Make Your Own Wrapping Paper

When I wrap a gift I search for paper that matches the card I have made. The other day it occurred to me that I could make my own wrapping paper. Why have I not thought of this before? Just take plain white paper (I used paper from a big flip chart I had left over from AWANA and Sunday School) Or even use newspaper (you'll see that gesso covers it all) Find a flat area--the kitchen table, the floor, the basement. Lay down wax paper to protect the surface. Next lay the paper you want to paint. Apply gesso mixed with a little water with a brush. Cover generously. Let dry overnight or for a few hours. Flip your paper and apply gesso and water to the other side of the paper. Let dry again.
Now comes the fun--Apply two colors of acylic paint one at a time. (I used gloss acrylic paint for a shine) Apply your darker color first. Cover the paper completely. Dry. Then apply your lighter color in streaks.
Before the lighter streaks dry, use the same color of lighter acrylic to stencil a pattern across your paper. The pattern will look as if it comes and goes.
Let your paper dry flat or hang to dry. Use the same paint for your card or cut some of the paper to use as the background for your card.