Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice {via Marcy Tate}

Before you take the garbage to the curb this week, check out these clever ideas from Marcy Tate. Marcy Tate is a blogger at Networx. She also writes for Landscaping Networx. Marcy contacted me over the weekend with these bits of creativity and we had to share them with you ASAP! Think twice before you ask the kids to take the trash out - after seeing these works of art, you're going to wish you hadn't tossed that beautiful wrapping paper.

Ideas for Reusing Wrapping Paper from Marcy Tate

There are some really fun and simple things you can do with all the wrapping paper you just tore off of your Christmas gifts. Some popular ideas for reusing wrapping paper include using the wrapping paper as book covers, as shelf drawer liners, or simply using it to wrap another gift. I have found some really great ideas out in the blogosphere for reusing wrapping paper. Here are some of my favorites:

Thank You Gifts & Wall Art

I found these ideas at Re-nest.com and I think they are both charming and creative. The basic idea is to use the wrapping paper from a gift given to you by friend (or family member) and to create a thank you gift from it. Here are the two ideas:

1. Frame a piece of the wrapping paper. Include a short thank you note and a picture of you and your friend. You can purchase a frame for $1 at any dollar store. This idea is actually cheaper than purchasing a $3.50 thank you greeting card. As a variation, frame some of your favorite leftover wrapping paper and use it as wall art (as pictured above).

2. Wrap a matchbox or matchbook with a small scrap of the wrapping paper. Include a short thank-you note inside the box or book.

New Year’s Coasters and Trays

If you need some extra coasters for your New Years party, consider making them with wrapping paper scraps. This project is super easy and will be a great conversation piece. Use some heavy-duty cardboard to cut square or circle shapes. Glue the wrapping paper over the cardboard. A glue stick will work better than liquid glue. Cover the coaster with a laminate material, such as self-adhesive clear plastic. If you have Christmas themed wrapping paper scraps, then make some Christmas coasters to store away for next year.

A matching tray that coordinates with your coasters can add more flavor to your party. Use any type of tray (a clear tray looks best) and insert a piece of wrapping paper to create an instant DIY cocktail tray.

To find more expert advice from Marcy Tate visit her at Networx and Landscaping Networx.

photos: sustainlane.com, Jcarolinecreative, Flickr.com, The Knot, Totallytablespots.blogspot