Illustrated Wrapping Paper and Where to Find It From Independent Artists
Share
Illustrated wrapping paper is having a moment, and honestly, it is about time. For years the gift wrap aisle was a wall of glittery snowmen and the occasional polka dot. If you have been searching for illustrated wrapping paper from independent artists instead of the mass-produced stuff, pull up a chair.
I design all of my gift wrap myself, drawing every flower, bug, and swirl by hand before it ever becomes a pattern. So here is a little guide to what illustrated wrapping paper is, why it is worth seeking out, and where to find it (spoiler: I have some).
What counts as illustrated wrapping paper
Illustrated wrapping paper means the design started as actual artwork, not a generic template or a photo of some ribbon. An artist drew it. That is the whole difference, and it is a big one. You get patterns with personality, color combinations a committee would never approve, and the quiet good feeling of using something a real person made.
Why buy from an independent artist instead of the big stores
A few reasons I will happily stand behind:
The art is one of a kind
When you buy from an indie designer, you are getting a pattern you will not see wrapped around every other gift at the party. My prints come from original paintings and drawings, so they look like art because they are.
You are supporting a person, not a warehouse
Every order helps a small studio keep the lights on and keep drawing. It is a wee bit cornball to say, but it matters, and you can feel the care in the final product.
It is sheets, not the cardboard-tube kind
My wrapping paper ships as flat sheets rather than the usual cardboard-tube format, which means no fighting a curl that wants to spring back the second you set down the tape. Flat sheets lie nicely, fold crisply, and store easily.
How to choose illustrated wrapping paper you will love
Go for a print you would be a little sad to throw away, because that is the sign of a good one. Think about who you wrap for most and pick patterns that suit them. And lean toward seasonless designs, florals and botanicals and graphic shapes, so a single sheet works for a summer birthday and a winter holiday alike.
A few of my favorite illustrated wrapping papers right now
The collection grows as I add new art, but right now the lineup includes some I reach for again and again:
- Summer Bounty Wrapping Paper for big, joyful florals
- Pirouette Wrapping Paper for deep, layered florals
- Garden Bed Wrapping Paper for layered botanical color
- Overflow Garden Wrapping Paper for full maximalist bloom
- Adeline Wrapping Paper for a softer, sweeter floral
You can browse the whole illustrated wrapping paper collection in one spot, and yes, I am always adding new prints.
Make the wrapping the gift
Beautiful paper deserves a beautiful finish. I pair my sheets with washi tape and a matching tag, and suddenly the wrapping is half the present. If you want it to last beyond gift day, here is why my wrapping paper is honestly too good to throw away, plus a few creative gift bag ideas for the gifts that refuse to lie flat. And if you are building a gift around it, a patterned tea towel tucked inside is never a bad idea.
Frequently asked questions
What is illustrated wrapping paper?
It is gift wrap whose design began as original artwork drawn or painted by an artist, rather than a generic template or stock photo. The result is a print with real personality.
Where can I buy illustrated wrapping paper from independent artists?
Independent artist shops and small design studios are your best bet. My own collection is all original artwork, sold directly on my site as flat sheets.
Is illustrated wrapping paper sold in rolls or sheets?
It varies by maker. Mine ships as flat sheets rather than the cardboard-tube format, which makes it easier to fold crisply and store without fighting a curl.
Can I use illustrated wrapping paper for any occasion?
Absolutely. Choosing seasonless prints like florals, botanicals, and graphic shapes means one sheet works for birthdays, housewarmings, and holidays alike.
What can I do with leftover wrapping paper?
Plenty. Frame a favorite sheet as art, line a drawer or shelf, make envelopes and bookmarks, or save scraps for collage and journaling. Good paper is too pretty to toss.