Now is the perfect time to start making some Christmas wrapping paper if you haven't bought any or made any already. This is really simple and fun to make. The kids also love getting involved. I find that my kids like anything that involves paint.

For me, this was a really affordable way to make gift wrap as I have a 100m roll of leftover plain brown kraft paper. I just chose to use Christmas coloured paints to create the stripe design on the wrapping paper. You can choose any colour for other occasions though, where you don't need to use festive colours.

First to make Christmas wrapping paper we begin by laying out a sheet of plain brown wrapping paper onto some scrap paper or a sheet to protect the surface. Then use a paint roller to paint a white stripe just in from the edge. Now use another paint roller, width plus 2cm to paint the next white stripe. Repeat as needed and then leave to dry.

Next, use a fresh paint roller for the dark green paint. Roller the green stripes on centrally to the gaps between the white stripes. Make sure it is central to show a little brown paper between each of the stripes. Repeat as many times as needed to create the striped paper, and leave to dry.

Next, using the gift as a measure, trim off any excess paper. Then wrap the gift and secure the edges using the double sided sticky tape. This will make more invisible edges.

Now, cut a long length of the red satin ribbon (gold or silver would also work) and tie it around the gift.

To make the decorative bow for the gift, loop the ribbon over three times on each side, and secure it into a bow using the florists wire.

Finally, attach the lovely bow to the present using an extra piece of ribbon in the centre of the gift. Now your lovely gift is neatly wrapped in the beautiful Christmas paper that you have made.