Sponge-Stamped Wrapping Paper for Kids

Sponge-stamped wrapping paper is kraft paper or white paper decorated with washable tempera paint pressed on using sponge shapes. Kids dip star, tree, and circle sponges into paint, then stamp repeating patterns down the length of a paper roll. The paint dries in about an hour, and the finished roll becomes gift wrap made by your kids.

What supplies do you need?

• Roll of kraft paper or white paper (large sheets work too)
• Plain kitchen sponges with no scrubbing side
• Marker for drawing shapes on the sponge
• Scissors (an adult cuts shapes for kids under 6)
• Washable tempera paint in red, green, gold, and white
• Paper plates or a tray for the paint
• Newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect the table
• Smock or old shirt for each child
• Tape for holding the paper strip flat
• Paper towels and a damp cloth for wiping hands

How do you cut the sponge shapes?

1. Draw simple star, tree, and circle shapes on a dry sponge with the marker.
2. An adult cuts along the lines with the scissors. Kids 6 and older may cut with adult supervision.
3. Rinse the sponge shapes and squeeze them well so they are damp, not dripping. Paint soaks too deep into a sopping sponge.

How do you stamp the paper?

1. Cover the table with newspaper or the plastic tablecloth.
2. Unroll a long strip of kraft paper across the table and tape the ends down if it curls.
3. Squeeze a quarter-size blob of each paint color onto a paper plate or the tray.
4. Dip a sponge shape lightly into one paint color, then press it onto the paper and lift straight up.
5. Repeat the pattern down the roll, switching colors and shapes as you like.
6. Let the paper dry flat for about an hour before rolling it up.

What goes wrong, and how do you fix it?

• If the paint bleeds at the edges of a shape, there is too much paint on the sponge. Dab the sponge on the paper plate first to offload the extra paint.
• If the shapes look blotchy, the sponge is too wet. Rinse it, squeeze it dry, and stamp again.
• If the paper curls while drying, tape the corners flat to the table until the paint sets.
• If the colors turn muddy, use one sponge per color or rinse and squeeze the sponge between colors.

What else can you stamp?

• Stamp cards to go with the wrap using potato print Christmas cards.
• Practice the stamping motion first with apple stamping art.
• Match the wrap to handprint Christmas tree art for a full handmade gift look.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is this craft good for?

Ages 3 and up do well with sponge stamping. Kids under 6 should have an adult cut the sponge shapes, since scissors and dense sponge can slip. Older kids can draw and cut their own shapes with an adult nearby. Toddlers can stamp with close supervision but will need help with the paint.

How messy is sponge stamping?

Washable tempera paint washes off hands, smocks, and most washable clothing with soap and water. Keep the paint on the paper plates and away from eyes and mouths. The newspaper or tablecloth catches drips, and the damp cloth handles sticky fingers between colors.

How long does the project take?

About 30 to 45 minutes of active stamping, plus about an hour of drying time. Cutting the sponge shapes takes an adult about 10 minutes beforehand. Plan the craft early in the day so the paper is dry and ready to roll by gift-wrapping time.

Is the paint safe for kids?

Use washable tempera paint only, and check that the bottle is labeled non-toxic. Even so, keep paint away from eyes and mouths, and have kids wash their hands when they finish. Smocks or old shirts protect clothing from stains that set if left to dry.

Be safe and have fun!