and gave a paint can opener along with it.

Another version of the quart sized can - I used the sewing machine on this one though. I made a "Koozie" of sorts and the covering literally slipped on and then the heart on top was sewn and stuffed so that it is raised.The gallon paint cans are done the same way. Measuring, cutting, taping and placing paper on can. Below are some that were on the show today.

If you have any questions, just send them my way. I hope you'll try to make one of these....it's a great way to package a gift!