If Rodgers and Hammerstein saw fit to include brown paper packages as one of Maria’s favourite things in The Sound of Music, then we believe the humble brown paper roll deserves a shoutout (and an entire blog). We’re also convinced that it’s a favourite stationery staple for most South Africans.
Let’s face it, brown paper rolls are often overlooked as an incredibly versatile and sustainable resource that can be used in so many ways. Whether at home, school or office, this unassuming paper can be transformed into everyday practical tools, creative projects, and eco-friendly solutions.
Here are just a few innovative and practical uses of brown paper rolls in various settings:
#1 At Home | Functional & Creative Uses
For that rainy day, you should always have a roll of brown paper stashed in a bottom drawer or at the back of a closet. It could be a last-minute lifesaver; from gift-wrapping options to homework assignments.
- Gift wrapping: Brown paper rolls make for charming, rustic gift wrap. Personalise with stamps, drawings, ribbon or string for a unique touch.
- Book covers: Protect your favourite books, notebooks or textbooks by wrapping them in brown paper. This also allows you to doodle or write notes directly on the cover.
- Kitchen hacks: Use brown paper to line shelves or drawers. It's a budget-friendly way to keep spaces clean and organised. Did you know? Wrapping fruits like bananas in brown paper will slow down the ripening process. (Or give this grocery list DIY project a go).
- Kids' craft projects: Keep little hands and minds busy with art and craft projects. The possibilities are endless; from drawing and painting to making paper hats and masks.
- Home décor: Framed pieces of brown paper with your children's drawings, or your own, make delightful wall art displays. Need a quick tablescaping idea? Decorate a brown paper roll and use it as a disposable table runner for events or dinners.
- Gardening: Use brown paper to make seed starter pots. It decomposes naturally, making it perfect for planting.
At School | Educational & Fun Applications
Educational institutions would be at a loss if brown paper rolls became extinct. They are an invaluable and affordable eco-friendly solution serving a multitude of purposes from art projects to classroom decorations and beyond.
- Classroom displays: Create bulletin boards and murals using brown paper rolls. It's a cost-effective way to display students' work and educational materials.
- Art projects: Encourage creativity by using brown paper as a canvas for painting, sketching, and crafting. Large sheets can be used for collaborative projects, where students work together to create a big piece of art.
- Storytelling props: Make costumes and props for school plays and storytelling sessions. Brown paper can be easily transformed into hats, masks, and more.
- Protective covers: From the Art Studio to the Science Lab, cover desks and tables during messy projects or experiments to make clean-up easier.
- Educational tools: Create charts, timelines and educational posters. Brown paper rolls are perfect for making large visual aids that can be easily hung up in the classroom.
- Interactive learning: Use brown paper to make flashcards and interactive games. If laminated, it’s durable and can be reused multiple times.
At The Office | Organisational & Eco-Friendly Solutions
A roll of brown paper is a surprisingly grown-up stationery supply for office and executive spaces.
- Bulletin boards: Cover bulletin boards with brown paper for a clean, professional look. This allows you to easily pin and replace notices and memos.
- Packaging material: Use brown paper to wrap and protect items being shipped. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap.
- Note-taking and brainstorming: Roll out a large sheet of brown paper during brainstorming sessions. It provides ample space for jotting down ideas, drawing mind maps and collaborating.
- Office décor: Create simple, stylish and affordable office party decorations. For example, brown paper can be used to make bunting for office parties or seasonal decorations.
- Document protection: Wrap important documents or files to protect them from damage. It adds an extra layer of protection during transit or storage.
- Eco-friendly practices: Use brown paper as a ‘green’ and environmentally friendly alternative for disposable items like paper towels. It can be reused and recycled, reducing overall waste.
Santorini Store | Where Brown Paper Rolls Are One of Our Favourite Things
Brown paper rolls deserve a little glory. They are not just for wrapping packages. Their uses are limited only by your imagination. At Santorini Store, we see them as an invaluable, affordable and eco-friendly material that has the potential to become the catalyst for creativity, organisation and functionality in various settings.