Gift Wrapping with Vintage Patterns by The Polka-Dot Umbrella

Hello there Ucreate readers!  I am Erica and I am one of the four ladies who blog over at The Polka-Dot Umbrella.  I am so excited to have this opportunity to share some of my ideas with you! 

Over at The Polka-Dot Umbrella we blog about pretty much everything; sewing, quilting, furniture refinishing, cooking, kid crafts, and whatever else is happening in our lives.  A few of our projects include, turning a gun case into a book nook, a dresser refinish, adorable tulle hair bows, as well as a block of the month quilt.  As you can see we have quite a variety of projects. Let's get started with the gift wrapping! 

One of my all time favorite things to do is wrap presents.  When I was younger my mom would give me all of the presents to wrap for Christmas, even my own!  I love to create new ways of wrapping, so when one of my good friends told me about using thrifted patterns for decorating, wrapping, etc., I kind of got carried away!

I usually go to the DI or local thrift store and pick up old patterns for $.50 each.  I always look for the really fat ones so then I get more paper.  I like to use it instead of tissue paper, it matches with pretty much any bag, plus it is less expensive.  I can't believe how expensive tissue paper can get!

I also use it as regular wrapping paper.  I love the vintage feel it gives to any gift.  I have a ton of white, brown, and red boxes that are perfect for wrapping this way, since they don't have any writing on them to show through the pattern paper.  I think it is all in the bows and extras that make the present.  Oh, man I love ribbon!

Speaking of 'extras', with the left over scraps after wrapping all of my presents I cut out a bunch of flower shapes and circles and secure them with a brad to make a 'bow'.  I think these look adorable on presents that are wrapped in 'normal' wrapping paper.

Finally I used the awesome ladies on the cover of the pattern to make cards.  I love the lacy dresses, they are so vintage and cute.  Now that you have seen some of my ideas for gift wrapping using patterns, create away! Thanks Ucreate for the opportunity to share with everyone!!  We hope you have learned a little something new and don't forget to stop by The Polka-Dot Umbrella for some more ideas.