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Got a gift or box that needs wrapping? Sometimes it's hard to know which paper is right for the job. Papers that can be used to give a natural look to gift wrapping are so called because of their natural color. Common looking and inexpensive papers like newsprint, butcher and craft papers are usually thought of as protective rather than decorative. But these utilitarian papers work very well with certain art techniques and may be the answer for gift as well as bulk wrapping.

There are countless ways to transform this type of utility paper into wrapping paper and can be the answer for large, bulky gifts. Stamping and stenciling are two that will work very well with this type of paper. Mix some colors and go to work, experimenting first on scrap paper until you are satisfied. Earth colors like reds, greens and burnt oranges will do just fine. Pull out some drawers and start looking for things suitable for stamping. Try a piece of corrugated cardboard or other patterns that can be used. Handy potatoes and erasers, of course, can be used to make your own shapes. If you are new to this, try cutting shapes with open areas in your stamped creations that can be later hand tinted or filled in with colored pencil. Making a two-part stamp is another nice technique. Printing say, adjoining flower and leaf in different colors.

Newsprint is rather delicate and you will find that it tears easily- so handle gently when wrapping. It's not good with water either. Chalk will do well but will need a coat of clear fix to prevent smudging. Newspapers, especially foreign language along with sports and comic pages, can give an unusual effect. Add your own word balloons or translations for fun.

Craft paper can be useful for wrapping gifts. Similar in texture to newsprint but a heavier weight, it can create a nice effect. You are probably familiar with this brownish colored paper used to wrap postal packages including bulk mailings. More sturdy than newsprint, it works well for fall and winter wraps. Some embellishments just naturally work with this type of paper. Pine cones, acorns and fall leaves are a natural. Leaves can be traced on colored paper and lightly shaded with spray paint or colored pencil for a nice effect. Orange, green and burgundy make nice accent colors. Look around for other possibilities. Nature offers many opportunities for being creative. Take advantage of these abundant, low-cost offerings.

Or, be your own postal carrier and embellish your gift with exotic handmade stamps and cancellations. Abundant images of imaginary birds, colorful seashells, ocean-bound steamships and planes can be used to suggest the exotic and make your wrap a fun project.

Butcher paper, in tan and white is another fall natural that is sturdy and usually sold in wide rolls for large bulky boxes. Sometimes found in individual sheets or bundles. A favorite of retailers of glass ware and china, it's relative smooth surface takes many techniques like stencil and stamping. Be creative - go natural.