Brown Paper Packages

Someone mentions,  “…Brown Paper Packages….” and I immediately start singing Julie Andrews’ famous song, “Brown paper packages tied up with strings….these are a few of my favorite things!”  And it’s true.  For those of us who grew up before the era of Fed Ex and Amazon deliveries the Post Office used to deliver brown paper packages tied up with string.  For Julie and I these packages of our childhood were sent from our grandmother.  They were filled with handmade clothes (twin clothes!) wrapped in tissue paper and made with love!

The classic look of packages wrapped in brown paper may or may not conger up sentimental memories from your childhood.  But they still offer a simple, old-fashioned foundation from which you can springboard in endless creative directions.

Traditional Brown Paper Packages

To begin I wanted to create a traditional look.  Therefore,  I used burlap and red striped ribbon and just a sprig of holly berries.  These elements represent a traditional Christmas and look great with my decor theme I’ve chosen this year.

I added a vintage inspired ornament, a pickup truck filled with Christmas trees, for an extra fun detail.

Romantic Glam Brown Paper Packages

Stamps make it easy to make your own personalized wrapping paper.  With silver ink and a fleur de lis stamp I created a bit of glamour for our not-so-glamorous brown paper.  A white satin ribbon and a metal “Love” tag and all of a sudden basic brown gets a romantic, personalized “updo”.

Polka Dot Fun with Brown Paper Packages

Using some craft paint from my children’s craft supplies I made my own polka dot wrapping paper in about 1 minute.  I want to show you how easy it is to look around the house and use whatever craft supplies or materials you find.  Using your creativity you can easily make over your basic package to fit the gift, occasion, and recipient.  Personalizing your packages is a great way to show you care.

Vintage Inspired Brown Paper Packages

First, paper hearts made from old book pages.  Next tie it up with some red and white string. Finally, add a little bundle of flocked pine cones with evergreens.  The result is a unique, personalized package with rustic, nostalgic charm.

Rustic Nature-Lover’s Brown Paper Package

Raffia tassles and some faux green garland are the perfect accents for this rustic nature-lover’s package.  Adding a Christmas ornament that fits the theme is one of my favorite ways to make any gift a little extra special.

Brown Paper Packages.  No matter your theme or decor style, Brown Paper Packages are the perfect way to start your own holiday traditions!  With a little creativity you can create personalized gifts that still hold a bit of that nostalgic magic of yesteryear. (yesteryear?? Who says “yesteryear?”)  At the risk of dating myself, yet again, I guess I do!

Here are a list of useful materials that I used and you may like to have on hand….

Materials:

Red & Burlap Ribbon

Red & Neutral Stripe Ribbon

Green leaf Ribbon

Brown Wrapping/Craft Paper

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Enjoy! And Happy Holidays from Jodie & Julie