Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Last summer, I wasn’t the only one who was worried sick over the news that Bubble Wrap® would no longer be making the product we know and love– meaning it wouldn’t “pop” anymore. The good news is it was all just a misunderstanding, and Bubble Wrap® continues to produce the poppable product we grew up playing, packing, and laughing with.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® is kind of the best product, because it’s something that immediately creates a sense of childlike wonder in people of all ages. Try to hold a sheet of Bubble Wrap® without popping one. Go ahead, I dare you! It’s almost impossible.

Bubble Wrap® reminds us of the importance of play. It’s a known fact I adore it, and when the misunderstanding starting circulating last year multiple people posted the article to my wall with comments like, “Are you okay?” Hah!

I’ve been celebrating Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day for a few years now with relaxation station installations in Baltimore. I was super excited when the Bubble Wrap® company contacted me to see if I would do an official thing this year, and of course I said yes! (See 2013’s relaxation station and 2015’s bus stop shelter.)

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

I decided to throw a Bubble Wrap® party instead of doing another guerrilla art installation. What I didn’t plan for was Snowzilla, the giant snowstorm which officially broke Baltimore’s record coming in just under thirty inches. I knew it was coming, so I brought all the supplies with me and about seven of us got snowed in at the party location. We only had two additional people walk to the party (Baltimore was officially under “Phase II” which means only regulated vehicles were allowed to drive on the road), but we certainly had fun despite not having all our friends here.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Anyway, we got super busy with Bubble Wrap® in a bunch of different ways. First, we used it as a stamp to dip into paint that we pressed onto paper and plain white socks which were donated to our party from the ever-so-awesome We Love Colors. We mixed and matched paint onto the blank canvases and were really happy with the results. I can’t wait to wear my new one-of-a-kind socks!

Tips: Spray paint works really well when crafting with Bubble Wrap® and you can wrap old paper towel rolls in it to use as a rolling pin stamp.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

After that, we spread white paper and poster boards all over the floor and covered our feet with Bubble Wrap®. Then we dipped our insulated feet into paint and stomped them everywhere, creating amazing haphazard designs. We rolled Judy up in a makeshift Bubble Wrap® dress and sprayed her with paint before she flopped down onto the poster boards, doing her version of “The Worm”.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Once the boards dried, I cut them into postcards. If you’re interested in getting one of those postcards, see the bottom for more information.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

I even found these really ridiculous Juggle Bubbles, where you can blow a bubble that you hold! Bubble bubble bubbles everywhere! (I love my face of super concentration.)

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

And of course, Charles fashioned himself an outfit, dubbing himself Sir Bubble Of Wrap.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

Lastly, we trudged outside in the snow to pose with the adorable Bubble Wrap® photobooth props.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

We all had a great time, and everyone was sent home (or to their bedroom since we’re snowed in) with a goody bag– and by goody bag, I mean a clear plastic ball filled with bubble gum, gum drops, bouncy balls, strips of Bubble Wrap®, a mini bottle of bubbles, and more.

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

I’d love it if you participated in celebrating Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day! If you do, please take a photo and post it to social media with the hashtag #BubbleWrapDay. The official Bubble Wrap® accounts (and me!) might even repost your photos! You can follow Bubble Wrap® on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ideas for how to celebrate:

Pop Bubble Wrap® to relieve stress, create a calendar covered in Bubble Wrap® and pop a bubble as you complete your to do list, create a fashion accessory, create some crafts or art, or write a song or rap. It’s always super fun!

Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day | Uncustomary

I caught a little video footage and put it to the music of a super ridiculous 90’s boy band song that’s equally apprioriate and inappropriate for the video, so enjoy that. And you can check out all the photos Maura took in my Facebook album.

Thanks to the Bubble Wrap® company for providing the props, stress relief box, and enormous amount of Sealed Air Bubble Wrap®. Thanks to We Love Colors for providing the white socks we decorated. Thanks to Leigh for baking adorable and delicious cupcakes. And thanks to Maura for documenting the entire party, sacrificing her ability to participate in the amazing fun for absolutely stunning images.

Photo Credit: Maura Housley